Cotopaxi Tour from Quito: Day Trip to the Volcano

Cotopaxi Day Trip from Quito: Explore Ecuador’s Majestic Volcano and National Park

A cotopaxi tour from Quito takes you 70 km south to Ecuador‘s second-highest peak — a perfectly cone-shaped active volcano at 5,897 m. Full day, hotel pickup at 7am, refuge hike to 4,800 m, Limpiopungo Lake stop, back in Quito by 5pm. From $80 per person on a tour — customize the route, lunch stop, or biking add-on when you book. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. No OTA markup, just you, a guide, and a 4WD. This Cotopaxi volcano tour combines refuge hiking, paramo wildlife, and glacier views in a single day.

It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with an altitude of 5897 meters.

This tour is ideal for lovers of nature and hikers. Taking you through impressive Andean landscapes of Paramo Andino, where you can hike to the refuge Jose Ribas or at the Limpiopungo lake. Also located in Cotopaxi Park. 

Cotopaxi National Park

On a Cotopaxi National Park tour, you can enjoy different activities. From exciting hikes to the Jose Rivas refuge, located at 4,800 meters, it offers a place to rest and enjoy the impressive views.

Cotopaxi Park experiences variable temperatures due to the climate and altitude, but it generally ranges between 10°C and 20°C.

While hiking in Cotopaxi, you’ll observe the great diversity of flora and fauna, where you can see wild animals such as Andean condors and eagles in their natural habitat. Although animals such as foxes and rabbits are more common in these areas.

For the geology and conservation context, the Cotopaxi National Park official page covers the protected area’s 33,393 hectares and current access policies.

Is This Cotopaxi Day Tour Right for You?

This tour is for you if…

• You want a guided Cotopaxi hike tour with a small group rather than a drive-and-photograph itinerary
• You want a cotopaxi tour from quito instead of joining a 16-person bus
• You’re comfortable with light hiking at 4,800 m altitude (refuge climb is 30-45 minutes uphill)
• You want hotel pickup, lunch flexibility, and the option to add Limpiopungo Lake or a museum stop
• You prefer booking direct from a Quito-based operator (no Viator markup)
• You like photographing volcanic landscapes, paramo wildlife, and glacier views

This tour is NOT for you if…

• You want to summit Cotopaxi (5,897 m glacier climb) — that’s a 2-day technical climb, not a day tour
• You haven’t acclimatized to altitude (Quito sits at 2,850 m — give yourself 24-48 h before going to 4,800 m)
• You have serious heart, breathing conditions, or recent surgery — please check with your doctor before going above 4,000 m

Highlights

• Cotopaxi Hike: A chance to see one of the world’s highest active volcanoes up close, with options for hiking to the base or higher.
• Cotopaxi National Park: Explore the diverse landscapes of the park, including volcanic rock formations, glacial, and high-altitude grasslands.
• Limpiopungo Lagoon: A serene high-altitude lagoon perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty of the park

Itinerary

1. Stop 1Start of the Cotopaxi Volcano Tour from Quito

   

   This wonderful tour from Quito to Cotopaxi.

   Our assigned guide will pick you up at your respective accommodation, and you will travel comfortably in transportation, enjoying the beautiful scenery as we head down the road to the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to reach our destination, the Cotopaxi volcano.

2. Stop 2Quito Viewpoint

   

   The first stop of our great adventure begins with the “Mirador la Forestal” in Quito.

   This beautiful viewpoint offers incredible panoramic views of the surroundings of the city, surrounded by great vegetation.

   The ideal place to take a break, admire the landscape, and capture photographs before continuing with our impressive path to ”Cotopaxi National Park."

3. Stop 3“Mariscal Sucre” Interpretation Center

   

   We will head towards our next destination where we will visit the Mariscal Interpretation Center, where we will receive an explanation about the fascinating geological history of the Cotopaxi volcano, the fauna and flora of this great place, the cultural importance of the region, as well as relevant data on the Cotopaxi National Park.

   This place offers you an interesting introduction, before immersing yourself in the nature of the Cotopaxi volcano and its surroundings.

4. Stop 4Jose Rivas Refuge

   

   We continue to the José Rivas Refuge, a place with an altitude of 4864 meters in the Cotopaxi National Park.

   During our walk to the Cotopaxi volcano, you can have a rest in this refuge.

   Offering you a safe place to rest while you appreciate the fascinating panoramic views of the Ecuadorian Andes. And not only that, you can enjoy a hot drink like chocolate to warm up.

5. Stop 5Limpiopungo Lagoon

   

   After having regained energy, we will continue with a hike around the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon. In which you can take photographs and appreciate the incredible nature in a serene environment.

   Where you can observe birds that inhabit this lagoon, such as Andean seagulls, ducks, and the Andean carancho. In addition to this, you can find deer, wild rabbits, and sometimes Andean foxes.

6. Stop 6Lunch and return to Quito

   

   To conclude this unique experience, we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

   To then begin our trip back to Quito.

   In which we will carry wonderful memories and the satisfaction of having explored the natural beauty of the Cotopaxi National Park.

   Meals: lunch

Prices per person