Caminata y paseo en bicicleta en Cotopaxi

$60 per person

A full-day group tour from Quito to Cotopaxi:

- Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
- Hike to José Rivas Refuge (4,800 m)
- Glacier hike (5,000 m)
- Downhill biking
- Limpiopungo Lake viewpoint
- Lunch included

Miercoles
Viernes
Sabado
Domingo

Pepsi

Itinerary

“Reiss and Escobar made history in 1872, and today the volcano is yours to discover.”

Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Este es un tour en grupo. Garantizamos salidas, incluso con una sola persona.

Tour Essentials

Tour languages: English & Spanish.

Average temperature: 6–16°C (43–61°F)
Expect weather with sun, clouds, wind, and sometimes light rain or even snow. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Pick Up in Quito

Your day tour begins with an easy pick-up from the two main areas in Quito. Please look for our white tour bus at these locations:

07:00 AM – Plaza Foch, en frente de Juan Valdez Café.
07:15 AM – Desde Plaza San Blas Café Zular.

Note: We recommend taking a taxi to these locations. Your guide will be there to check you in and introduce the group.

Machachi and Park Entrance

We drive south from Quito along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing through Machachi. Before entering the national park, we stop at a local restaurant where you can buy breakfast, water, or snacks (not included).

Once inside Cotopaxi National Park, we stop at a panoramic viewpoint for photos.

Cotopaxi Hike: Refuge and Glacier

The bus takes us to the parking area at 4,600 meters (15,092 ft).

From here, we begin a steady hike of 1 hour up to the José Rivas Refuge (4,800m). At the refuge, we take a 30-minute break to rest. You can buy a hot chocolate or snack, and also get a a novelty stamp from Cotopaxi.

Depending on conditions, your guide can take you further up to the Glacier Base (5,000m).

Descenso en bicicleta.

After our hike, we return to the parking lot (approx. 40 minutes). Now it is time for some adrenaline! We will drive to the starting point of the downhill biking activity. We provide bikes and helmets for a fun and easy downhill ride of about 20 to 30 minutes.

Tip: This activity is optional and suitable for all skill levels. If you don’t feel confident on a bike, you can stay on the bus and follow the group. You can stop the biking activity at any time and hop back on the bus.

Visita al mirador de la Laguna Limpiopungo.

Our biking route ends at Limpiopungo Lake, located at 3,800 meters. We stop here to enjoy the quiet nature and take photos of the volcano reflected in the water. Keep an eye out for the wild horses and Andean birds.

Almuerzo típico ecuatoriano.

We stop for an Ecuadorian lunch (included) with a starter, main course, and a drink. Please let us know about dietary restrictions in your booking.

Return to Quito

After lunch, we head back to Quito, arriving between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM at our original meeting points.

Heading South: If you are going to Latacunga, Baños, or Quilotoa, let our guide know. We can drop you off at a public transport point or arrange a private transfer.

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.

Precios

Cotopaxi Group Tour

$60 per person

Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

ZIncluye

- Certified & bilingual national guide
- Authorized tourist transport
- Lunch (menu-type meal)
- Bike and helmet
- Permit to enter Cotopaxi National Park

Excluido

- 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

This list is a recommendation for extra comfort, it’s not required.

Good to Know

- Novelty Cotopaxi Stamp available at refuge
- Moderate fitness is best, but you can return to the bus in case of altitude sickness
- You can hike at your own pace
- 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
- Acclimatize in Quito 1–2 days before the tour
- The guide may adjust the itinerary and schedule if necessary

Questions? Chat Live with us

Preguntas Frecuentes

Volcan Cotopaxi

Q: What time does the Cotopaxi tour start?

The tour departs early to ensure the best weather. We have two meeting points in Quito: Plaza Foch at 07:00 AM and Plaza San Blas at 07:15 AM. Please arrive 10 minutes early.

P: ¿Están incluidas las comidas en el tour de un día al Cotopaxi?

Yes. A traditional Ecuadorian lunch (starter, main course, and drink) is included. We recommend bringing your own water and extra snacks for energy during the hike.

P: ¿Es apta la caminata en el Cotopaxi para principiantes?

Yes. The hike is on a clear trail, and you can walk at your own pace. While you don’t need to be an athlete, a moderate fitness level is helpful because the altitude makes walking more difficult.

P: ¿Qué pasa si la caminata en Cotopaxi es demasiado agotadora para mí?

Don’t worry! If you feel tired or affected by the altitude, you can stop at any time or return to the tour bus. Our guides are experienced and will support you to ensure you stay safe and comfortable.

P: ¿Qué debo llevar para el tour de un día al Cotopaxi?

The weather changes quickly, so wear layers! Bring a warm waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes. Because the sun is very strong at high altitudes, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.

P: ¿Qué medidas de seguridad se implementan en el tour de un día al Cotopaxi?

Your safety is our priority. We use authorized tourist transport and certified bilingual guides. For the biking activity, we provide helmets and high-quality mountain bikes. If you don’t feel comfortable biking, you can stay safely on the bus.

P: ¿Cómo puedo prepararme para el tour de un día al Cotopaxi?

Para aprovechar al máximo su aventura en Cotopaxi, la preparación es clave.

1. Aclimátate a la altitud

La gran altitud del Cotopaxi puede afectar a su cuerpo si no está preparado. Pase al menos uno o dos días en Quito (que ya se encuentra a 2,850 metros / 9,350 pies) para aclimatarse. Beba mucha agua, evita el alcohol y toma las cosas con calma para reducir el riesgo de mal de altura.

2. Vístete en capas

El clima en Cotopaxi puede cambiar rápidamente, por lo que es esencial vestirse adecuadamente. Lleve:

Una chaqueta y pantalones impermeables
Una capa base térmica
Un forro polar o suéter abrigado
Guantes y un gorro

3. Empaque lo indispensable.

Aquí tiene una lista de verificación de lo que debe llevar:

Botas de senderismo resistentes
Gafas de sol y protector solar (el sol es intenso en las alturas)
Una botella de agua reutilizable
Snacks para energía extra
Una mochila pequeña de día

4. Mantengase hidratado y con energía

Beba agua regularmente durante todo el día y consuma alimentos energéticos como nueces, frutas secas o barras energéticas durante la caminata.

P: ¿Por qué elegir un tour guiado?

Aunque es posible visitar Cotopaxi por su cuenta, un tour guiado ofrece varias ventajas:

Seguridad: Los guías experimentados conocen el terreno y cómo manejar los problemas relacionados con la altitud.
Comodidad: El transporte, los permisos y las comidas suelen estar incluidos.
Conocimiento: Aprenda sobre la historia, geología y ecosistema de Cotopaxi con guías expertos.

Tour de un Día a Cotopaxi