Full-Day Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour with Limpiopungo Lake

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Marvel at the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano
• 02 Roam beside the beautiful Limpiopungo Lake
• 03 Witness the area's exuberant flora and fauna
• 04 Explore the magnificent Quilotoa crater lake
• 05 Visit Tigua town to interact with locals and see their artworks

Sign up for this excursion to explore the incredible Cotopaxi Active Volcano, the world's highest active volcano, surrounded by lakes and highland grasses. Walk around Limpiopungo Lake to observe the exuberant flora and fauna of the area and take in panoramic views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Continue to Quilotoa to explore its volcanic crater and beautiful emerald-coloured lake. Travel around Tigua town to understand the culture and traditions of the villagers and admire local artisans' painting and pottery skills.

Sign up for this excursion to explore the incredible Cotopaxi Active Volcano, the world's highest active volcano, surrounded by lakes and highland grasses.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Crater Lake

• Connect with your tour guide at 7:00 am, who will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation to begin the itinerary.
• Drive for around 90 minutes to reach the Cotopaxi ranger station.
• From there, switch vehicles and get into a four-wheel-drive car to reach 14,700 feet.
• After about 45 more minutes, arrive at the parking area and walk up to the refuge at 16,000 feet. The walk lasts around 40 minutes, and this part of the tour must be completed within 4 hours. Optionally, you can walk around a lake to enjoy birdwatching. This easier walk takes about 1 hour in total, instead of hiking up to the refuge.
• Once this part ends, continue driving to Quilotoa. It takes about 2 hours from the Cotopaxi entrance to reach Quilotoa, so the visit there can begin at around 2:00 pm.
• Next, explore the inactive Quilotoa Volcano.
• Walk to Quilotoa Lake, an awe-inspiring water-filled crater lake. This incredible lake is filled with blue-turquoise water and surrounded by giant sheer cliffs.
• Have a delicious lunch meal, with the chance to try local food.
• Return to Quito by 7:00 pm, where the tour ends.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private transportation
• English-speaking driver and tour guide

What's Not Included

• Food
• Drinks
• Ticket fee for attractions

What to bring

• Rain jacket
• Hiking boots
• Hiking poles
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Warm clothes

Know before you go

• Weather can sometimes affect the experience. If it is raining, you may not be able to see the top of the volcano.
• If it is cloudy, you will most likely not be able to see the glacier.
• If you want to do horseback riding, we can call the lodge to book it.
• Weather can change suddenly and affect the experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.