Cotopaxi Day Tour
departures every week:
- Wednesday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
This is a group tour. We guarantee departures, even with one person.
itinerary
Cotopaxi Day Tour
“In 1872, Reiss and Escobar made history—today, you’ll walk the same volcano.”
We will drive south through Ecuador, along the so-called Avenue of Volcanoes. We will pass the town of Machachi and enter Cotopaxi National Park, where we will stop at a viewpoint for photos.
We arrive at the Cotopaxi parking area, located at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet). From here, we hike up to the refuge at 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) and enjoy wide views of the Andes mountains.
If you want and if weather conditions allow, you can continue hiking to the glacier at 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). This is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world!
We’ll stop here for about 30 minutes. You can warm up with a delicious hot chocolate (our favorite!) or grab a small snack. Enjoy the mountain views, and as a memorabilia, you can get a souvenir stamp in your passport.
Ready for some adrenaline? Ride a bike in the Cotopaxi Volcano! You will have the opportunity to ride a mountain bike downhill from Las Chuquiraguas to the Limpiopungo lagoon.
This activity is suitable for everyone; however, if you don’t feel confident, you can stay on the bus, and we will follow the bike group to our next highlight of the day. You can stop the biking activity at any time.
We stop at Limpiopungo Lake to take photos and enjoy the quiet nature. The lake is at 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) and offers great views of Cotopaxi Volcano. You might see wild horses and birds that live in the highlands.
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Guaranteed departures every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Important:
Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.
Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.
Although we recommend participants have moderate fitness for the hike’s physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.
Authorized tourist transport.
Menu-type meal (lunch).
Bike and helmet.
Permits to enter protected areas.
Tips.
Snacks.
Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.
Stay warm with gloves, scarf, and hat.
Shield your eyes with sunglasses.
Stay hydrated with water.
Wear sturdy shoes or boots.
Capture memories with your camera.
Stay dry with a waterproof jacket.
Keep your feet cozy with warm socks.
Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Pack snacks for energy.
And for a Cotopaxi passport stamp:
Bring your original passport.
Guaranteed departures every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Important:
Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.
Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.
Although we recommend participants have moderate fitness for the hike’s physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.
Stay warm with gloves, scarf, and hat.
Shield your eyes with sunglasses.
Stay hydrated with water.
Wear sturdy shoes or boots.
Capture memories with your camera.
Stay dry with a waterproof jacket.
Keep your feet cozy with warm socks.
Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Pack snacks for energy.
And for a Cotopaxi passport stamp:
Bring your original passport.
Authorized tourist transport.
Menu-type meal (lunch).
Bike and helmet.
Permits to enter protected areas.
Tips.
Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.
Frequently Asked questions
Cotopaxi Volcano
Q: What time do the day tours to Cotopaxi volcano start?
Q: Are meals included in the Cotopaxi day tour?
Q: Is hiking Cotopaxi suitable for beginners?
Q: What if the Cotopaxi hike is too physically exhausting for me?
Q: What should I bring for the Cotopaxi day tour?
Q: What safety measures are in place for the Cotopaxi day tour?
Q: How can I prepare for the Cotopaxi day tour?
1. Acclimatize to the Altitude
Cotopaxi’s high altitude can take a toll on your body if you’re not prepared. Spend at least a day or two in Quito (which is already at 2,850 meters/9,350 feet) to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
2. Dress in Layers
The weather in Cotopaxi can change rapidly, so it’s essential to dress appropriately. Bring:
- A waterproof jacket and pants
- A thermal base layer
- A fleece or warm sweater
- Gloves and a hat
3. Pack the Essentials
Here’s a checklist of what to bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun is intense at high altitudes)
- A reusable water bottle
- Snacks for extra energy
- A small daypack
4. Stay Hydrated and Energized
Drink water regularly throughout the day and snack on high-energy foods like nuts, dried fruits, or energy bars during the hike.
Q: Why Choose a Guided Tour?
- Safety: Experienced guides know the terrain and how to handle altitude-related issues.
- Convenience: Transportation, permits, and meals are usually included.
- Insight: Learn about Cotopaxi’s history, geology, and ecosystem from knowledgeable guides.
Cotopaxi Day Tour
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
Adventure level
per person
