Journey into the heart of the Andes to witness one of the world's highest active volcanoes with expert-led day trips from Quito.
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Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
Explore the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and diverse Andean wildlife on this full-day trip with all entrances included.
Visit two icons in one day: the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and the breathtaking turquoise Quilotoa Lagoon.
Discover the 'Neck of the Moon' and the Avenue of Volcanoes on this high-altitude Andean adventure from Quito.
Hike to the Jose Rivas basecamp and touch the glacial ice at 5,000 meters on this thrilling active volcano tour.
Bike down an active volcano and explore Inca ruins on this premium adventure through Cotopaxi's hidden gems.
Experience a private journey through time, featuring the massive Quilotoa caldera and the planet's highest volcanoes.
Customize your Andean adventure with private transport and optional downhill biking on the world's highest volcanoes.
A combined tour of the Andean highlights: Cotopaxi's Limpiopungo lagoon and the magical Quilotoa turquoise lagoon.
Spot wild horses and native birds on a private guided walk through the high-Andean páramo of Cotopaxi.
Observe llamas, wild horses, and foxes while hiking to a high-altitude shelter at 15,900 feet.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
A day trip to Cotopaxi National Park is a quintessential Ecuadorian experience, taking you from the historic streets of Quito into the rugged beauty of the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes.' Towering at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes on Earth. Most tours offer a blend of scenic drives, high-altitude hiking to the Jose Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters, and visits to the serene Limpiopungo Lagoon. Whether you choose to challenge yourself on the steep volcanic slopes, mountain bike down the cinder paths, or combine your visit with the stunning turquoise waters of the Quilotoa crater, these curated experiences provide a safe and breathtaking introduction to the high Andes.
We exclusively partner with established providers like Viator to ensure every tour meets strict safety and quality standards
Access thousands of authentic testimonials from fellow travelers who have braved the Cotopaxi altitude
Life happens—most of our partner tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your departure
From budget-friendly group tours to premium private expeditions, we've selected the best options for every traveler
Find the same tour for less? Our partners offer competitive pricing without sacrificing the quality of your Andean experience
Benefit from bilingual guides who are specialists in high-altitude safety, local geology, and Andean history
Dry Season (June to September) for the best visibility; Shoulder seasons (October to December) for fewer crowds.
Breathable base layer|Warm fleece or down jacket|Waterproof windbreaker|Sturdy hiking boots or sneakers with good grip|Warm hat and gloves|Polarized sunglasses
First successfully climbed in 1872 by Wilhelm Reiss, the volcano remains one of the most monitored in the world due to its proximity to Quito.
Most partner tours offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour start time. Some premium or private tours may have different requirements.
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Real experiences from real travelers
The hike to the refuge was tough but our guide, Gabriel, was amazing. He made us pace ourselves and the view from the top of the trail was like nothing I've ever seen. Booking through the platform was seamless.
We did the biking and hiking combo. The downhill biking was exhilarating! It's very well organized and the lunch provided was delicious and authentic. Highly recommend for active travelers.
Be prepared for the wind! The tour was professional and the volcano is majestic. I wish I had brought more layers, but the guide was kind enough to lend me a pair of gloves.
Una experiencia única. El guía hablaba perfecto español e inglés. Ver los caballos salvajes cerca de la laguna fue un momento mágico. Todo salió a tiempo y sin problemas.
For around $60, including pickup and a full day of activity, this is an incredible deal. The refuge is a great challenge. Our guide was very safety-conscious regarding altitude symptoms.
The contrast between the white snow and the red rocks is beautiful. I am glad I booked a tour with a verified operator because they helped with the park registration which seemed complicated.
I did the Cotopaxi and Quilotoa 1-day trip. It's a long day in the van but seeing both icons is worth it if you have limited time in Ecuador. Both locations are breathtaking.
The air is thin but the spirit is high! Such a well-organized day. The pickup was right on time and the small group size made it feel very personal. A must-do from Quito.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The hike from the parking lot to the Jose Rivas Refuge takes about 45-60 minutes. While the distance is short, the steep incline and high altitude (starting at 4,500m) make it physically demanding. Most people with a basic level of fitness can do it if they take it slow.
Dress in layers. It can be sunny and warm at the lagoon but freezing and windy at the refuge. We recommend a base layer, a fleece, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell, plus a hat and gloves.
Ecuadorian National Parks currently have no entrance fee for tourists, but you must register with your passport at the gate. Some tours include a small administrative fee or 'entrance' as part of their service package—check your specific tour details.
Yes, Cotopaxi has a permanent glacier. You will see snow from the parking lot, and if you hike above the Jose Rivas Refuge toward the glacier's edge, you can touch the ice at approximately 5,000 meters altitude.
Altitude sickness is a possibility. We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Quito (2,850m) to acclimatize before heading to Cotopaxi. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals the night before.
June to September is generally considered the best time due to clearer skies and less rain, though Cotopaxi is a year-round destination. Mornings are almost always clearer than afternoons regardless of the season.
Most full-day tours include a traditional lunch at a nearby mountain lodge. Some budget options might not, so always check the 'Inclusions' section of the booking page.
The mountain biking is usually downhill on wide, unpaved roads. It doesn't require advanced technical skills, but you should be comfortable on a bike and able to use hand brakes effectively on descents.
Most tours include pickup from major hotels in the 'La Mariscal' and 'Historic Center' districts. If you are staying in an Airbnb or outside these areas, a central meeting point is usually provided.
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