Discover the towering peaks of the Andes with a guided day trip to Cotopaxi National Park departing directly from Quito. Choose from scenic high-altitude hikes, horseback rides with local Chagras, or multi-stop adventures that include the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon.
Free Cancellation Explore Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes and diverse Andean wildlife.
Free Cancellation Ride with Andean cowboys and hike to Cotopaxi’s high-altitude base camp on this community-led mountain adventure.
Free Cancellation Visit the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano and the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake on this full-day Andean highlands tour.
Free Cancellation Visit one of the world's highest active volcanoes on a day trip through Cotopaxi National Park.
Free Cancellation Explore the 5,897m Cotopaxi volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks known as the Avenue of Volcanoes.
Free Cancellation Hike the Cotopaxi foothills and explore the waterfalls and cable cars of Baños on this day trip from Quito.
Free Cancellation Ride through Cotopaxi National Park with a private guide and a local chagra on a 2 to 4-hour mountain trek.
Free Cancellation Visit the Cotopaxi volcano and the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake on a private, full-day guided trip from Quito.
Free Cancellation Hike to the Jose Rivas refuge and reach the 5,000-meter glacier line on this full-day trip to Cotopaxi National Park.
Free Cancellation A one-day trip from Quito to Baños including stops at Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa crater lake.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Cotopaxi — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A tour to Cotopaxi from Quito takes you deep into the high-altitude Andean páramo to witness one of the world's most iconic, perfectly symmetrical active volcanoes. You'll leave the bustling city behind for a landscape of sweeping grasslands, glacial peaks, and unique wildlife, with options ranging from leisurely lagoon walks to challenging high-altitude treks.
Take a scenic, flat walk around this high-altitude wetland at 3,800 meters. You can spot wild horses, Andean gulls, and hummingbirds while enjoying stunning reflections of the volcano.
Challenge your lungs on a steep 45-minute hike up red volcanic scree to reach this famous mountain hut at 4,800 meters. Reward yourself with hot cocoa and panoramic views.
For those pushing a bit further, a trek past the refuge takes you to the volcano's tropical glacier at 4,864 meters. Touch the ancient ice and marvel at the massive crevasses.
Explore the wind-swept Andean plains on horseback alongside local Chagras (Ecuadorian cowboys). It's an immersive way to experience the vast paramo away from the main tourist trails.
Thrill-seekers can ride mountain bikes from the high-altitude refuge parking lot all the way down to the park entrance, transitioning rapidly from volcanic rock to green pastures.
Experienced climbers can embark on a midnight ascent to the 5,897-meter summit. Navigating snow bridges and crevasses, you'll reach the crater rim just in time for a spectacular sunrise.
Planning a day trip to Cotopaxi requires a bit of preparation, especially regarding the high altitude and unpredictable mountain weather. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
You can choose from budget-friendly group day trips, private excursions, or combo tours that visit both Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Lagoon in a single 10-12 hour day. Specialized tours focusing on horseback riding or downhill biking are also popular.
Cotopaxi sits at a very high elevation, with the park entrance at 3,500 meters and the refuge at 4,800 meters. These tours are not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, and even fit individuals should spend a few days acclimatizing in Quito first.
Entry to Cotopaxi National Park is completely free. However, it is mandatory to bring your physical passport or a valid ID, as you must register with a park ranger at the entrance gate before being allowed inside.
Most guided tours offer free pick-up from central Quito neighborhoods like La Carolina, Plaza Foch, and Plaza Grande. If you are staying outside the metropolitan area (like near the airport), expect an additional surcharge of around $35.
The high Andes can shift from hot sun to freezing fog in minutes. You must dress in warm layers, including a windproof/waterproof jacket, gloves, and a hat. High-factor sunscreen and sunglasses are strictly required due to intense UV rays.
While private and premium tours often include lunch, budget group tours might not. The José Ribas refuge sells basic snacks and warm drinks, but it's highly recommended to pack your own water, chocolates, and energy bars.
Most Cotopaxi tours offer a standard cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Full-Day Group Tour | Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Combo | Horseback Riding Adventure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 9 - 12 hours | 10 - 12 hours | 9 hours |
| Best for | Budget travelers & solo backpackers | Travelers short on time wanting to see top sights | Adventurers & culture enthusiasts |
| Includes | Bilingual guide, transport, park registration | Transport, guide, lunch, entries to both parks | Transport, Chagra guide, horse equipment, lunch |
| Price from | $59 | $177 - $240 | $130 - $250 |
Cotopaxi National Park is open daily, but access is strictly regulated by park rangers.
Cotopaxi is located approximately 50 kilometers south of Quito, making it an easy day trip.
While Cotopaxi National Park can be visited year-round, weather plays a massive role in your experience.
Due to its rugged, high-altitude environment, Cotopaxi presents significant accessibility challenges.
Facilities inside the protected national park are limited, so visitors should come prepared.
As a highly monitored active volcano and protected conservation area, strict rules apply to all visitors.
Entry to the national park is completely free of charge for all visitors. However, you must present a valid passport or ID to register with a park ranger at the entrance gate.
You can visit the lower areas of the park, like Limpiopungo Lagoon, independently if you have a vehicle. However, if you plan to climb to the volcano's summit, you are legally required to hire a certified local guide.
The hike to the refuge is short (about 45 minutes) but moderately to highly difficult due to the steep volcanic scree and the extreme altitude. The trail starts at 4,600 meters and ends at 4,800 meters, which will heavily test your lungs.
The weather is highly unpredictable. You must dress in warm layers, including a fleece, wind/rainproof shell, gloves, and a warm hat. High-factor sunscreen and sunglasses are also strictly required due to intense UV rays.
It depends on the tour. Private tours and combo day trips often include lunch, while budget group tours usually do not. It is always wise to pack your own water and high-energy snacks.
Yes, many tour operators offer 10 to 12-hour combo tours that visit both Cotopaxi National Park and the stunning emerald-green Quilotoa Lagoon in a single day.
Acute mountain sickness is a real risk. If you experience severe headaches or nausea, you should walk very slowly, drink plenty of water, and immediately descend to a lower elevation. Tour guides are trained to monitor and assist with this.
Yes, it is safe to visit, but it is heavily monitored. The park has automated warning sirens in place. If the alarm sounds continuously, visitors are instructed to immediately evacuate along designated routes.
No, pets are strictly prohibited inside Cotopaxi National Park. This rule is enforced to protect the native wildlife, such as Andean condors and wild horses.
Most tours offer free pick-up in central tourist areas like La Carolina, Plaza Foch, and Plaza Grande. If you are staying outside the metropolitan area, such as near the airport, expect an additional fee of around $35.
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Cotopaxi National Park is centered around the towering Cotopaxi volcano, which reaches an elevation of 5,897 meters in the heart of the Andes. As one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, its snow-capped peak dominates the landscape, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding high-altitude plains. The park serves as a vital habitat for a wide range of Andean species. Visitors can observe unique flora and fauna adapted to this specific environment, including wild horses, Andean gulls, and various birds found throughout the protected paramo ecosystem.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour explores the less-traveled side of Cotopaxi National Park, combining a scenic horseback ride with a trek to the volcano's Base Camp. You will ride alongside local Chagras, Ecuador’s traditional cowboys, through open Andean landscapes. By eating lunch directly at the Base Camp rather than leaving the park early, you get more time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the views of the highest active volcano in South America. Our local guides prioritize a flexible pace to help everyone reach the refuge, regardless of previous hiking or riding experience. Every booking contributes directly to a local community development project. Please be aware that this trip involves high altitudes, uneven terrain, and unpredictable mountain weather. Due to the physical demands, it is not recommended for travelers with serious heart conditions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This 10-hour trip is designed for travelers who want to see two of Ecuador’s most famous landmarks—Cotopaxi and Quilotoa—in a single day. The morning is spent at Cotopaxi National Park, where you can walk through the high-altitude páramo and photograph the volcano's snow-covered cone. The route offers wide views of the central highlands as you move between locations. After exploring the national park, you will head to the Quilotoa lagoon. This water-filled volcanic crater is the highlight of the afternoon. You can view the lagoon from the rim or take the optional trail down to the shore. Tours are run in small groups or as private excursions to keep the experience flexible. The trip is accessible to most travelers and does not require specialized fitness, though comfortable walking shoes and warm layers are essential for the mountain weather. Remember to bring sun protection and a camera for the various stops along the way.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Leave the city behind for a day to explore Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Standing at 5,897 meters, the snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi dominates the landscape of the Ecuadorian Andes. The trip focuses on the natural scenery of the high-altitude paramo. You will have the chance to see the volcano up close and experience the quiet, open spaces of the national park before returning to the city in the evening.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, Spanish
Cotopaxi National Park is situated in the eastern range of the Ecuadorian Andes. The park's main feature is the Cotopaxi volcano, which stands 5,897 meters tall, making it the second-highest peak in the country. This symmetrical stratovolcano is a central part of the region's volcanic chain, often referred to as the Avenue of Volcanoes. The landscape is shared with several other mountains, including Sincholagua, Pasochoa, and Rumiñahui. The name Cotopaxi originates from the Quichua language and translates to "Neck of the Moon," a reference to its distinct shape and high altitude.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The tour begins with a morning pickup followed by a 90-minute drive to Cotopaxi National Park. After registering at the entrance, you will visit the Limpiopungo lagoon for a hike along the shore. If the weather is clear, you will have views of the 5,897-meter Cotopaxi Volcano. Following the hike, the trip continues with a three-hour drive to the city of Baños. Once in Baños, you will take a short city tour before visiting the Agoyan and Manto de la Novia waterfalls. To see the latter, you will ride a traditional 'tarabita' cable car across the Pastaza River for a close-up view. The itinerary also includes a visit to a local sweet factory and a stop at the Pailón del Diablo, the area's most famous waterfall. The final activity is a visit to the Tree House, home to the swing above the clouds. After spending time at this viewpoint, the guide will drive you back to Quito to conclude the tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour begins with a private pickup from Quito, where your English-speaking guide will accompany you directly into Cotopaxi National Park. Once there, you will meet a local chagra (Andean cowboy) from Machachi. Unlike many excursions that operate on the park’s outskirts, this ride takes place entirely within the national park boundaries, offering immediate access to highland trails and views of the volcano. You can choose the duration of your ride, with options for a two-hour scenic route or a more intensive four-hour trek. As you navigate the high-altitude terrain, you will look for wild horses and learn about the region's equestrian traditions from your guides. Both the private guide and the local chagra remain with you throughout the day to assist with the horses and provide context on the local environment.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This private day trip takes you from Quito to two of Ecuador’s most famous volcanic sites: Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon. You’ll travel through the Andean highlands in a climate-controlled vehicle, leaving the driving to a professional while you watch the mountain landscape. The itinerary covers the high-altitude plains surrounding the active Cotopaxi volcano and the deep, emerald-colored crater lake at Quilotoa. Since the tour is private, you have the flexibility to spend more time at specific viewpoints or hike at a speed that feels comfortable for you. Your guide handles the logistics and provides context on the regional geology and culture. The service includes door-to-door transport with pickup and drop-off at your Quito hotel, making it possible to see both landmarks in a single day without the need to coordinate multiple buses or rentals.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour departs from Quito and travels south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to reach Cotopaxi National Park. The area is home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes and features a distinct landscape of high-altitude Andean plants and wildlife. The main activity of the day is a trek up the slopes of the volcano. You will hike to the Jose Rivas refuge, the mountain's primary basecamp, and then continue upward to the glacier line at an elevation of 5,000 meters. This route offers a close-up look at the volcanic terrain and the surrounding mountain ranges.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The Jacamar Pass connects Quito to Baños in a single day, covering the logistics of transportation and activities so you can focus on the landscape. This route is designed for independent travelers who want to see the Ecuadorian highlands without the stress of coordinating multiple buses or private drivers. During the trip, you will visit Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon. The tour emphasizes access to local communities and authentic sites along the way, providing a more direct connection to the region than standard commercial routes. You have the flexibility to stay at your destination as long as you like, with all necessary park entries and transport included in the pass.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish