Cotopaxi Guided Tour with Transportation from Baños to Quito
Pichincha, Ecuador
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Embark on this tour to discover the wonders of Ecuador's most visited National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, the second-highest active volcano in the world.
Highlights
- Arrive at the Caspi Checkpoint
- Visit and tour of the Limpiopungo lagoon
- Hike to the José Rivas Shelter, located at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level
- Descend from the volcano to the parking lot
Description
Optimize your return with our transportation from Baños to Quito on a guided tour of Cotopaxi National Park; explore the second-highest active volcano in the world, hike to the José Rivas Refuge (4,864 meters above sea level), and enjoy a comfortable and efficient experience amid spectacular Andean landscapes. What should I bring? Camera. Sunglasses. Extra cash. Sunscreen. Bottle of water (1 liter). Warm, cozy clothes and comfortable shoes. Itinerary 6:30 a.m.: Pick-up from your hotel in the city of Baños de Agua Santa in a private vehicle. 9:00 AM: After switching to our tour vehicle, the group will begin the scheduled tour. 10:00 AM: Arrival at the first station, 'Control Caspi,' located at 3,200 meters above sea level (10,498 feet). 10:30 AM: Continue by vehicle to the 'Mariscal Sucre' Interpretation Center, located at 3,800 meters above sea level (12,467 feet). 30-minute visit to the center to learn about the flora, fauna, and history of Cotopaxi Volcano. 11:00 AM: Visit and tour of the Limpiopungo Lagoon. Located northwest of Cotopaxi Volcano, at 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level. 11:45 AM: Drive to the parking lot located at 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) above sea level. 12:00 PM: Start of the hike to the José Rivas Shelter, the only shelter on Cotopaxi, located at 4,800 meters above sea level (15,748 feet). The ascent takes about 1 hour. 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Jose Ribas Shelter. 1:30 p.m.: In favorable weather conditions, the hike can be continued to the volcano's glaciers. 2:00 p.m.: Descent from the volcano to the parking lot, taking approximately 1 hour. 3:00 PM: Lunch. 6:00 PM: Arrival in Quito City. (Drop-off at over 50 hotels in the tourist area of Quito).Includes
Lunch Certified guide Travel assistance Reserve entrance fee Tourist transportationExcludes
Additional drinks and snacks during the tourImportant Information
- Recommendations: Gear: It is recommended to bring warm and waterproof clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks. Physical fitness: Hiking and downhill biking are activities that require good physical fitness. Acclimatization: It is important to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the hike. It is recommended to spend at least one day in Quito (2,800 meters above sea level / 9,186.35 feet) before starting the activity.