8-Hour Cotopaxi Volcano Tour with Jose Rivas Refuge Hike

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Visit Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador's best-known and most visited parks
• 02 Learn about the volcano's geological history and the region's indigenous culture
• 03 See Limpiopungo Lagoon, a mirror of crystalline water in the middle of the mountains
• 04 Hike to the Jose Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters above sea level
• 05 Admire Cotopaxi Volcano, whose cone rises to 5,898 meters

Explore Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador's best-known and most visited protected areas. Discover the unique flora and fauna of this wonderful place at the interpretation center, visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, and enjoy a hike to the Jose Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m. Along the way, take in spectacular volcanic scenery and the remarkable landscape surrounding Cotopaxi Volcano.

Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, a mirror of crystalline water located in the middle of the mountains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Quito, Cotopaxi National Park

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Cotopaxi National Park and Jose Rivas Refuge

• Pick up from your hotel at 7:00 am and enjoy a scenic drive from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park at 3,200 m.
• Enjoy a cultural visit to the interpretation center, where you will learn about the geological history of the volcano, the indigenous culture of the region, and the importance of preserving this valuable ecosystem.
• Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, a mirror of crystalline water located in the middle of the mountains.
• Hike for approximately one hour from the parking lot to the first refuge, which is at 4,864 meters above sea level.
• Enjoy lunch with Ecuadorian gastronomy at one of the local restaurants, where you will taste delicious typical Ecuadorian dishes.
• After a day full of adventure and spectacular scenery, return to the city of Quito.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Bilingual English guide
• Transportation
• Entrance permits to protected areas

What's Not Included

• Additional food and beverages
• Entrance fees to the sites

What to bring

• Comfortable, warm clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Gloves
• Neck and ear protection
• Mask
• Goggles
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes for walking on mountain and sandy terrain

Know before you go

• The climate at Cotopaxi Volcano may change.
• You may need an extra change of clothes.
• You may experience a change in body temperature due to the weather.
• It is necessary to bring sweets.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

Quito, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.