Volcano Hike
Andean Landscapes
Iconic Destination
An Ecuadorian Landmark and Must-See Destination
Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Cotopaxi National Park awaits you! This breathtakingly beautiful park is home to the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding Andean mountains and landscapes. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, this day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park is an experience you won’t forget.
On a scenic drive south on the Panamerican highway towards the national park you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Avenue of Volcanoes, a stretch of road flanked by towering peaks that are part of the majestic Andean mountain range. Once you arrive at the parking lot within the national park, our bilingual tour guide will lead you on a challenging yet rewarding hike up to the refuge of Cotopaxi Volcano via the northern slope. The “José Rivas” refuge is located at an altitude of 4864 meters. Enjoy some well-deserved tea or coffee while admiring the awe-inspiring views.
This scenic adventure promises an unforgettable experience, and you can make it more exciting with a mountain bike ride from the parking lot down to Limpiopungo Lake at the foot of the volcano, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the national park’s flora and fauna.
Enjoy some well-deserved tea or coffee while admiring the awe-inspiring views. This scenic adventure promises an unforgettable experience, and you can make it more exciting with a mountain bike ride as you descend to Limpiopungo Lake.
Why Choose This Ecuador Tour?
Observe picturesque Andean landscapes of the Avenue of Volcanoes while traveling south on the Panamerican highway to Cotopaxi National Park on this Cotopaxi tour from Quito
Hike up to the refuge of Cotopaxi Volcano “José Rivas”, at 4864 m (15,953 ft), and take in nature’s stunning views while enjoying hot tea or coffee
Learn about Cotopaxi volcano and the national park’s native flora and fauna from our bilingual tour guide at Limpiopungo lake, located at the foot of the volcano
For the adventurous, ride mountain bikes downhill back to Limpiopungo Lake from the parking lot
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with your tour group and share in the day’s highlights
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Tour Details
Tour Details
Prices
2025 Rates per Person
Shared group tours (maximum of 20 travelers): Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – USD 60 per person including biking activity
| No. of people | Private Tour* |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 230 |
| 2 people | USD 140 per person |
| 3 people | USD 110 per person |
| 4 or more people | USD 95 per person |
The biking activity can be included for an extra charge of $15 per person in private tours.
- Transportation Quito (meeting points) – Cotopaxi – Quito (meeting points)
- Visits and activities according to the itinerary
- Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Lunch
- Use of mountain bike and helmet (only on shared tours)
- Snacks, drinks
- Tips
- Mountain bike and helmet rental on private tours
- Any services and activities not previously specified as included
- VAT for Ecuadorian travelers
Tour location
Cotopaxi National Park, Andean highlands
Duration
Approx. 9 hours 30 minutes
Availability
Year-round. Shared tours available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Meeting point & departure time
- Plaza Foch (La Mariscal) at 7:15 am
- Plaza San Blas (Old Town) at 7:30 am
Number of guests
2 – 20 travelers
Tour staff
Bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide
- Warm clothing
- Hiking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- Rain jacket/windbreaker
- Gloves, scarf
- Face mask
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Identification (passport or ID card)
What You Will See & Do
We depart from a meeting point in the La Mariscal neighborhood in Quito at 7:15 AM and from a meeting point in the old town (Plaza San Blas) at 7:30 AM. While traveling south on the Panamerican highway to Cotopaxi National Park, you will be able to appreciate the beautiful Andean landscapes of the Avenue of Volcanoes.
Upon arrival in the Cotopaxi National Park, our bilingual tour guide will begin telling us about the Cotopaxi Volcano and the national park’s stunning flora and fauna.
We’ll continue to the parking lot at 4500 m (14,760 ft) by car. From there, we hike up to the refuge of Cotopaxi Volcano “José Rivas”, which lies at 4864 m (15,953 ft). Here we will take some time to rest and enjoy some hot tea or coffee while taking in nature’s stunning views, before we head back to the parking lot.
For the adventurous tour group members, you’ll have the option of riding mountain bikes downhill to Limpiopungo Lake from the parking lot. For others, the car will be available for transfer down to the lake. Before returning to Quito, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We will be back in Quito at around 5:30 PM. Arrival time in Quito can vary depending on traffic.
Additional Information
The weather in the Cotopaxi National Park is unpredictable; we recommend you bring warm clothing.
For you to fully enjoy this tour, we recommend you stay at least two days in Quito or at a similar altitude for proper acclimatization.
The use of sunglasses and face masks is required when ash is falling.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Being in good physical condition is required for some activities, like the hike to Cotopaxi mountain refuge. You can always stay behind in the car, if you do not feel up to any of the activities. There are no refunds for activities, tours, or other services that you do not take.
Itinerary is subject to change for operational reasons beyond our control (e.g. bad weather).
Midland Travel recommends all passengers to have travel insurance that includes personal medical insurance and trip cancellation.
If you have any food restrictions, special health requirements, or needs, please let us know in advance.
