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Cotopaxi Full Day Tour: Explore Snow-Capped Volcano and National Park from Quito
4.4
35 Ratings
Quito
Prepare for an extraordinary day in the Andes! Explore the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park, capture amazing photos at the Limpiopungo Lagoon, and trek to the José Rivas Refuge for spectacular views of the Cotopaxi Volcano. This adventure offers the ideal combination of fresh air, excitement, and natural splendor — all in a single day.
Prepare for an extraordinary day in the Andes! Explore the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park, capture amazing photos at the Limpiopungo Lagoon, and trek to the José Rivas Refuge for spectacular views of the Cotopaxi Volcano. This adventure offers the ideal combination of fresh air, excitement, and natural splendor — all in a single day.
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Quito - Begin your journey to Cotopaxi with a convenient pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Quito. The pick-up time will be confirmed through chat.
- Machachi - Make a brief stop in Machachi to grab some snacks or use the restroom before heading directly to Cotopaxi National Park.
- Laguna de Limpiopungo - The first stop is the stunning…
- Quito - Begin your journey to Cotopaxi with a convenient pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Quito. The pick-up time will be confirmed through chat.
- Machachi - Make a brief stop in Machachi to grab some snacks or use the restroom before heading directly to Cotopaxi National Park.
- Laguna de Limpiopungo - The first stop is the stunning Limpiopungo Lagoon, a glacial lake at the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, ideal for capturing beautiful photos! Visit the Interpretation Center, a small yet informative museum where you can learn about the park’s unique wildlife, geology, and history.
- Refugio Cotopaxi (Jose Ribas) - Prepare for an exhilarating hike to the José Rivas Refuge, situated at 4,864 meters above sea level. The hike takes about an hour, so dress warmly and be ready for the altitude. Don’t forget to take a picture!
- Cotopaxi Province - After the hike, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Your guide will provide excellent recommendations, and vegetarian options are available. (Please note: lunch is not included in the tour price.)
Continue your journey back to Quito.
- Quito - Arrive back in Quito around 8:00 pm. You will be dropped off at your hotel/hostel in Quito, provided it is within our pick-up/drop-off areas.
What's Included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Visit to the Interpretation Center Mariscal Sucre
- Guided hike of the Cotopaxi National Park
- Hike up to the José Rivas Refuge
- Guided Limpiopungo Lake trek
- Onboard bilingual Hop guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Visit to the Interpretation Center Mariscal Sucre
- Guided hike of the Cotopaxi National Park
- Hike up to the José Rivas Refuge
- Guided Limpiopungo Lake trek
- Onboard bilingual Hop guide
What's Not Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Location
Quito
Direct pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Cotopaxi (exact time will depend on which neighborhood you are located in).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(35 Ratings)
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1 star
Carl
Jan 9, 2026
Cotopaxi 5 star tour - Irene was friendly and informative. She let us know up front how the trip was going to proceed, let us know where we would be stopping and why.
Irene is fluent in English and Spanish and made sure that all participants understood what she said.
The hike up to the staging area is very challenging. There are 2 paths you can take and she explained the differences. She made sure that all who participated in the hike were safe and able to complete the hike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
513joellel
Dec 29, 2025
Above expectations - It was such a good experience! Our guide was super interactive, friendly, and always telling jokes. We did everything on the itinerary, and the experience also included learning about some local plants and lots about the local geography/mountains/volcanoes. Definitely recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victor_p
Dec 26, 2025
It was an amazing... - It was an amazing experience. The scenery had me speechless. The climb was a little hard, but worth the views.
Review provided by Viator
Z9695xwricharda
Oct 22, 2025
Great trip, be careful of the altitude - Great trip, challenging hike up to the Cotopaxi base camp at altitude. Two meals both at good value before and after. I recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jason_b
Jun 10, 2025
My parents and sister... - My parents and sister went on this hike and reported that they had a great time and met some interesting people. They were not able to make the hike to the base camp due to challenges with the altitude (it is no joke!); but, found Cotopaxi and the surrounding highlands beautiful and enjoyed the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Hdjjdj
May 3, 2025
Amazing! - Irene the guide and Carlos the bus driver were great! Very professional and fun! They gave great explanation and advices. They made this trip even more pleasant. Great landscape! An excursion not to miss!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
40familyof4
Apr 19, 2025
Highly recommend - Excellent service. Very informative guide - Joshua who has an infectious enthusiasm and always helpful , and makes everyone happy,
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Olivia_t
Apr 1, 2025
Amazing tour! We got... - Amazing tour! We got lucky and had a window where the clouds parted and we were able to see the volcano which made the entire trip worth it. The hike was tough with the elevation but was so worth it. Our guide Irene was absolutely incredible. 10/10
Review provided by Viator
Gordon_t
Dec 15, 2025
Difficult hike - Very high altitude, over 15,000 ft. Hard to breathe for seniors. Air is very thin in this region. Good pictures.
Review provided by Viator
Sophie_t
Jun 14, 2025
This was a great day with... - This was a great day with Adrian and Ivan. Everything was well organised and Adrian was really supportive on the hike, making sure everyone made it at their own pace.
Review provided by Viator
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