Cotopaxi Volcano Quest!
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
More than a decade of Excellence on TripAdvisor! Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with CarpeDM Adventures as you ascend one of the world's towering titans - an active volcano soaring to a staggering 5,897 meters! And for those seeking seamless journeys, we've got you covered. Ready to embark? Reach out to us on WhatsApp at +593.98.534.1575 and let the adventure begin!
• 7.20 am Just outside our CarpeDM Operations / Go F.A.R Office
• 7.30 am Hilton Colon Hotel
• 07:45 Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park - stop off to pick up snacks / breakfast on the way.
• 09:30 Enter Cotopaxi National Park
• 10:00 Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre: The guide will give an explanation of the area, volcanoes, vegetation, animals.
• 10:30 4600m car park, begin the hike up to the Basecamp
• 12:30 Reach refuge at 4.864m.
• 13:00 Reach Glacier 5,000m. depends on conditions
• 14:00 Arrive at Limpiopungo lake.
• 15:00 Eat lunch - Included at traditional local Restaurant
• 16:00 Return to Quito
Additional Info
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
What to bring:
Warm clothing
Waterproof jacket
Gloves, scarf, hat
Hiking boots or trekking shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Extra snacks and water
Face masks
Hand sanitizer
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Since this is a private tour you can confirm with us if you prefer an additional short hike instead of the downhill bike ride. Itinerary • 7:30 Meet at meeting point CarpeDM Office (Jose Antepara E4-38 and Los Ríos, Old Town sector) • 07:45 Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park • 09:30 Enter Cotopaxi National Park • 10:00 The guide will give explanation of the area, volcanoes, vegetation, animals etc. • 10:30 4600m car park, begin hike up to the refuge • 12:30 Reach refuge at 4.864m. return to parking lot • 13:00 Equipment Check – Begin Bike ride back to the Limpiapungo lake (short 3 - 5 km ride) • 14:00 Arrive at Limpiapungo lake. • 15:00 Eat lunch (included) • 16:00 Return to Quito
Cotopaxi National Park
Behold the majestic Cotopaxi, a vision of perfection with its impeccably symmetrical cone draped in a lavish cloak of snow and ice. A crowning jewel of Ecuador, this volcano beckons travelers from across the globe, making it the nation's most adored and ascended peak. Nestled amidst the ethereal paramo plateau of the Cotopaxi National Park, witness wild horses roaming freely, their silhouettes dancing against the vast plains. They converge by the serene Limpiopungo lagoon, a mirror reflecting the pristine white summits of the neighboring Volcan Rumiñahui. This haven is not just a sight, but a symphony of nature, where waterfowl and avian wonders serenade the soul. 1. Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre - get your passport stamped :) 2. Basecamp 4864 m Jose Rivas Refuge 3. Laguna Limpiopungo - followed by a hearty lunch that is included.
What‘s Included
What’s Included:
Transport
Lunch
Guide
What’s Not Included:
Additional Snacks / Beverages
TIPS
Breakfast
Options
Cotopaxi Quest Day Tour!
Reviews
93 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This was a great...
Cem A,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great itinerary, where we got to see really nice views, did a nice hike up to base camp and learned a lot from our knowledgeable guide Lincoln. Highly recommended. It would be easier if you acclimate to the altitude in Quito but we managed it with one day.
Weather was miserable but it was a great trip.
Warren L,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Adversity just makes it more memorable. Yes, the road in is long and bumpy. Yes, we were buried in fog for much of the drive and hike. Wind was blowing hard, and the rain and hail stung. That said, we just plodded up the hill, loving the occasional breaks in the clouds and fog. Altitude was not an issue, just take it slow. We defrosted in the Refuge, then bundled up again. On the way down, we scampered down the short cut, and arrived at the car in 15 minutes. Definitely recommend the switchbacks for the ascent, and the steep short cut for the descent. Lincoln was great on the hill, and awesome at spotting wildlife. We saw Cara Cara birds, horses llamas, Andean gulls and an Andean fox. The fox was the wildlife highlight.
Great Trip to Cotopaxi
jacquelinerV4742VK,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip to Cotopaxi was amazing. Felipe was a great Guide, he gave us all relevant information needed and shared interesting experiences of his own. We can highly recommend this tour. Thank You!
Truly Memorable Day to Cotopaxi!
TrailBlazer781583,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Felipe and CarpeDM made our 30th anniversary a truly memorable experience! Felipe was a wonderful guide and made sure we were well prepared for the climb to Cotopaxi base camp. He had all the supplies we needed and made sure we were safe at all times. We had a great weather day and it was truly a special place to see. We had a wonderful lunch after the climb and bike ride to the lagoon. They treated us with an anniversary cake and song. After that was a surprise visit to the rose farm. All in all a special day we will treasure. They worked with us to pick us up at the hotel and drop us at the airport. Highly recommend Felipe and CarpeDM.
Awesome Cotopaxi day!
Pathfinder221627,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome day hiking to Cotopaxi base camp. Mountain biking down was great. Lunch was excellent. Our guide, Felipe Paez, was a wealth of information and made the day even more enjoyable. Highly recommend them!
Stunning
F4462HOmarcelor,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent and unique travel experience. We went with guide Felipe to Cotopaxi. Felipe throughout the journey, still in the city of Quito, passed us a lot of information about the city as well as the country: Ecuador. This information on the geographical and ethnic issues of the country and especially those that concerned our invested, the care when arriving and climbing the Cotopaxi. The tour goes through stunning, unique places. The bike tour, the visit to the lagoon near the volcano and lunch are other attractions of this tour. You still had the surprise provided by Felipe but I can't talk because surprise is surprise! Rsrsrsr I'll be back on new trips with the Enterprise.
Epic day with lots learned
778kaitlynf,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day trip with Alejandro going from Quito to Cotopaxi! He was highly knowledgeable and was able to answer our questions throughout the day. He was patient while I slowly hiked up the volcano and was encouraging as we biked later in the day. We’ve done a number of tours on our travels and this was by far the most experienced a guide has been. Many thanks! Highly recommend!
Great day trip to Cotopaxi National Park
C245BBfabiana,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day tour with Felipe was great. He took great care of everything and explained everything well. You felt safe throughout and it was a lot of fun to hike on the Cotopaxi. The description corresponded to the tour.
Great experience
sandressas2025,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. The guide Lincoln had a lot of patience with me, as I had difficulty climbing due to breathing. During the journey was explaining the whole story and acclimating us to the Main moment. Super recommend.
Amazing Cotopaxi day tour with Felipe hiking to base camp and mountain biking
jonvangyi,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time on the Cotopaxi day tour with Felipe. He prepared us well for the day and was very knowledgeable. I recommend this tour for anyone wanting to see the national park.
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Operated by CarpeDM Adventures