Andes Explorer
2 days – 1 night
From $160 per person
Two full-day group tours from Quito to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa with an overnight stay:
- - Cotopaxi National Park
- - Refuge & glacier hike
- - Downhill biking
- - Quilotoa Crater Lake hike
- - Local market & family visit
- - Toachi Canyon viewpoint
- - 1-night stay with breakfast
- - 2 lunches included
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
Itinerary
Starting on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Day 1: Quilotoa
Day 2: Cotopaxi
Starting on Wednesdays & Saturdays
Day 1: Cotopaxi
Day 2: Quilotoa
Use the button below to view your selected order of activities.
STOP 1 – Local Market (Saquisilí)
We visit an Andean market where locals sell fruits, vegetables, and handmade products.
Note: Market visit is not available on Tuesdays.
STOP 2 – Andean Family Visit & Tigua Art
We visit a local highland home. You will see alpacas and cuy (guinea pigs) and learn how families live in the mountains.
A local artist may explain the colorful Tigua paintings.
STOP 3 – Toachi Canyon Viewpoint
Short scenic stop to see the impressive canyon formed by volcanic activity.
STOP 4 – Quilotoa Crater Lake (3,900 m)
Arrival at Quilotoa Crater Lake.
- 45-minute walk down to the lake (easy downhill)
- 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes hike back up (steep)
- Optional mule rental available
- Optional kayaking if weather and time allow (not pre-bookable)
Free time at the lake to relax and take photos.
STOP 5 – Ecuadorian Lunch
Starter, main course, and drink included.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
At the end of the tour, we first drop you off at your accommodation in the Machachi area, near Cotopaxi National Park.
After dropping you off, the guide continues back to Quito with those without accommodation.
You’ll stay in a private room at:
- Casa Sakiwa (our preferred accommodation)
- If fully booked: Casa del Montañero
Dinner is not included. Breakfast is included.
In the morning, we pick you up directly from your accommodation between 08:15 and 08:30 AM.
STOP 1 – Drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes
Scenic drive south toward Cotopaxi National Park.
We stop at a local restaurant where you can buy snacks (not included).
STOP 2 – Cotopaxi National Park Viewpoint
Photo stop inside the park.
STOP 3 – Refuge Hike (4,800 m)
Drive to the parking area at 4,600 m.
Hike about 1 hour to José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 m.
30-minute rest break.
Optional hike to the glacier base at 5,000 m if weather and conditions allow.
STOP 4 – Downhill Biking (Optional)
20–30 minute downhill ride toward Limpiopungo Lake.
You can skip biking and stay on the bus.
STOP 5 – Limpiopungo Lake (3,800 m)
Short stop to enjoy the landscape and look for wild horses and Andean birds.
STOP 6 – Traditional Lunch
Starter, main course, and drink included.
STOP 1 – Drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes
Scenic drive south toward Cotopaxi National Park.
We stop at a local restaurant where you can buy breakfast or snacks (not included).
STOP 2 – Cotopaxi National Park Viewpoint
Photo stop inside the park.
STOP 3 – Refuge Hike (4,800 m)
Drive to the parking area at 4,600 m.
Hike about 1 hour to José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 m.
30-minute rest break.
Optional hike to the glacier base at 5,000 m if weather and conditions allow.
STOP 4 – Downhill Biking (Optional)
20–30 minute downhill ride toward Limpiopungo Lake.
You can skip biking and stay on the bus.
STOP 5 – Limpiopungo Lake (3,800 m)
Short stop to enjoy the landscape and look for wild horses and Andean birds.
STOP 6 – Traditional Lunch
Starter, main course, and drink included.
At the end of the tour, we first drop you off at your accommodation in the Machachi area, near Cotopaxi National Park.
After dropping you off, the guide continues back to Quito with those without accommodation.
You’ll stay in a private room at:
- Casa Sakiwa (our preferred accommodation)
- If fully booked: Casa del Montañero
Dinner is not included. Breakfast is included.
In the morning, we pick you up directly from your accommodation between 08:15 and 08:30 AM.
STOP 1 – Local Market (Saquisilí)
We visit an Andean market where locals sell fruits, vegetables, and handmade products.
Note: Market visit is not available on Tuesdays.
STOP 2 – Andean Family Visit & Tigua Art
We visit a local highland home. You will see alpacas and cuy (guinea pigs) and learn how families live in the mountains.
A local artist may explain the colorful Tigua paintings.
STOP 3 – Toachi Canyon Viewpoint
Short scenic stop to see the impressive canyon formed by volcanic activity.
STOP 4 – Quilotoa Crater Lake (3,900 m)
Arrival at Quilotoa Crater Lake.
- 45-minute walk down to the lake (easy downhill)
- 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes hike back up (steep)
- Optional mule rental available
- Optional kayaking if weather and time allow (not pre-bookable)
Free time at the lake to relax and take photos.
STOP 5 – Ecuadorian Lunch
Starter, main course, and drink included.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
-
Note
Our itinerary may change based on the weather or other factors. Your guide will always make the best decision for the group. All times are approximate and may be adjusted during the day.
Pricing
2 Full Day tours + Accommodation (Double, Twin or Triple room based on availability and group size)
2 Full Day tours + Accommodation (Single room, dorms not available)
- ZIncluded
- - Overnight stay at accommodation (private room) in Machachi
- - Breakfast on the second day
- - Lunch on both days (menu-type meal)
- - Permit to enter Cotopaxi National Park
- - Certified & bilingual national guide
- - Authorized tourist transport
- Excluded
- - Dinner
- - Entrance fee to Quilotoa and Toachi: $3 (cash payment)
- - Mule ride: $10 (optional, cash payment)
- - Kayaking: $4 (optional, cash payment)
- - Extra food, snacks and drinks
- - Tips
- - Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies
- What to Pack
For this tour wear comfortable clothing, shoes and be ready for weather conditions. Since we’ll be in the Andes, we recommend bringing:
- - Gloves, scarf, and a hat
- - A waterproof jacket
- - Sunscreen and sunglasses
- - Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes and warm socks
- - Water and snacks for energy
- Good to Know
- - On Tuesdays, there is no market activity in the Quilotoa tour
- - Novelty Cotopaxi Stamp available at refuge
- - Moderate fitness is best, but you can return to the bus in case of altitude sickness
- - The downhill biking activity is optional
- - This tour is always in English and Spanish
- - Our guide is always there to support you
- - Wear layers to stay ready for changing weather
- - The guide may adjust the itinerary and schedule if necessary
Frequently Asked questions
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa
Q: How does the 2-day tour work?
This program combines our two most popular day tours. On Day 1, you will visit Quilotoa (Culture & Hike). After the tour, you stay overnight in the area. On Day 2, you join the Cotopaxi group (Hike & Bike or Horseback) for your second adventure before returning to Quito.
Q: Where do I stay overnight?
We arrange an accommodation in a private room in Casa Sakawi or Casa del Monteñero located between Quilotoa and Cotopaxi. This saves you several hours of driving back and forth to Quito and allows you to rest and enjoy a peaceful night in the Andes.
Q: Is luggage storage available?
Yes. You can bring your main luggage with you on the tour bus. It will be stored safely during the activities, or you can leave your large bags at your hotel in Quito and just bring a small overnight backpack for the 2 days.
Q: Can I choose between Horseback Riding or Hike & Bike?
Yes! For Day 2 in Cotopaxi, you can choose the activity that fits your style, though in our itinerary and pricing, we assume the Hike & Bike tour. Do note that horseback riding has a higher cost. Please select your preferred option at the time of booking so we can coordinate your pick-up with the correct group.
Q: Are all meals included?
The tour includes two lunches and one breakfast at your overnight stay. Dinner is not included to give you the flexibility to choose from the local lodge menu, but it is easily available at your accommodation.
Q: Can I finish the tour in a different city?
Yes! This is a great way to travel south. Instead of returning to Quito on the evening of Day 2, we can drop you off at a transport point for Latacunga or Baños. Just let your guide know on the first morning.
Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. You will join a group for the daily activities, making it easy to meet people, while having your own private for the night. It is our most popular option for travelers wanting to see the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” efficiently.
Cotopaxi Hike & Bike
From Quito
group tour
Hike and downhill bike Cotopaxi volcano for the ultimate adventure.
Departures
Wed - Fri - Sat - Sun
Duration
Full day
Highlights
Hike & bike
Physical level
per person
