Private Tour
Cotopaxi Volcano Tour from Quito – Day Trip to the Andes
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the eastern mountain range of the Andes. Cotopaxi is the second-highest volcano in Ecuador with a height of 5897 meters. It is surrounded by other mountains such as Sincholagua, Pasochoa, and Rumiñahui, all within the avenue of volcanoes. With its wonderful symmetrical shape, it is an excellent stratovolcano, translated from Quichua into Spanish as the neck of the moon.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cotopaxi National Park
Arrival to the southern entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park.
Cotopaxi Volcano
Arriving at the parking lot at 4600 (15.091ft) above sea level. Our hike starting to the Refugio Padre Ribas where we can get a hot drink.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Lunch
Pick Up / Drop Off
Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
Transport by private vehicle
Breakfast
Alcoholic Beverages
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Small Group includes Lunch
Duration: 8 hours
Lunch
Pickup included
Private Tour Included Lunch
Pickup included
Shared Tour- No Lunch
Shared Tour- no Lunch: This shared tour requires a minimum of 6 passengers. If the minimum is not met, we will contact you with alternative options
Duration: 8 hours
Pickup included
Reviews
63 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect trip to Cotopaxi
coriolson,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A trip to Cotopaxi is a must if visiting Ecuador, and this is a perfect day trip from Quito. Diego was a great guide, photographer, and driver (in his extremely clean vehicle). He was so nice and is very knowledgeable about his beautiful country. The trip includes a hike to the Refugio sitting at 15,953 feet, a visit to the Limpiopungo lagoon, an informational stop at the visitor center, and a delicious lunch. Highly recommend this as a separate trip from Quilotoa if you want to complete the hikes. 10/10!
Beautiful trip and excellent guided tour with Ayrton!
228skyer,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ayrton was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide! We had a great trip to Cotopaxi National Park, visiting the Limpiopungo Lagoon and hiking to the Jose Rivas refuge. Ayrton picked us up at our hotel in Quito and told us the history of the regions we passed on our way to the park. He also took beautiful photos of us as an added perk. This trip deepened our knowledge and cultural experience of Ecuador. We highly recommend this trip and Ayrton as a guide!
An incredible getaway
joselinc959,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was spectacular and our guide, Alex, was excellent. Along the way, she shared interesting facts about the country and the places we were passing through, and even taught us some expressions in Kichwa. We enjoyed every moment. In Cotopaxi National Park, we visited the Interpretation Center and then went up to the Refuge, where Alex was always attentive to everyone. Later, at Limpiopungo Lagoon, Alex taught us how to dance the Juyayay (a traditional Ecuadorian dance), which was a unique and fun experience. We ended the tour with a delicious lunch before returning to Quito. I recommend this incredible tour for those looking for an unforgettable getaway near Quito.
Wonderful trip up Cotopaxi
ingef617,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was only due to guide Andres that we made the trip to Cotopaxi at all. We went with him and driver Jimmy to Chimborazo the previous day, and mentioned that we were so disappointed not to see Cotopaxi as well. We had booked a tour but canceled it when our tour to the Galapagos changed schedule and would depart early on 19th. We would have to be back in Quito by 4pm. Andres and Jimmy said no problem, so we booked their tour. Wonderful trip to Cotopaxi! So glad Andres made it work! Jimmy was a very skilled driver, both navigating Quito traffic and climbing the gravel road to the parking area at 15,000 ft. We then hiked to about 16 000 ft. We stayed for a while watching as high winds swept over the peak. Andres kept an eye on the time. They got us back to our hotel precisely at 4pm, with enough time to visit the statue of the Virgin Mary on the way back. Wonderful day! Big thanks to Andres and Jimmy!
Quito to Cotopaxi for middle-aged American gringos
Happiness56184537999,,Jun 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Andres, and his driver met us early at our air b and b and provided a safe and entertaining experience in the cotopaxi national park. Andres’s english is exceptional and we learned so much. We trekked around a lake and then attempted to hike to the refuge on the side of a volcano. Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious lunch at a hostel farmstead. We were back to our apartment with time to relax before our dinner reservation at Urko. This is a wonderful company and we will surely engage them again upon our return.
Great experience
Paige P,,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience to see the park. It was cloudy but still a great experience. Lunch was great also. Pedro Toaquiza was a great guide with a lot of knowledge. He was very patient and helpful with us adjusting to the altitude. Would highly recommend!
Tour to Cotopaxi, recommended!!
W9363DTomarc,,Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful experience. Ayton the guide was very friendly and helpful at all times. Once up at the Rivas refuge you can see beautiful landscapes and luckily we were able to see white-tailed deer. Without a doubt a unique experience since everything was very well organized, a tour that I definitely recommend to people!!👍🏻
Cotopaxi climb
sarahgQ8541TE,,Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Helpful, attentive, friendly and knowledgeable guide. I was a bit apprehensive at the height and the effect it might have had, but took it slowly and all went well. Beautiful views. Proud of the achievement.
Great way to spend a day
anja h,,Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Do it! It was strenuous but Pedro made it a great day. He guided me to base camp and showed me the beauty of Cotopaxi. Great lunch, too
Wonderful trip with efficient and knowledgeable guide
GlobeTrotterMapamond,,Feb 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful guide, we did everything that was on the schedule exactly as planned and as shown in the itinerary. Guide has excellent English and inspired confidence. He is very knowledgeable, too.
Related Experiences
Operated by Real Dreams Tour