Full Day Tour Cotopaxi

Full Day Tour Cotopaxi

2 Activities

1 Destination

Daily

Hotel/Hostel Pick-up & Drop-off

Overview:

Voted as one of the best things to do with one day free in Quito, this tour allows you to escape the city to visit Cotopaxi, an iconic snow-capped volcano in the Andean countryside, one of Ecuador’s most photographed sights. Experience the magic of the Andes on this day hike through different areas of the Cotopaxi National Park as far as the famous Jose Rivas basecamp.

This tour is perfect for people who don’t have time to travel by bus to the whole South of Ecuador (if you do have time check our passes here) or for those people who will fly from Quito to Guayaquil or vice versa and have a stopover in Quito.

Highlights:

  • Visit Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll be able to see amazing panoramic views of the famous Cotopaxi Volcano.
  • Breathtaking scenery and nature. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to spot some of the park’s majestic native wildlife. Species that call the park home include wolves, rabbits, bears and condors.
  • Take in the views at Limpiopungo Lagoon, a stunning glacial lake set in the shadow of the Cotopaxi Volcano.
  • Hike up through the Andean paramo to the José Rivas Refuge at 4864m, the famous mountaineers’ refuge.

What this tour offers:

  • 1 unforgettable destination
    • Cotopaxi National Park - home to the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most famous sights

  • 2 Incredible Activities
    • Limpiopungo Lagoon - stunning glacial lake located at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano
    • José Rivas Refuge – hike to 4864m to reach Cotopaxi's famous mountaineers' basecamp

  • Daily departures

  • Hotel/hostel pickups & dropoffs
    • Safety and comfort guaranteed

Price from: $49

Private tour available!

Personalized service with private transport and guide. Contact us for more info!

Tour Itinerary & What's Included

Full Day to Cotopaxi

07:15am - 07:50am

Direct pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Cotopaxi (exact time will be confirmed via email and depend on which neighborhood you are located in).

09:00am

Arrive at the Chuquiragua Lodge and catch your first views of the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the country's most famous sights.

09:00am - 09:30am

Enjoy a delicious breakfast (optional) to keep you energized for a full day of exploring Cotopaxi National Park.

10:00am

Enter Cotopaxi National Park and visit interpretation center.

10:30am – 11:30am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Limpiopungo Lagoon – A stunning setting in which to admire the local landscape and nature, with Cotopaxi looming overhead as the perfect backdrop.

11:30am - 2:00pm

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Hike up to the José Rivas Refuge – Enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna as we trek through the Andean paramo up to the famous landmark, Jose Rivas Refuge, located at 4864m. This refuge still functions as the active basecamp for mountaineers planning to climb to the very peak of the volcano.

We continue to a scenic lookout point to take in some unbelievable panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano before beginning the descent

3:30pm

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in one of the traditional local restaurants surrounded by gorgeous views.

4:30pm

Depart to begin the trip back to Quito.

7:30pm

Direct drop-off at your hotel/hostel in Quito.


What’s Included

  • Private touristic transport
    • Hotel pick up and drop off
    • Onboard bilingual Hop guide
  • Guided hike of the Cotopaxi National Park
    • Limpiopungo Lake
    • José Rivas Refuge
  • All taxes and entrance fees

Not Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Evening meal

Important Info & Notes

Departure Days

Every Day

Time of Departure

07:50am

Pick-up Location

All hostels and hotels in Quito (direct pick-up)

Note:

Minimum Time Needed

1 Day

Price

$49 Includes transport, tours and on board guide. *Meals not included.

Travelling between any of the dates mentioned below? Click the tab for the corresponding important information.

24, 24 & 31 DEC + 1 JAN - CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS BREAK

We will be taking a short break at the end of December for Christmas and New Year. We do this to give our bus drivers and guides time to spend with their families during these special holidays. As a business, we know this may disappoint some travelers, but we care about our employees the same way we care about our passengers and want to give them a well-deserved rest.

NO BUS ON: 24, 24 & 31 DEC & 1 JAN

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you check the bus timetables for each pass as not all routes have daily departures.

28 - 31 MARCH 2024: EASTER WEEKEND

Easter weekend holidays: Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

9 & 10 AUGUST 2024: ECUADORIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Biggest public holidays of the year. Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now

Accommodation Information

Info About Our Luxury Buses

Ecuador Hop – #1 Bus Company In Ecuador

As well as an unbeatable safety record, Ecuador Hop is also famous for its punctuality and comfort. In South America, where things often run later than scheduled, we are very proud to say we achieve a 98.5% on-time arrival for each trip.

If comparing Ecuador Hop to other bus companies, make sure you check their safety record, past accidents, as well as their Tripadvisor page (if they even bother to have one) as often you will find there is a reason why some bus companies have “cheaper” prices than Ecuador Hop.

Features Of Our Buses

Short Distance Buses

  • Modern bus models: We use only up-to-date, well-maintained and high-quality buses to ensure top safety standards and comfort (this is not always a guarantee in Ecuador).
  • Climate control: We make sure the temperature is comfortable for everyone on board.
  • Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality buses will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
  • GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
  • USB ports available: Charge your mobile phone or tablet on board the bus!

Bus Safety Controls

  • Large team of drivers: Our drivers are not overworked/tired as is often the case on other buses.
  • Tour guide onboard: Our tour guide does regular checks on the drivers.
  • Seatbelts: We have a seatbelt for every passenger and ask our passengers to wear them at all times.
  • 24 hour GPS monitoring: Every bus is monitored from a secure point via GPS…we always know where the bus is and if it is taking any unscheduled stops.
  • Constant contact: The drivers and the guide communicate continuously by telephone with the Ecuador Hop office.
  • No tight deadlines: Our drivers are under NO pressure to arrive at a certain time, no need for increased speed or unnecessary risks.