AN ECUADORIAN LANDMARK AND MUST-SEE DESTINATION

Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Cotopaxi National Park awaits you! This breathtakingly beautiful park is home to the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding Andean mountains and landscapes. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, this day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park is an experience you won’t forget.

On a scenic drive south on the Panamerican Highway towards the national park you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Avenue of Volcanoes, a stretch of road flanked by towering peaks. Once you arrive at the parking lot inside the national park at 4,500 meters above sea level, our bilingual tour guide will lead you on a challenging yet rewarding hike up to the refuge of Cotopaxi Volcano. The mountain refuge “José Rivas” is located on the northern slope of the Cotopaxi Volcano at 4,864 meters. 

Enjoy some well-deserved tea or coffee while admiring the awe-inspiring views. This scenic adventure promises an unforgettable experience, and you can make it more exciting with a mountain bike ride from the parking lot down to Limpiopungo Lake at the foot of the volcano, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into the Andean paramo flora and fauna.

Shared tours with a group of up to 20 travelers are available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Private tours can be organized any day, please indicate your preferred travel date during the booking process.

-> Observe picturesque Andean landscapes of the Avenue of Volcanoes while traveling south on the Panamerican highway to Cotopaxi National Park

-> Hike up to the refuge of Cotopaxi Volcano at 4864 m (15,950 ft), and take in nature’s stunning views while enjoying hot tea or coffee

-> Learn about Cotopaxi Volcano and the national park’s native flora and fauna from our bilingual tour guide

-> For the adventurous: ride mountain bikes downhill from the parking lot to Limpiopungo Lake, located at the foot of the volcano

-> Minimize costs and maximize the fun by joining a shared tour with adventurers from all around the globe. Or enjoy a more intimate, personalized experience with a private tour

 ->  The weather in the Cotopaxi National Park is unpredictable, always be prepared for wind, rain and sun. We recommend to dress in layers and bring warm clothing.

 ->  For you to fully enjoy this tour, we recommend you stay at least two days in Quito or at a similar altitude for proper acclimatization. 

 ->  The use of sunglasses and a face mask might be required because of falling ash.

 ->  Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging

 ->  Being in good physical condition is required for some activities, like the hike to Cotopaxi mountain refuge. You can always stay behind in the car, if you do not feel up to any of the activities. There are no refunds for activities, tours, or other services that you do not take.

 ->  The itinerary is subject to change for operational reasons beyond our control (e.g. bad weather).

 ->  Midland Travel recommends all passengers to have travel insurance that includes personal medical insurance and trip cancellation.

 ->  If you have any food restrictions, special health requirements, or needs, please let us know in advance.

-> Midland Travel terms & conditions apply to all bookings. Review them at: https://midlandtravel.com.ec/terms-conditions/

We depart from a meeting point in the La Mariscal neighborhood in Quito at 7:15 AM and from a meeting point in the old town (Plaza San Blas) at 7:30 AM. While traveling south on the Panamerican Highway to Cotopaxi National Park, you will be able to appreciate the beautiful Andean landscapes of the Avenue of Volcanoes.

Upon arrival in the Cotopaxi National Park, our bilingual tour guide will begin telling us about the Cotopaxi Volcano and the national park’s stunning flora and fauna. 

We’ll continue to the parking lot at 4500 m (14,760 ft) by car. From there, we hike up to the refuge of Cotopaxi Volcano “José Rivas”, which lies at 4864 m (15,953 ft). Here we will take some time to rest, enjoy some hot tea or coffee and take in nature’s stunning views, before we head back to the parking lot.

Adventurous tour group members have the option of riding mountain bikes from the parking lot downhill to Limpiopungo Lake.* For others, the car will be available to transfer down to the lake. 

Before returning to Quito, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 

We will be back in Quito at around 5:30 PM. Arrival time in Quito can vary depending on traffic.

*The mountain bike activity is only included on shared tours. On private tours, it can be added for an extra cost.