Cotopaxi Volcano Full Day Tour: Experience Andean Flora, Fauna, and Stunning Landscape
4.9
90 Ratings
Cotopaxi National Park
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Andean Mountains on a full-day tour of Cotopaxi Volcano. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of Cotopaxi National Park and capture stunning photos of the majestic volcano and Limpiopungo lagoon.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cotopaxi National Park - On the border of the province of Pichincha, there is the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological reserve that combines the landscape of the Andean páramo, volcanic soil and the lagoon that emerge from the snow-capped mountains. Its main attraction is the volcano that bears its name which in Spanish means ‘moon neck’ given because of the conical shape of the crater. The elevation of the volcano is of 5,897 meters above sea level and is the second highest in the country. Visitors can discover different species of plants and animals like: wolves, rabbits, bears, condors, and among others that live in that territory.

Visit The Interpretation Center: All information about the Cotopaxi National Park is available at the Interpretation Center, or better known as the Park Museum. The Center has showrooms, a souvenir shop and a coffee shop. It is located inside Mariscal Sucre Station (or Control Caspi entrance).

Walk To The José Rivas Refuge (4864 Masl): Since the 70s, this refuge has been a welcoming place for professional mountaineers and amateurs coming to visit the Cotopaxi Volcano. Its name is in honor of the priest José Ribas who built it with the Mountaineering Club of San Gabriel High School. This place is located on the slopes of the volcano and an hour’s walk from the parking lot.

  • Laguna de Limpiopungo - Visit Limpiopungo lake and have a nice view of the Cotopaxi volcano
What's Included
  • Bilingual Guide (Spanish
    English)
  • Tourist Transport
  • All Entrances
What's Not Included
  • Details not specified
  • Tips
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Along the range of the Andean Mountains we can find the Cotopaxi National Park filled with an exceptional variety of flora and fauna species; also, it is home to the active volcano Cotopaxi (5,897 meters above sea level). The Limpiopungo lagoon is located at the foot of the volcano and here one could enjoy the view of the Andean Paramo and take incredible shots of the lagoon and the volcano.

Location
Cotopaxi National Park
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(90 Ratings)
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Manlio_g
May 16, 2024
Great experience - Great trip to the volcano. Kind and prepared guide. You will get to see standing landscapes and learn more about this part of Ecuador. Really raccomended
Review provided by Viator
S4729cuwilliamf
May 6, 2024
Spectacular experience - I went on this tour in April of 24. The logistics were all fine and our guide Andrea was fantastic. It was a cloudy day so didn't see the Volcano in all it's glory, but did not take away from the tour at all. We saw wild horses, an Andean Fox and the beautiful park. I did the hike to base camp. I wanted to turn around multiple times as it was not easy, but it was so clouded in I still might be up there lost so I finished it and the achievement was great. 58 year old, in average shape, but every person might have a different experience with the elevation. The lunch we stopped at was fine, but was a memorable day and recommend, even if you don't do the hike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_f
Apr 26, 2024
Amazing experience - Everything went as planned and even on a cloudy day it was extraordinary. Andrea was the perfect guide. I didn't know if I could get up to 16k ft, but when I did was exhilarating. Lunch was good and 6 people was perfect sized group. I highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Sebastianjosen
Apr 11, 2024
Amazing experience at Cotopaxi with Ernesto - Ladies and gents, I'm normally not the type to write a review, but in this case I absolutely have to! THE GUIDE Communication was very easy to set up the pick up time and meetup location in Quito. We met with Ernesto who inspired confidence as soon as we shook his hand, always had a smile on his face and has really good vibes! He knows absolutely everything and has a ton of information to give about the country, legends and of course Cotopaxi. Not only is he a great guide, but truly a great human being. He even offered to take pictures of my aunt and I with the landscape which he sent us right after to cherish the incredible experience and have everlasting memories. We didn't feel rushed and we really appreciated it. THE EXPERIENCE Easy drive from Quito to Cotopaxi with stops along the way to get food, water, go to the bathroom, etc. We passed by the interpretation center in the National Park where we got a ton of interesting information on Cotopaxi before visiting. Heading out to Limpiupungo we had the chance to see some deers, wildhorses and many birds along the way, a great spot for wildlife and an amazing view of the volcano. We eventually made our way up to the parking and had about a 45 min walk up to the top. Slow and easy is key if you are not used to high altitude or have a coca tea before (highly recommend). Got up to the top and admired the view from above which is breathtaking. We were really lucky to have a clear beautiful day. On the way down we had the opportunity to run into a cue wolf :) Ernesto then takes you to a restaurant for a well deserved meal which was truly excellent. I would give a 6 star review if I could. This is definitely a must while visiting the beautiful country of Ecuador! Cheers
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair12839089600
Feb 11, 2024
Cotopaxi - The hike was a great challenge with beautiful views. We also stopped at the lagoon and saw lots of wild horses. Our guide Diego was fantastic and also brought us to a great lunch spot on our way back to Quito.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronrtj
Jan 11, 2024
Best guide ever!! - Ernesto is one of the greatest guides I ever had! Lot of information during all the tour, always with a smile in the face and offering to take pictures! Gave us enought time to do everything, stopping in all the points we asked and pointed animals during all the way! 100% honest, knows everything about cotopaxi and loves climbing mountains and volcanos! Excellent restaurant for breakfast with good prices. Gave us a gift at the end of the tour, totally recommend him!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspire14091247062
Jan 5, 2024
COTOPAXI WITH DANIELA - What an amazing experience. COTOPAXI National Park. With a guide (Daniela) it was magical. Spiritual. Of recognition and respect for a natural wonder. To a diverse People and their Worldviews. Chocolate with sweet pepper and coca leaf tea. They prevented the "Soroche" and were...li...cious...sous. Daniela, our guide, does her job with a lot of love... She spreads her good vibes... If you have children, she is the right guide 🤓🥰
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon_h
Dec 31, 2023
Cotopaxi Volcano Hike - Hiking up Cotopaxi volcano was amazing! The views were absolutely stunning. It is a bit strenuous hiking at this altitude, but totally worth it. The restaurant we stopped at after Cotopaxi was very good and prices were very reasonable. I would pack a snack because we did not get lunch until around 4 pm. Our tour guide Irene was great. She went out of her way to make our day special.
Review provided by Viator
E7201wdmarkb
Dec 30, 2023
A Great Experience - We toured Mindo, the equator and Cotapaxi with this organization. They were to flight. Always on time. Always prepared. Very considerate (they even brought my son’s hat back and left it at the front desk). I highly recommend them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H163rojaimec
Dec 19, 2023
A nice experience, I recommend it - It was an unforgettable experience, Dani was an excellent guide, the attention was very friendly. Would go again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
June 2024
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