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
99 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
Awesome guide!
annikaq575,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything about this tour was amazing! Particularly our guide, Ale. The t-shirt and chocolate at the refugio were nice surprises. The hike to the refugio was very steep and extremely windy, but this added to the adventure! Be sure to bring good boots, warm clothes, a hat, and rain jacket. I was also glad to have trekking poles. I have been on many excursions, and Ale is one of the best guides I've ever had! He was full of information, friendly, and extremely helpful (especially since we booked the Cotopaxi tour at the last minute!) Completely recommend!
Unforgettable experience!
corinnelS6699AQ,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole day was well organized and communicative. Our guide was very informed and happy to answer all questions! A must see for anyone adventurous!
Exhilarating day
felleyres,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sociable and knowledgeable guide explained landmarks, history, nature and the scenery through the day. The hike was great, and very challenging due to the altitude, with our guide patiently encouraging us throughout. Be ready for walking uphill for up to a couple of hours at this extreme altitude very slowly, and be ready for potential cold and rain (perhaps down to single figure Celcius degrees.) The bike ride down was a welcome change. Great achievement. We were lucky with a clear day and had wonderful views throughout, the clouds were kind.
Experience 100%
Adriana G,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Carpe Diem agency is an example to follow from the beginning with all the details and professionalism of our guide Alejo cheerful 'willing with an unbeatable attitude congratulations for your work
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by CarpeDM Adventures