1-Day Cotopaxi Volcano Tour with José Rivas Refuge Hike

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Machachi Town and discover its charming local attractions
• 02 Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon and enjoy stunning high-altitude landscapes
• 03 Trek to José Rivas Refuge and reach 4,864 meters elevation
• 04 See Cotopaxi's almost perfect snow-capped cone in the Avenue of the Volcanoes

Join us for an unforgettable full-day tour of Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Located along the renowned "Avenue of the Volcanoes," Cotopaxi features an almost perfect snow-capped cone rising to 5,897 meters above sea level. As the second-highest volcano in Ecuador, it offers breathtaking views and a unique adventure for nature enthusiasts. Travel from Quito into Cotopaxi National Park to visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center, and the José Rivas Refuge.

Trek to José Rivas Refuge (4,864 meters above sea level).

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Machachi

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Cotopaxi National Park and José Rivas Refuge

• Pick up from Quito.
• A private guide/driver is provided.
• Stop at Machachi Town.
• Register at Cotopaxi National Park (passport required).
• Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon.
• Explore the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center.
• Arrive at the volcano parking area.
• Trek to José Rivas Refuge (4,864 meters above sea level).
• Lunch is not included.
• Return to Quito.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private touristic transportation
• Pickups and drop-offs from some hotels in Quito
• Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• Entrance to the National Park
• Visit to the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center
• Guided walk at Limpiopungo Lake
• Hike to the first refuge, José Rivas, at 15,744 ft

What's Not Included

• Food
• Tips
• Other activities: horse riding, mountain biking

What to bring

• Wear warm clothes, walking shoes, face masks, glasses, water, caps, gloves, and a scarf.

Know before you go

• Bring your original passport if you wish to have it stamped when visiting Cotopaxi. Otherwise, bring a copy or photo of your passport.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

Quito, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.