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
107 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Out of my comfort zone and much better for the experience
johntG156NK,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We started the hike at 4500m and went to almost 4900m, which took over an hour. It was quite cold; I wished I’d brought hat and gloves, but the tour was a spur of the moment decision. The thin air was making my chest thump, though the guide Felipe often checked in on everyone and encouraged us to take breaks. The views were spectacular and worth every bit of the climb. After we returned to the bus, we drove back down the road and at a point began riding cross country bikes down the dirt road. The guide was very safety oriented and made sure we were completely aware of the dangers. I appreciated that the guide repeatedly said it wasn’t a race, and that ambulance and hospital were very far away. I felt fully informed when we were asked to sign a waiver. We rode down for about half an hour over what someone called washboard road. It was bumpy but really fun. I was very impressed with Felipe; I always felt safe and he was very approachable.
Hiking towards Cotopaxi
andreaskT5950RL,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful day trip! We had a great time with our guide, good conversation, information and finally good weather to see the magnificent Cotopaxi. As far as I can tell it was reasonable price for an adventure you should not miss while you’re in Quito!
Amazing company!!!
570JenniferV,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the Cotopaxi Volcano tour as an add-on option booked through G Adventures, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and professionally managed while still being fun and relaxed. The tour guide was incredibly friendly and kind, providing great background information about the volcano and the different sites we passed along the way. He made sure everyone felt comfortable on the trail, always checking on the group and making sure the slowest person was never left behind. I really appreciated how attentive and supportive he was throughout the hike. The driver was also excellent, and the whole team worked together seamlessly. The tour guide was very mindful of dietary restrictions and made sure lunch met everyone’s needs, which showed great attention to detail. As a nice bonus, we also received t-shirts and chocolate, which was a thoughtful touch. What I appreciated the most was their honesty and professionalism. I accidentally left my phone on the bus after being dropped off, and they coordinated everything so quickly that I had it back within 15 minutes. They were very helpful and nice about my mistake. As a foreign traveler, that was incredibly reassuring and meant a lot that they were so considerate about a lost cell phone being an urgent issue. Overall, this was a fantastic Cotopaxi tour. Professional, organized, friendly, and thoughtful from beginning to end. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone visiting Ecuador. One of the best tour operators I’ve ever used across multiple continents and countries. Highly recommend!!!
Kind and professional care on Cotapaxi incident
H2995LJrebeccaa,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a lovely time. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly with good english. The journey up the mountain was really fun, just the right amount of challenging for us (m&f 37y). We did have an older party member who was older and struggled a little with the downhill, Filipe was very kind and helped her. She later fell off her bike and was badly injured requiring urgent medical care. Filipe was kind and professional. He arranged for us to take our prepaid lunches away so that we didn't miss out while ensuring our team member got speedy care. My only minor complaint for the whole trip was that the bikes had inadequate suspension for the downhill ride and my bum hurts!
First day in Ecuador
Gunta C,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely guide. Very informative and accommodating
Great tour guide
Guide08969249130,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great tour guide! did a great job explaining well
Cotopaxi
Refreshed 12,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Philippi was the best tour guide! He showed us lots of scenery and told us lots of stories about local culture and history. He has a great personality for his work! Thank you for such a wonderful day!
Top of the world! Breathtaking views of Cotopaxi national park and hike up to base camp. Great lunch. Excellent guide!
susanfW3049GP,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experience the volcano from the bottom up. The hike to base camp is strenuous but the views are worth the effort! The sun was shining the day we went - great photo ops. Good local food for lunch. Knowledgeable, friendly, helpful guide made the experience memorable.
Great volcano adventure
sswhite2014,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience. Felipe was very informative and fun to travel with. We would highly recommend. The volcano was an easy hike for those that are in shape.
Fantastic Tour of Cotopaxi National Park!
E2441VVdonnap,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My two friends and I had a fantastic day seeing spectacular scenery at Cotopaxi National Park. We had a private tour with Lincoln Guaman, who knows everything about the mountain and will guide you as far up as you want to go. He brought bikes in case we wanted to ride back down the bumpy road to the HQ, which is included on the tour (we didn't). The volcano is absolutely enormous, it reminded me of Mt Fuji. The changes in the landscape as we ascended was dramatic and Lincoln explained what we were seeing all along the way. The tour also included a delicious hot lunch at a restaurant near the entrance. We were all so glad we included this tour - I highly recommend it, and try to get Lincoln Guaman for your guide!
From US$68.95
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by CarpeDM Adventures