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ECUADOR

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Important Information

Duration: Full Day
Online Payment
Direct Booking
Guides: English - Spanish

Tour Description

Start your day with an exciting day trip to one of Ecuador's most iconic destinations: Cotopaxi National Park. Departing Quito early in the morning, you'll leave the stress of the city behind and head to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. At 5,897 meters high, Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and offers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

What is included?

Transport
Guide
tickets
Lunch

What is not included?

Accommodation
Food and Drinks
Tips

Tour Itinerary

PRIVATE COTOPAXI FULL DAY TOUR

José Rivas Refuge – Limpiopungo Lagoon – Avenue of the Volcanoes

Duration: Approximately 8 to 10 hours
Departure: From Baños de Agua Santa or Quito
Tour Type: Private Tour
Maximum Altitude: 4,864 m (15,958 ft) above sea level (José Rivas Refuge)

Discover one of the most impressive active volcanoes in the world on this private tour to Cotopaxi National Park. This experience takes you through the unique landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes, traveling along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes until reaching the slopes of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.

During the tour, you will learn about the Andean páramo ecosystem, admire volcanic landscapes and high-altitude lakes, and hike to the historic José Rivas Refuge, located almost 5,000 meters above sea level.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Hotel Pickup and Departure

Our service begins with pickup from your hotel or agreed meeting point in Baños de Agua Santa or Quito.

Accompanied by our professional driver (and optional guide if requested), we will begin the journey to Cotopaxi National Park.

During the drive, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with impressive mountains, Andean valleys, and traditional rural communities along the way.

Arrival at Cotopaxi National Park

Upon entering the park, we will complete the required registration process at the entrance control.

Our team will provide information about:

The history and formation of Cotopaxi Volcano.
The importance of Cotopaxi National Park.
The Andean páramo ecosystem.
Local flora and fauna.
Safety recommendations due to the high altitude.

Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador’s most important natural areas and home to species such as:

Andean condor.
Páramo fox.
Deer.
Various high-altitude bird species.

Limpiopungo Lagoon

We will make a stop at the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at approximately 3,800 meters (12,467 ft) above sea level.

From here, you can enjoy one of Ecuador’s most iconic views: the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano reflected in the waters of the lagoon (weather permitting).

You will have time to:

Take photographs.
Walk along the lagoon trails.
Observe Andean birds.
Enjoy the unique páramo landscape.

Drive to José Rivas Refuge

We will continue by vehicle to the parking area located at approximately 4,600 meters (15,092 ft) above sea level.

From this point, we begin the hike to the José Rivas Refuge, located at 4,864 meters (15,958 ft) above sea level.

Hiking duration:
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The trail includes volcanic and sandy terrain, so we recommend walking slowly and comfortably to adapt to the altitude.

During the hike, you will enjoy:

Unique volcanic landscapes.
Panoramic views of the Andes.
Views of Cotopaxi’s glaciers.
Fresh high-mountain air.

Visit to José Rivas Refuge

Upon reaching the refuge, you will have time to rest, take photographs, and enjoy the experience of being almost 5,000 meters above sea level.

The refuge is named after Ecuadorian mountaineer José Rivas and serves as the preparation point for climbers attempting to reach the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano.

Here you can:

Enjoy a hot drink (subject to availability).
Admire the volcano scenery.
Take memorable photographs.
Rest before beginning the descent.

Optional Glacier Walk

If weather conditions and the physical condition of the group allow, we can make a short additional hike toward the glacier area.

Additional time: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

This activity depends on:

Weather conditions.
Trail conditions.
Travelers’ acclimatization level.

Descent and Exit from Cotopaxi National Park

After enjoying the incredible scenery, we will begin our descent back to the parking area.

We will continue our way out of Cotopaxi National Park while enjoying the spectacular Andean landscapes one more time.

Return to Baños de Agua Santa or Quito

We will begin the journey back to your city of origin.

During the return trip, you can relax and enjoy the final views of Ecuador’s volcanoes and mountains.

Estimated arrival time:

Quito: approximately 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Baños de Agua Santa: approximately 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

END OF THE TOUR

We finish an unforgettable experience visiting one of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanoes, combining adventure, nature, and spectacular Andean landscapes.

WHAT TO BRING: