Private Tour
Strenuously Cotopaxi Volcano and birding by the lagoon
Overview
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Mobile ticket
Contemplate the highest active volcano in Ecuador. The snow-capped volcano tops out 19,337 feet above sea level. Cotopaxi National Park is the most-visited tourist attraction in Ecuador Mainland. Discover more than a mountain in this volcanic complex full of biological diversity. Get inspired by the Cotopaxi one of the best trips in Ecuador.
Take a walk on volcanic sand trails and feel the fresh air of the Andes. Feel the height sensation from the Jose Rivas volcanic refuge located at 15,748 feet. Fun and adventure wait for you at the almost perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone. Perfect place to walk with your friends and test yourself.
Visit and photography a mesotrophic lagoon which houses some native birds or migratory. Wildlife can be seen crossing from the entrance to the high spot of the Cotopaxi National Park.
Cotopaxi was also an important indigenous settlement where a Pukara was built. Pukara means an indigenous military fortress.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Quito
Quito city to Cotopaxi National Park (9,000 feet high) Pick up from the hotel. Cotopaxi Volcano is located in Northen Andes of Ecuador. After a 2-hour drive, we get to the National Park whose altitude is 3,400 msl (11,154 feet). During the drive, we will observe the Andean ecosystem and volcanic sceneries. The climate we will find in the Cotopaxi National Park will depend on the season. The average temperature is 7° celsius (44° Fahrenheit), so we recommend bringing warm clothing, walking shoes and a rain or wind jacket.
Take a short break and try a hot coca tea, this ancient drink will help you to mitigate the altitude sickness during the walk. From the viewpoint, you can see two extinct volcanoes and farms.
What‘s Included
Cotopaxi National Park admission
Pick-up from Quito city or the Airport
A Naturalist Guide/Driver (English/Spanish-speaking)
Travel Insurance
Lunch
Tips
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Strenuously Cotopaxi Volcano and birding by the lagoon
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Strenuously Awesome Cotopaxi
Linda H,,Oct 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Cotopaxi! Higher by far than any mountain in the lower 48, and an active volcano. There are two ways to get to the refuge. The short way, which our guide Eduardo called "the heartbreaker." You can see the roof of the refuge from the start of this trail, but it is very steep and 3-4 inches (or more) deep in sand. The easier way, which we took, is long. Seemed like it had a hundred switchbacks. I am very slow and Eduardo was frequently checking on me. When we reached the refuge it started snowing and the snow continued throughout our ride back down the mountain. The refuge itself was fascinating. The red tile roof made me think I was in the Himalayas. There was very little light inside, mainly from the windows. Pictures of the flags of the world were posted on the walls and you were supposed to sign the flag from your country. The flag of Uruguay was at our table and we met several people from there. The refuge served hot chocolate, potato soup and chicken soup. A word about coca tea, which has been suggested to prevent altitude sickness: not for people with high blood pressure! I live at 6000 feet in the US and went up to 14000 feet a couple weeks before Cotopaxi, so that 16000 foot hike was not a problem. If you live at a lower elevation wait a few days to acclimatize. And taking it slow is ok! Thank you, Eduardo, for your patience.
Incredible scenery
Amanda E,,Jul 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour! Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We took our time on the hike to enjoy the scenery and catch our breath! It wasn’t too difficult and we saw people of all ages doing it! The lagoon was a nice surprise so many birds and beautiful surroundings
Expert Guide, Convenient Service, Great Experience!
warrenwP8558NA,,Feb 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of Cotopaxi was everything we hoped for, and we absolutely could not have done it without the help of Eduardo, our extremely knowledgeable guide. He went above and beyond to ensure that our transportation to the site was easy and convenient. He expertly navigated some very rough terrain, which is necessary to cross in order to reach the volcano. His help and patience were crucial in our completion of this high altitude hike, and we felt great about our accomplishment in having done so. Eduardo was also very adept at spotting and identifying local wildlife to enrich our experience even more. We valued his guidance very much and recommend his services to anyone who wants to take this particular tour or any other that he offers.
Had a fantastic experience with our knowledgeable guide!
Lana P,,Nov 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on our tour with Eduardo. He was a good driver and very knowledgeable on all the sights we saw along the way. The hike up to the refuge is strenuous if you’re not an experienced hiker, and be sure to pack hiking gear and warm clothing. The lagoon is an easier walk and we got to see a lot of flora, fauna and some birds. Would highly recommend this tour if prefer your own pace and you don’t want to be with a large group.
Excelente experiencia
N3963RFdiegol,,Oct 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"Visited Cotopaxi with family; its majestic beauty and pristine landscapes made for unforgettable moments." Let me know if you need any changes!
Ecuador: Thanks for the memories.
304swb,,Oct 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and thorough. He took us to many areas that show Ecuador as it really is. His love for his country was very apparent and made us value our experience even more. The complete journey left us with a lasting impression of the beauty of Ecuador. We have many pictures to prove it! He even took pictures for us and sent them to us. Thanks for caring that our experience was positive. Carol and Vester Bailey
volcán Cotopaxi experience
monserratm172,,Oct 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great physical challenge, it deserves all the respect possible. It is advisable to purchase a guided tour that prepares people for the changes in the body. Very cold, even with good weather, there is a lot of wind. You should climb very slowly, taking short steps that do not generate too much effort, drink small sips of water, eat chocolate and use sunscreen if possible even when it is cloudy.
SIMPLY THE BEST
Poppysmile,,Aug 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Been to Quito before, but never got to meet the best guide and tours, till now when I met Eduardo. This company * Eduardo* .took us to Cotopaxi , hummingbird sanctuary great hikes, waterfalls, Quilotoa, Mindo, chocolate experience. Very nice. Would recommend them 1000%.
SUPER TOUR BY EDUARDO
Marcolva H,,Aug 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super Tour. We contacted Eduardo for touting around Quito. Wel we could not imagine what was in store fir us. We were picked up early in the morning and drove to the volcanos. Eduardo, our guide, was very knowledgeable and very helpful. Comfortable vehicle, and got lots of interesting information during our trip. When in Quito, beleave me, you should not miss their tours. And I truly believe Eduardo is the best.
Happy 😊
V9697HYabelc,,Sep 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am from the coast and this was my first experience in a volcano. The walk to the refuge was excellent and the landscape spectacular. A great trip!!! I will never forget. I recommend you it. Enjoy nature.
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