Highlights
- Feel the thrill of hiking to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters
- Take in the stunning views of the Cotopaxi Volcano and its fumaroles
- Enjoy a hot drink before entering the park
- Hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon and see various types of páramo birds
- Visit the Information Center and purchase souvenirs in the gift shop
Description
Depart from Quito early in the morning and drive along the Pan-American Highway South to Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy the scenery along the Avenue of the Volcanoes as you reach the park, home to an active volcano standing at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet).
Before entering the National Park, stop at a cafeteria for a hot drink, canelazo (a hot cinnamon drink), and to purchase snacks. Afterward, check in and drive directly to the mountain parking lot at 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) to begin your 1-hour 45-minute hike (depending on your fitness level) to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters (15,953 feet). This will be the highest point of the day.
After this hike, descend by car to your second stop and take a 1-hour 30-minute hike around Limpiopungo, a lagoon where you'll see various types of páramo birds. After this fantastic high-altitude experience, visit the Information Center and purchase souvenirs in the gift shop.
Leave the National Park, have lunch at a local restaurant, and in the afternoon, return to your hotel in Quito. Optionally, rent mountain bikes for a descent from the mountain parking lot to Laguna Limpiopungo (additional cost).
Includes
Private transportation from Quito
Visit to Cotopaxi National Park
Hike to José Rivas Refuge
Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon
Visit to Information Center
Excludes
Mountain bike rental
Lunch
Important Information
- The tour involves high-altitude hiking
- Weather conditions can change rapidly
- Altitude sickness can occur
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
