Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Along the range of the Andean Mountains we can find the Cotopaxi National Park filled with an exceptional variety of flora and fauna species; also, it is home to the active volcano Cotopaxi (5,897 meters above sea level). The Limpiopungo lagoon is located at the foot of the volcano and here one could enjoy the view of the Andean Paramo and take incredible shots of the lagoon and the volcano.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cotopaxi National Park
On the border of the province of Pichincha, there is the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological reserve that combines the landscape of the Andean páramo, volcanic soil and the lagoon that emerge from the snow-capped mountains. Its main attraction is the volcano that bears its name which in Spanish means 'moon neck' given because of the conical shape of the crater. The elevation of the volcano is of 5,897 meters above sea level and is the second highest in the country. Visitors can discover different species of plants and animals like: wolves, rabbits, bears, condors, and among others that live in that territory. Visit The Interpretation Center: All information about the Cotopaxi National Park is available at the Interpretation Center, or better known as the Park Museum. The Center has showrooms, a souvenir shop and a coffee shop. It is located inside Mariscal Sucre Station (or Control Caspi entrance). Walk To The José Rivas Refuge (4864 Masl): Since the 70s, this refuge has been a welcoming place for professional mountaineers and amateurs coming to visit the Cotopaxi Volcano. Its name is in honor of the priest José Ribas who built it with the Mountaineering Club of San Gabriel High School. This place is located on the slopes of the volcano and an hour's walk from the parking lot.
Laguna de Limpiopungo
Visit Limpiopungo lake and have a nice view of the Cotopaxi volcano
Bilingual Guide (Spanish – English)
Tourist Transport
All Entrances
Details not specified
Tips
Lunch
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
304 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
robdymond,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great tour experience which was expertly led by Pam who spoke excellent English throughout - something we really appreciated. The hike to the base camp should not be underestimated and I'm glad we spent a couple of days in Quito prior to the tour to acclimatise to the altitude. It would be very difficult to fly in from sea level and immediately go on the tour, no matter your fitness. We were lucky enough to see Cotopaxi in all weather conditions which made for some excellent landscapes. Three layers including waterproof jacket is essential plus hat and neck buff.





OnAir60857864648,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent experience, beautiful scenery, good support from the guide, recommended for people with a thirst for adventure and whose physical condition allows it.
Mobile785489,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
My first time in Ecuador 🇪🇨 I leave happy with everything I saw and knew in this beautiful country, the gastronomy, the atmosphere, the landscapes, all those wonderful places I could know and above all the quality and special treatment of the people. Especially I want to thank the Guide Jessica and her driver on this tour to him Cotopaxi... I try level and a lot of professionalism, thanks to you I would repeat this trip once and a thousand times! 🙏 Very grateful!










747tatag,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
It magnifies the experience, the guide Jessica very gentle and knowledgeable. You feel great energy and connection to the land and volcano ⚡️⚡️⚡️

giogiocris,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Tour was spectacular, it was excellent weather and our guide was always attentive to the whole group!! The price is worth it for the activities we do and the time we spend walking:)


202amelieb,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had a really good time on this tour. Hiking to the Jose Rivas Refuge was super cool. Fernando was a great guide that was fun to be around. Definitely got a good workout in! I loved the bumpy ride up the mountain, definitely added to the experience.


Storyteller730307,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Exceptional! Day full of diverse experiences and emotions fully recommended 100% Great guide Fernando attentive organized and concerned to get the best experience for the group.

744jhong,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great experience, Good care and service with a guide specifying logistics, information of the ligaments seen and the main thing about our safety

FellowTraveler820639,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Sandra reds of Costa Rica super recommended the tour to the volcano cotopaxi the excellent guide without words great professional, I go wonder of quito and its majestic landscapes. Recommended to go to volcano cotopaxi HAPPY COSTA RICA PURA VIDA 🇨🇷




jongwoop966,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
My wife and I joined a Cotopaxi day tour, and our group was fairly large (26 people), so we traveled by a full-size coach. I was initially worried about taking a big bus up to the high-altitude parking area (close to 4,500m), but it handled the route without any issues. In fact, for a full day of driving, the coach was much more comfortable than a smaller vehicle. Our guides, Pamela and Jocelyn, were energetic, upbeat, and very informative. Pamela’s English was excellent, so communication was effortless throughout the day. Although the weather was poor in the morning, the sky opened up at intervals and we were able to see Cotopaxi’s summit and the north face clearly. Reaching the refuge at around 4,860m was a highlight—suddenly we had hail, and within minutes snow started accumulating, which was an unforgettable experience. One suggestion: the schedule felt a bit unbalanced. We spent quite a long time at the park entrance museum and the lake, which meant we had to come down from the mountain rather quickly. Reducing the museum time slightly and allowing more time on the mountain would improve the overall experience. Overall, a very memorable day and a well-run tour.





Operated by Best Trip Ecuador