Elevate: A Day's Odyssey to Cotopaxi's Majestic Heights!
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
In the heart of Ecuador, a monumental challenge beckons: the ascent of one of the world's loftiest active volcanoes, standing regally at 5,897m. The Cotopaxi National Park, a sanctuary sprawled across the provinces of Cotopaxi, Napo, and Pichincha, lies a mere 50 km from the bustling heart of Quito. The ground beneath tells tales of ancient eruptions, with remnants of pumice, ash, and volcanic stone nestled amidst the resilient páramos flora. Adventurers can journey by vehicle to an altitude of 4,500m, before embarking on a trek, where each step on the sandy scree brings you closer to basecamp 4,864 m.
For those with a thirst for thrill, cycling down the slopes, though it demands a seasoned hand or a heart brimming with confidence. With a legacy spanning over a decade, from the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognitions to our esteemed partnership with G Adventures. Gear up for a journey where every step, pedal, and smile is a testament to nature's grandeur."
Additional Info
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, sunglasse, suncream and extra snacks and waters
Face masks
Hand sanitize
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Extra snacks and water
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Carpedm Adventure will be the meeting point to start the the tour, • 7.20 am Go F.A.R. / CarpeDM Operations Office (Antepara and Los Ríos, Old Town sector)next to Secret Garden Hostel • 7:30 am Pick Up Hilton Colon Hotel • 7:45 am Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park • 09:30 Enter Cotopaxi National Park • 10:00 Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre: 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 • 14:00 Arrive at Limpiapungo lake. • 15:00 Eat lunch • 16:00 Return to Quito
Cotopaxi National Park
Due to its perfectly symmetrical cone, covered in a thick blanket of snow and ice, the Cotopaxi is one of the tourist highlights in Ecuador and it’s most visited and climbed volcano. The Cotopaxi National Park is situated in a beautiful paramo plateau, where wild horses graze on the extensive plains at the foot of the volcano or gather to drink at the lovely Limpiopungo lagoon, which reflects the white peaks of nearby Volcan Rumiñahui and makes a great spot for watching waterfowl and other birds.
What‘s Included
What’s Included:
Transport
Lunch
Breakfast
Guide
What’s Not Included:
Additional Snacks / Beverages
TIPS
Options
Epic Elevations: Coto Shared
Epic Elevations: Coto Shared
Epic Elevations: Coto Private
Epic Elevations: Coto Private
Reviews
127 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun day in Cotopaxi
592millyh,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lincon was our guide and he was excellent he picked me up from secret garden at 7:20 am. He spoke fluent English and Spanish. We only had 4 in our group all English speaking so he didn’t need to speak in Spanish. It took just over 1hour to reach a spot where we had breakfast. Breakfast isn’t included in the price but was only $3.50 for a continental breakfast including eggs, fruit, yogurt and a sandwich with an option of coffee or coca tea. shortly after we began our hike, we stopped at the base camp for the bathroom and to have a hot drink. We then continued up to the glacier it was incredible soso beautiful and we were blessed with the most amazing weather and blue skies. On the way down we stopped at the information centre and the lake for more photo opportunities. There’s an option to ride a bike down the mountain I was initially going to do this big unfortunately felt sick due to the altitude but looked like it would be great. We stopped for lunch which was included in the price and really delicious. Option of veggie, chicken or shrimp. Really recommend and was back by 5:30 pm
Great day on the Cotopaxi
Melinda K,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lincoln picked us up at our hostel and we had a great time throughout the whole day. Stopped for breakfast (not included) and went to the refuge after. We even did a detour to the closest glacier. Stopped at the information point to get a wildlife and fauna presentation. After the tasty lunch we headed back to Quito.
Experienced, friendly guide who shares a lot and actively spots wildlife.
Sunshine Hali,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience! Our guide was incredibly experienced and shared so much interesting information about Ecuador. He actively searched for wildlife along the way and explained everything we spotted in a fun and clear way. On top of that, he was genuinely friendly and easy to talk to. Highly recommended!
Great experience
chechokeane,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was amazing, the views are beautiful, it is exhausting but it is totally worth doing the tour, the guide very concerned of all and with great handling of the information, totally recommended this tour.
Definitely excellent Service highly recommended
Ivannia T,,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very beautiful experience, Felipe a great guide Cotopaxi certainly a spectacular place!!! Felipe made room in his schedule and allowed us as an extra to know a must-see place Rose Success where also the attention was formidable !! Recommended!!
A great day in Cotopaxi NP with Felipe and Patricio
Pioneer540685,,Sep 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day out with entertaining guide Felipe and excellent driver Patricio. Convenient pace in programme with an informative introduction and enough time for onward activities and taking pictures. The steep, windy and breath-taking climb to the José Riva Hut was rewarded by beautiful views of the volcano. Only the biking equipment could be of better quality.
Unforgettable experience
Ingrid P,,Jul 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alejandro was our guide, spectacular person and professional! Very attentive and very good explanation of the National Park, super recommended to go with them 100%.
You never forget!
770girardn,,Oct 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very nice day! Very beautiful day, only disappointment was no Canadian flag in the base camp!🤭
A unique day
dianavD5078KB,,Oct 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A perfect day. Nice guides. Good food. And a spectacular view. At first a little afraid I felt safe and at least I'm thankful for these great trip. Thank you very much!
Lovely day!
838daniv,,Oct 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Honestly one of the best tours I’ve ever done! Alejandro was very knowledgeable and shared his interesting stories in both English and Spanish in order to cater to everybody’s needs. He was fun, nice and looked after everyone very well during the hike. The itinerary itself was great too. Climbing Cotopaxi was intensive but very rewarding. The mountainbiking was great fun and lunch was very tasty. Overall, I absolutely loved this trip, highly recommended!
From US$79.00
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Operated by CarpeDM Adventures