Private Cotopaxi Tour
From hotel in Quito
From 100 USD p.p.
departures every day:
- Private tour
itinerary
Cotopaxi Hike & Bike
“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.
Price from: 100 USD per person for our private day tour.
Departures every day.
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.
Extra food, snacks and drinks.
Tips.
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.
Price from: 100 USD per person for our private day tour.
Departures every day.
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.
Extra food, snacks and drinks.
Tips.
Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.
Frequently Asked questions
Private Cotopaxi Tour
Q: What makes a private Cotopaxi tour different from a group tour?
A private Cotopaxi tour offers personalized service, flexibility in pacing and stops, and a dedicated guide and driver just for you. Unlike group tours, your itinerary can be adapted based on your interests, whether you want to spend more time hiking, photographing wildlife, or simply enjoying the views.
Q: Is the private Cotopaxi tour suitable for families or older travelers?
Yes. Since it’s private, we can adjust the itinerary and activity level to suit your group’s needs. Families with kids, seniors, and travelers with mobility concerns often prefer private tours for the extra comfort and customization.
Q: Can I choose what to include on my private Cotopaxi tour?
Definitely. You can request longer stops at destinations like Limpiopungo Lagoon, the refuge, a hike to the glacier line, or even add activities like mountain biking or horseback riding. Let us know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and we’ll build the day around that.
Q: Do I need to be in great shape for this tour?
You don’t need to be an athlete, but a basic level of fitness helps, especially if you plan to hike to the refuge. The pace is always adjusted to your ability and you can skip the hike altogether and still enjoy incredible views and landscapes.
Q: What should I bring for the Cotopaxi 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
Trek to breathtaking heights and ride down volcanic slopes for the ultimate adventure.
Departures
Wed - Fri - Sat - Sun
Duration
Full day
Highlights
Hike & bike
Physical level
Adventure level
per person
Quilotoa Day Tour
From Quito
group tour
Visit a stunning turquoise lake, meet locals, and enjoy amazing views of the Andes.
Departures
Tue - Thu - Sun
Duration
Full day
Highlights
Hike & views
Physical level
Adventure level
per person
Mindo Day Tour
From Quito
group tour
Explore waterfalls, spot colorful birds, zipline and enjoy the beauty of nature in Mindo.
Departures
Fri
Duration
Full day
Highlights
Nature & wildlife
Physical level
Adventure level
per person
Otavalo Day Tour
From Quito
group tour
Discover Ecuador’s most famous market, meet locals, and find handmade souvenirs.
Departures
Tue - Sat
Duration
Full day
Highlights
Market & equator
Physical level
Adventure level
per person
Cotopaxi Horseback Day Tour
From Quito
group tour
Ride through stunning Andean landscapes with amazing views of Cotopaxi Volcano.
Departures
Wed - Fri - Sat - Sun
Duration
Full day
Highlights
Horseback & views
Physical level
Adventure level
per person
2-Day Cotopaxi & Quilotoa
From Quito
group tour
Explore two of Ecuador’s most stunning places and stay overnight in the Andes.
Departures
Tue - Wed - Thu - Sat
Duration
2 days
Highlights
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa
Physical level
Adventure level
per person
