Ecuador Volcano Tour: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Chimborazo in 2 Days

This Ecuador volcano tour visits Cotopaxi, the Quilotoa crater lake and Chimborazo in 2 days along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, starting and ending in Quito. Prices start at $305 per person.

Be part of an unforgettable tour of the Andean giants: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and Chimborazo.

Enjoy a unique experience with this comprehensive two-day tour of the Ecuadorian Andes, where the imposing Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and Chimborazo volcanoes await you—three natural gems that will connect you with the power and beauty of nature at its finest.

In Cotopaxi National Park, you can explore the Andean moors, breathe fresh air, and admire landscapes that look like something out of a postcard. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, a tranquil body of water where, with the help of the weather, the image of the most active volcano, Cotopaxi, can be reflected.

You’ll then head to the fascinating Quilotoa Lagoon, located in the crater of an ancient collapsed volcano. Its turquoise waters, which change color depending on the weather and light, will take your breath away. Here, you can hike along the crater rim or descend into the lagoon if you’re looking for an extra dose of adventure. Along the way, you’ll also spend time with local indigenous communities, where you’ll discover their traditions, crafts, and way of life in harmony with the mountains.

The second day will take you to a truly special place: Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest mountain at 6,263 meters above sea level and the closest point to the sun from the center of the Earth. The journey to the reserve offers stunning landscapes, with open moorlands and the chance to see vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat.

Highlights

• Stand at the base of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano, one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, and enjoy the vast páramo landscapes that surround it.
• Marvel at the stunning beauty of Quilotoa Lagoon, a vibrant turquoise lake nestled within an ancient volcanic crater, perfect for exploring and taking stunning photographs.
• Climb to the Chimborazo refuge and take in breathtaking views from the highest point on Earth, where the summit is closer to the sun than anywhere else on the planet.
• Immerse yourself in the heritage of Andean communities, visiting indigenous villages along the way and experiencing their traditions and way of life in harmony with nature.

Itinerary

1. Day 1Cotopaxi and Quilotoa

   

   This adventure begins with a scenic pickup from your hotel in Quito as we travel along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. Along the way, we'll pass through Machachi, a charming town known for its rural atmosphere, before arriving at Cotopaxi National Park. Here, you'll explore the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, including a visit to the José Rivas Refuge at over 4,800 meters (15,748 feet), where you'll enjoy spectacular views and incredible photo opportunities. Next, we'll stop at Laguna Limpiopungo, a beautiful high-altitude lake at the foot of the volcano, perfect for observing local wildlife such as wild horses, Andean foxes, native birds, and, if you're lucky, even the majestic Andean condor. In the afternoon, we'll have lunch and continue our journey to Laguna Quilotoa, a stunning natural gem formed within a volcanic crater, famous for its ever-changing turquoise waters. Here, you can walk along the crater rim for breathtaking views or descend to the lake shore for a closer experience, where you can relax, take photos, or enjoy optional activities like kayaking. We'll then return to the hotel to rest.

   Overnight: Hosteria La AndaluzaMeals: lunch

2. Day 2Chimborazo Volcano

   

   After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to explore the stunning Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Here you'll have the opportunity to observe local wildlife, including vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas roaming freely. You'll reach the first refuge at 4,800 meters above sea level. If you wish, you can continue ascending 200 meters to the second refuge at 5,000 meters, one of the highest accessible points in Ecuador. From here, the views of Chimborazo, the country's highest mountain and an inactive volcano, are unforgettable.

   Meals: breakfast

Prices per person