Cotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Quito, Ecuador
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Cotopaxi Volcano is the centerpiece of Cotopaxi National Park. At more than 19,000 feet (nearly 6,000 meters), its snowy peak dominates the landscape of the park. During this full-day tour from Quito, travelers experience the volcano from many vantage points. Explore a lagoon favored by water birds, learn more about the area at an interpretive center, and hike up the flanks of Cotopaxi Volcano to a recently-renovated climbers' refuge to experience this active volcano up close.
- Enjoy outdoor adventure close to the city
- Hassle-free exploration of a popular national park
- Gain insights with an English-speaking guide
- Convenient private transportation including hotel pickup and drop-off
What's Included
- Tourist transport
- Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- All entrances
- Details not specified
- Tips
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Se confirmará la hora y lugar de pick up hasta las 21h00 pm del día anterior a su tour, si no recibe esta información debe contactarse al +593983359-796, realizamos pick ups en las 3 zonas: La Carolina, Plaza Foch, Plaza Grande, si deseas ser retirado en otra zona podemos hacer con un pago adcional/The time and place of pick-up will be confirmed until 9:00 p.m. the day before your tour departes. If you do not receive this information, you must contact +593983359-796, We make pick ups in this 3 main areas: La Carolina, Plaza Foch, Plaza Grande, if you want you can add a transfer with extra fee.
Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
1
Cotopaxi National Park
5 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Laguna de Limpiopungo
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Cotopaxi Volcano
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Lisa_U
This tour was awesome. I had a limited stay in Ecuador and wanted to make sure I captured a great experience and this was awesome! From an organised pickup, preparing for the altitude and then even having the clouds clear so we could have amazing photos of Cotopaxi (kidding of course, the weather is unpredictable here but we were very lucky for a fabulous clear view on this day). The hike itself is not long but the altitude definitely tests you. It is all worth it for the stunning view of Cotopaxi! A hike that you can do without a load of hiking gear, definitely wear a lot of layers, the wind is cold. Cover your head and ears as well.
The tour guide Irene was amazing, she had so much information to share during the whole tour. Was helpful with some further questions about Ecuador itself aswell which was great. And of course Andres was a very skilled driver.
Definitely recommend this tour, I may even have to plan to do the summit one day.
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,466 reviews
MariaAdamakou, Jun 2026
We had an amazing experience, and a very well organised day trip to coropaxi! Our guide was the best and offered many information on the places we visited!
Robert_F, Jun 2026
The tour was great. It took about 11 hours from pick up to drop off. you need to be in ok shape to climb the mountain and id recommend not doing this on your first day (to give time to adjust to the altitude). Great food, views, and info on the tour. Irene was an excellent guide 5/5
Eric_D, Jun 2026
Great tour. Guide was excellent. Quite the excruciating hike up to the base camp...but I made it. Good time but setting in the back row of the van was very uncomfortable. I realize only so much you can do with the roads...would have preferred to take a bit longer and be a tad bit better ride
james_b, Jun 2026
As cold and wet as I got, I felt great after reaching base camp. There were beautiful views on the way down. Josue was a great guide (as always) and our driver Jonathan made easy work of the ridiculously uneven terrain. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a bit of a challenge, the ascent is somewhat taxing but doesn't take too long. Coming down is slippery but fun!
Badai_P, May 2026
Great experience and thanks for the Fercho for taking care of the inexperienced hiker like me and the rest of us 🤪
Maya_F, May 2026
We had an amazing experience on our Cotopaxi tour, and a huge part of that was thanks to Fernando. My brother had some difficulties during the climb, and Fernando was incredibly patient, supportive, and attentive the entire time. He stayed with him, helped whenever needed, and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the day.
I’m also celiac and it should be noted that Fernando went above and beyond to communicate my dietary restrictions everywhere we stopped to eat, which made traveling so much less stressful and allowed me to fully enjoy the experience.
He made the tour accessible and enjoyable for everyone by explaining everything in both English and Spanish, answering every question we had, and even taking photos for us throughout the day. You can tell he genuinely cares about making sure everyone has the best possible experience. Highly recommend this tour and especially Fernando as a guide!
Shannon_L, May 2026
Carlos was very knowledgeable and friendly. He was also very encouraging ti ensure all of group made it to the base camp at Cotopaxi. He took extra time on the climb to ensure everyone was safe and made the climb.
Nicola_L, May 2026
Excellent tour to the Refugio on Cotopaxi. We stopped for breakfast then onto a lagoon prior to a short but difficult hike to the refuge. The guide Jessica was very friendly and informative and the driver Jimmy was safe. Great scenery and nice to escape the big city. I would highly recommend this tour.
vidya_p, May 2026
Jessica was a great guide, patient and informative. I would recommend people have protective layers as it gets pretty windy as you hike up to the refugee camp. The altitude is the challenge, so pace yourself.
Beale_J, May 2026
Long day but worth it to see the volcano. Guide was very sweet and helpful on the hike. Great experience
Chris_M, May 2026
Was a cool experience hiking up to the Refuge Hut. Our guide was super friendly and communicated well.
Joanna_W, May 2026
Went to Cotopaxi National Park and had the best day. Our guide Jose/Joshua was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Had a nice relaxing drive to the park, hiked around Cotopaxi and the lagoon, and then a relaxing drive back. Thanks for the great time!
Raymond_L, May 2026
Our tour guide Josue is very kind and thoughtful and took great care of us on the hike up to Cotopaxi! I love this tour and it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Nikita_D, May 2026
SUCH a beautiful, breathtaking adventure! Irene our guide and Jonathan our driver were so professional and courteous. Big shout-out to Irene especially for being so kind, compassionate, and perceptive of everyone on the tour. Not only were her announcements phenomenal, but when I was struggling with the cold, she helped me recover to a non-shivering state. You will learn so much and see very beautiful things as you go to Cotopaxi, but I will always remember Irene's kindness.
Other Notes:
Itinerary: Great! The day feels like it moves by so quickly – on the bus, you pass several beautiful streets (e.g., Pan-American Highway) and you learn information about the national park; you visit a mini market for breakfast/snacks/tea/hats/gloves (optional - if you need it!); you visit Cotopaxi Information Center; you take on a hike to base camp; you visit a beautiful lagoon; you have a delicious lunch ($6).
Note! The weather at Cotopaxi can be very volatile. Our hike occurred amid high winds, rain, snow, and hail. You can still do it, but make sure you are prepared, with the correct waterproof materials! If you are able to coordinate your tour for a day with good weather, even better, but know that it can be rather unpredictable! Our team had a memorable adventure with the elements.
Shakir_S, Apr 2026
The drive up and the hike was fantastic. I found that the rest stops in the morning were excessively long and had they been a bit shorter we would have had more time at the Volcano. The guide and driver had high energy and were a pleasure to engage with.
Christopher_B, Apr 2026
Really enjoyed this excursion. Our tour guide Jorge was so friendly and helpful. He remembered all of our names, and he was there to help every step of the way. The hike was tough but so worth it. You absolutely need to bring everything that was suggested. Hats, gloves, and jackets as it got pretty cold. I would get a good pair of hiking shoes/boots as well. Sunscreen, the works. You will need it! Food was good and the tour was appropriately spaced out. Such a great value!
Marni_M, Apr 2026
The history and local info was awesome! Accomplishing the hike was awesome! The lunch stop choice was perfect
Jean_K, Apr 2026
Take walking sticks, make sure you are acclimated to elevation wonderful experience to walk in the clouds
Janet_L, Apr 2026
The guide Jessie and the driver are very friendly, helpful and caring. We are grateful for their professional service. We are lucky with the weather and the entire trip is enjoyable
Don_H, Apr 2026
Lots of travel time to and from Quito and picking up passengers.Our guide Jorge was excellent and filled the time with history and stories from the area and Ecuador in general. The climb to the base camp at Cotopaxi was difficult but truly memorable!
Mark_M, Apr 2026
Good trip to Cotopaxi park...pickup at 7am, picked up others, and off we went...first stop about 40 minutes in for breakfast at a gas station/mini-mart/restaurant...most people opted for a quick snack from the mini-mart while others went for a full breakfast from the restaurant...this results in some people just waiting around for others...not a big deal but wish everyone was on the same page...then on to the park...short stop at the visitor center where the guide provided interesting info on the volcano/mountain and the surrounding plants and animals...then on to the hike, a fairly challenging 1 mile steep hike up to base camp...the guide reassured everyone to take it easy, go at their own pace, and take your time...I'm 65, huffed and puffed a little, took a few little breaks, and made it just fine...after descending, made a 10 minute stop at a nearby lagoon for some pictures, then on to lunch...several options were given, I chose the grilled chicken which came with soup, rice, beans, and salad for $6...I enjoyed my lunch and the company of meeting people from different places...then back to Quito, arriving around 5pm...the guide and driver (Hernando and Mauricio??) were both great and I would recommend this tour.
Karen_T, Apr 2026
Loved the private tour of Cotapaxi ! Our guide was great ! We stopped along the way for breakfast and on the way back for lunch. Both places were very good . Wear good walking shoes / hiking boots. The hike is pretty strenuous but well worth it for the spectacular views. We have an 8 year old son , 2 daughters in their early 20s and my husband and I are in our 50s. We were all able to do the hike , although it was tough at times with the high altitude .
Lindsay_G, Apr 2026
A difficult review to write! The experience was challenging but I guess that’s the trip! The scenery was awesome and to have achieved it satisfying but both myself and my husband struggled with the altitude. The breathing was very difficult and my lungs hurt into the night plus I had pins and needles in my hands and face, headache and became quite clumsy. There was no rain which would have made life more difficult but we could hear thunder and lightning and there were hailstones. If you know you’re not good with high altitude or haven’t acclimatised maybe not for you - everyone is different. Some people turned back. On the way down is harder on the knees if you have any knee issues. I would suggest bringing sticks. The meal afterwards was lovely and cheap! Glad I did it but never again!
Sara_E, Mar 2026
Great day that didn’t feel as long as 12 hours. We stopped for breakfast, got some Coca tea, visited the Cotopaxi museum, the lagoon, and then walked up to the Base Camp. The walk definitely makes you breathless so take it slowly, but you can do it. It’s only about a mile long and 750 ft up to the BC. Afterwards, you stop at a cute spot for lunch and then head back into Quito for your drop off. Pamela, our guide, had so much energy and taught us a lot about the area and history. We loved her!
ChungKai_S, Mar 2026
Get prepared for the high altitude sickness! The hiking is 2 hours up and down! Most people can achieve! But get prepared
Hugh_P, Mar 2026
It was a good experience with our tour guide Jorge. He was knowledgeable and very amicable as well. He supported you all of us along the way, which was especially helpful as someone coming from Florida where you're just not as accustomed to the altitude. Also, the pick up and drop off at the hotel was very convenient.
Dixie_H, Mar 2026
Cotopaxi is that a very high altitude and you may get altitude sick as we did. It is also very cold and windy and you really do need long underwear, gloves, hat, rain jacket. We would’ve liked to have had Coke tea or candy prior to trying to walk on the slopes at 15,000 feet
Hayley_E, Mar 2026
Went with Jorge and Andreas and had a wonderful time. Jorge really looked after us and is great bants!
Yohannes_B, Mar 2026
Irene was an excellent guide that provided an amazing experience for our group. She flawlessly told jokes and conveyed information in both Spanish and English. Our driver was excellent, the stops for food and snacks were great, and all the activities were very enjoyable. Everyone should take this tour when they visit Ecuador.
jenniferpfaff76, Mar 2026
Amazing day trip when in Quito. Fernando is an excellent guide and very knowledgeable. The lunch spot is delicious and offers a great view of Cotopaxi
From $59.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Cotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances
1,466
12 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$59.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Quito, Ecuador
- Quito Old Town Tours & Tickets
- Archbishop's Palace (Palacio Arzobispal) Tours & Tickets
- El Sagrario Church Tours & Tickets
- Mindo Cloud Forest Tours & Tickets
- Termas de Papallacta Spa Tours & Tickets
- Intiñan Solar Museum Tours & Tickets
- Iñaquito Market (Mercado Iñaquito) Tours & Tickets
- Cotopaxi National Park Tours & Tickets
- Cathedral of Quito (Catedral de Quito) Tours & Tickets
- Middle of the World Monument (La Mitad del Mundo) Tours & Tickets
- City Museum of Quito (Museo de la Ciudad) Tours & Tickets
- Quilotoa Lagoon Tours & Tickets
- El Panecillo Tours & Tickets
- Cotopaxi Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Otavalo Market Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Quito, Ecuador
- Cotopaxi National Park Tours & Tickets
- Mindo Cloud Forest Tours & Tickets
- Middle of the World Monument (La Mitad del Mundo) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica of the National Vow (La Basílica del Voto Nacional) Tours & Tickets
- Cotopaxi Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Quilotoa Lagoon Tours & Tickets
- Intiñan Solar Museum Tours & Tickets