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.