Private Tour
Cotopaxi National Park Private Tour from Quito with Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Visiting one of the highest active volcanoes in the world is an unforgettable experience. Our tour allows you to explore Cotopaxi National Park safely and comfortably with the support of a local mountain guide who joins the experience inside the park.
You will travel by 4x4 vehicle to the José Rivas Refuge, located high on the slopes of the volcano, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and experience walking at high altitude.
The tour also includes visits to Limpiopungo Lagoon and the Interpretation Center, where you can learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the park.
To complete the experience, we suggest a stop at a traditional local restaurant after leaving the park, giving you the chance to enjoy authentic Ecuadorian cuisine while surrounded by the landscapes of the Andes.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Quito. From there we travel south along the Pan-American Highway, also known as the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, enjoying beautiful views of the Andean landscape as we head toward Cotopaxi National Park.
Cotopaxi National Park
Upon arrival at the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, you will meet a certified local guide, required for visits inside the protected areas of the park. From here the experience continues in a 4x4 vehicle, allowing access to the higher areas of the park. The first stop is the parking area below the José Ribas Refuge, located at approximately 4,800 meters (15,750 ft) above sea level. Travelers can take a short hike toward the refuge and enjoy spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding volcanic landscapes. On the way down we continue to Limpiopungo Lagoon, a beautiful high-altitude lake where visitors can observe wild horses, Andean birds, and the unique páramo ecosystem. We also visit the Cotopaxi Interpretation Center, where travelers can learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the national park.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Personal expenses
Pickup points
Holiday Inn Express Quito by IHG
Ave. Orellana E6-54, Y Calle Reina Victoria Quito Ecuador
Wyndham Garden Quito
Alemania E5 103, Av. La Republica Quito Ecuador
Mariscal Sucre Airport
Quito Ecuador
JW Marriott Hotel Quito
Avenida Orellana 1172 Y Avenida Amazonas Quito Ecuador
Options
Private Cotopaxi Tour 1-3 pax
Private Tour / Family Tour: Private experience from Quito with transportation and local mountain guide inside Cotopaxi National Park.
Duration: 7 hours
Route of the Volcanoes: Quito – Pan-American Highway (Avenue of the Volcanoes) – Cotopaxi National Park – José Rivas Refuge – Limpiopungo Lagoon – In
SUV / VAN
Pickup included
Private Cotopaxi Tour 1-6 pax
Private Tour
Duration: 7 hours: Full-day experience visiting Cotopaxi National Park including the José Rivas Refuge, Limpiopungo Lagoon
Route of the Volcanoes: Quito – Pan-American Highway (Avenue of the Volcanoes) – Cotopaxi National Park – Return to Quito
VAN
Pickup included
Private Cotopaxi Tour 1-2 pax
Private Tour/ Family tour: Private experience from Quito with transportation and local mountain guide inside Cotopaxi National Park.
Duration: 7 hours: Full-day experience visiting Cotopaxi National Park including the José Rivas Refuge, Limpiopungo Lagoon and Interpretation Ce
Route of the Volcanoes: Quito – Pan-American Highway (Avenue of the Volcanoes) – Cotopaxi National Park – José Rivas Refuge – Limpiopungo Lagoon – In
SUV Vehicle or Van: Private transportation from Quito. Inside the park the experience continues with a 4x4 vehicle operated by the local guide.
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Trip of a lifetime....Part 1!
Voyager787431,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cant explain how amazing this adventure was. The original reason for our presence was a wedding. But, I learned so much during the week i was here. From airport service to volcano to Historic Center. The guides were more than knowledgable (Jorge, Alejandro and Alex) all were amazing! Great english and quick to make us feel comfortable through the vibe of the city. The cost was minimal and definitely affordable to the point i want to do it again. There was not a problem navigating through the people as it was not too crowded. They are the best for teaching you about the country while here. I loved the Basilicas and the Mountains both. THANK YOU TEAM!
Anytime again!!!
P8647LYmartins,Feb 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did 2 days with Jorge! First day we did an 100% customized Trip to Mindo Cloud Forest - We enjoyed it so much, that we chose to book another day with him after an 1week stay at Galapagos. We wanted to have something „special“ as it was my wife’s Birthday! So we gave Jorge some information on what she enjoys to see and he planned the trip. And what to say, it was absolutely outstanding! We so much enjoyed being with him, he was able to give us a huge amount of information about the destinations we visited as well as the Country, City, People and History… it was by far the best tour we ever booked and it was worth every second we had with him! Anytime again!!
Fun and well-organized day trip
PP AmsNL,Sep 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The two of us visited Lake Limpiopungo and had a lovely hike in the area with a very friendly local guide. There is also the option to hike all the way to José Rivas refuge at 4.864 meters, but we did not do so because we had not acclimatized to the altitude enough. Instead, we visited a nearby town and a bit of Quito that we had not seen yet. Overall, Jorge, the owner is very flexible, punctual and drives carefully. This private tour was about $60 more expensive than a group tour for 2 people, but the freedom and flexibility makes up for it. Recommended!
Best option!
hannesmarth,Sep 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jose was the best driver in Ecuador we had! While bringing us from A to B he explained a lot interesting Things about his country and the people and we learned so much. Beside this he is really friendly and gently! Thanks Jose!
Highly recommended
davidwX6287HQ,Oct 9, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We used Jorge for several trips over 3 weeks. He was always on time, the vehicle was very clean, the driver was very careful, and he was thoughtful and courteous. His knowledge of the area was an added bonus to the trip. In the future, we will certainly use his services again.
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