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
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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
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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 1,422 reviews
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
Monica_N, Mar 2026
It was a great experience and very well organized. Our tour guide, Veronica was a great and kept the day moving at a great pace.
Armin_R, Feb 2026
Great value tour experience. The guide and driver were very nice and knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour for a cotopaxi day trip experience!
Alberto_D, Feb 2026
If you take this tour, you need to make sure that you fit enought to climb on a zizag for about 1 hour. The climb at an altitude of 4,800+m makes is difficult to breath. The museum, the lagoon and a climb to first 2 point is good. The climb to midway is already challenging, The climb to the 4th point and base camp is super hard unless you are young or very fit. But to see Cotapaxi up close is a great experience.
Yin_F, Feb 2026
The guide and driver were helpful. The hike to base camp was not easy but possible. Highly recommended.
Kyleigh_N, Feb 2026
I had a great time on this hike. Adrian (the tour guide) was very knowledgeable and friendly, and Andres (the bus driver) did a great job, too. I was picked up and dropped off from my hotel. There is a stop for breakfast, but the time is limited so I suggest eating prior to the tour. We saw some deer, foxes, and birds on the drive to the hiking spot. Be prepared for the altitude and temperature on the hike. When you make it to the refuge, grab a hot cocoa for $2. After the hike, you will stop at a gorgeous lake and then for lunch (extra $6 for soup, a main dish, and juice). I would definitely recommend this tour.
Daniel_H, Feb 2026
We got lucky and the clouds cleared approaching the base. This was the highlight of my trip to Ecuador.
john_c, Feb 2026
There is a breakfast stop just 40 minutes or so after pick up and a "tea stop" plus very late 3 pm lunch stop. I would have rathered more time in the mountain, aand to allow people more time to catch their breathe. The lagoon was not much to see, however we saw some wild horses, wild deer and a wolf. Unfortunately it snowed/rained at the top. If it was clear, it would have been more enjoyable. Tour guide was very polite.
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Zach_P, Feb 2026
Very informative and fun definitely pack warm clothes. The guides know alot and we're able to answer any questions we had.
Francois_C, Feb 2026
We had a great day and were fortunate with the weather as well since we were there during the rainy season. Out guide Irene had lots of energy, was very knowledgeable and made the experience an excellent one.
Valeria_B, Feb 2026
This experience was truly magnificent. A must. Cotopaxi was incredible and so was out tour guide Daniela, full of energy, very kind, knowledgable!!!
Luke_A, Feb 2026
The itinerary of the tour was perfect, make some early stop to pick up any supplies you missed / have breakfast, then visit lake and climb to the refuge, followed by lunch in a nearby restaurant. The hike was very do-able even those less physically active, it is a simple short albeit steep hike that you are given plenty of time to do. The hot chocolate at the top was a nice reward!
This was a well organized trip by the company, and their tour guide Jessica was wonderful, she hiked with the group to give encouragement up and down the mountain, as well as was very informative on all aspects of what we saw. She was very kind and considerate and regularly checking in with people to make sure they are ok. Carlos the driver was a good safe driver and he made the journey very comfortable.
I can recommend this company and tour, it is good value and you'll have a great time!
Jacek_Z, Feb 2026
Amazing trip in Cotopaxi National Park — Joshua was knowledgeable, calm, and made us feel safe and inspired throughout.
Roger_W, Feb 2026
Pamela was a highly knowledgeable, helpful and entertaining guide. The driver was also fantastic and ensured and got to and from the various stops punctually and safely. The hike was a challenge but certainly worth it for the views and sense of achievement. Highly recommended!
JacquesOlivier_B, Jan 2026
Our day tour from Quito to Cotopaxi was exceptional, and a big part of that was thanks to Irene. From the very beginning, she was highly professional, well-organized, and incredibly funny, which immediately set a great tone for the day.
Throughout the tour, Irene shared a wealth of information—not only about the Cotopaxi hike itself, but also about Ecuador as a country, its culture, food, and everyday life. She was always happy to answer questions, no matter the topic, and her explanations added real depth to the experience.
The transportation was spacious, comfortable, and reassuringly safe, which made the long drives very pleasant. On the hike, Irene showed remarkable leadership and care for the group. She made sure that everyone who could reach the Cotopaxi base camp did so, while also staying behind to support and encourage those who found the hike more challenging. No one felt rushed or left out.
Overall, Irene didn’t just guide a tour—she made the entire day truly memorable. Her energy, knowledge, and attention to each participant turned this excursion into a highlight of our time in Ecuador. Highly recommended.
Cyrus_B, Jan 2026
Great experience. Great driver and guides. Veronica was Very well spoken in English and Spanish. The hike was short but challenging! Great photo opportunities. The weather was decent.
Ken_K, Jan 2026
Very worthwhile tour. Great guidance hiking to the basecamp. Try to choose a day/time wisely visibility of the volcano summit, which we had intermittently. Awesome!
Hayley_H, Jan 2026
This was a phenomenal tour. The hike is up was hard work but the view and experience was once in a life time. The guides were extremely kind and took good care of everyone with regards to the altitude challenges of the climb.
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