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Strenuously Cotopaxi Volcano and birding by the lagoon

Recommended by 100% of travelers
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Quito, Ecuador
  • 7 to 8 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Take a trip to Ecuador’s highest active volcano on this day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. With a small group, hike along the volcanic trails and take in the unique biodiversity of the Andes Mountains, including several species of birds. Walk around the Limpopungo Lagoon to see more wildlife and take photographs of the stunning mountain landscapes in the background.
  • Learn about the area’s geologic history from your guide
  • Feast on a delicious Ecuadorian lunch with volcano views
  • Enjoy round-trip transfers from your Quito hotel
  • A small group means more attention from your guide

What's Included

  • A Naturalist Guide/Driver (English/Spanish-speaking)
  • Pick-up and from Quito city
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lunch
  • Tips

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Operating hours
.7:30 am

Itinerary

Quito (Pass By)

1

Romerillos

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

2

Cotopaxi National Park

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

3

Refugio Cotopaxi (Jose Ribas)

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

4

Laguna de Limpiopungo

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

5

Quito

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 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

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We perform checks on reviews

Strenuously Awesome Cotopaxi

Linda_H, Oct 2024
Cotopaxi! Higher by far than any mountain in the lower 48, and an active volcano. There are two ways to get to the refuge. The short way, which our guide Eduardo called "the heartbreaker." You can see the roof of the refuge from the start of this trail, but it is very steep and 3-4 inches (or more) deep in sand. The easier way, which we took, is long. Seemed like it had a hundred switchbacks. I am very slow and Eduardo was frequently checking on me. When we reached the refuge it started snowing and the snow continued throughout our ride back down the mountain. The refuge itself was fascinating. The red tile roof made me think I was in the Himalayas. There was very little light inside, mainly from the windows. Pictures of the flags of the world were posted on the walls and you were supposed to sign the flag from your country. The flag of Uruguay was at our table and we met several people from there. The refuge served hot chocolate, potato soup and chicken soup. A word about coca tea, which has been suggested to prevent altitude sickness: not for people with high blood pressure! I live at 6000 feet in the US and went up to 14000 feet a couple weeks before Cotopaxi, so that 16000 foot hike was not a problem. If you live at a lower elevation wait a few days to acclimatize. And taking it slow is ok! Thank you, Eduardo, for your patience.

Incredible scenery

Amanda_E, Jul 2024
Amazing tour! Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We took our time on the hike to enjoy the scenery and catch our breath! It wasn’t too difficult and we saw people of all ages doing it! The lagoon was a nice surprise so many birds and beautiful surroundings

Cotopaxi tour

Qianhan_X, Jul 2021
Very good tour, definitely recommend. Edward is an excellent guide. Cotopaxi is beautiful, but could be quite windy, so be prepared.

From $125.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 37 days in advance.

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