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Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

1 dayDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
14 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Visit Cotopaxi National Park.

See the stunning Cotopaxi volcano and Limpiopungo lagoon.

Opt to bike while admiring spectacular scenery

Itinerary

Cotopaxi National Park's awe-inspiring landscapes await on this full-day tour from Quito, tailored for experienced travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and active exploration. Gaze upon the iconic Cotopaxi volcano, its snow-capped peak rising majestically above the Andean plateau, while keeping an eye out for wild horses grazing in the open grasslands. The tour invites participants of all skill levels to hike towards the glacier, experiencing the park’s crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. For those with an adventurous spirit and cycling experience, there’s an optional bike ride through Cotopaxi’s rugged terrain, adding an extra thrill to your day. This trip’s unique selling point is its inclusivity: whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an avid cyclist, you’ll find just the right level of challenge in one of Ecuador’s most spectacular natural settings. Ideal for travelers keen to immerse themselves in both the serenity and excitement of the Andes.

day 1 - Cotopaxi National Park

Duration: 10 hours

Meeting point: 7:30am at Hotel Hilton Colon (secondary lobby). Address: Av. Juan León Mera between Patria Avenue and 18 de Septiembre Street. Please meet your guide in the secondary lobby of the hotel.

Finish Point: Hotel Hilton Colon. Expected finish time is 17:30.

Itinerary: Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador's most spectacular highlights. This full-day tour gives you the opportunity to explore this protected area on foot and by bike. The Cotopaxi National Park is situated in a stunning paramo plateau, where wild horses graze on the extensive plains at the foot of the volcano and gather to drink at the Limpiopungo lagoon which reflects the white peaks of nearby Volcan Rumiñahui. Trek through the National Park you will discover pumice, ash, stone and other volcanic debris amid the tiny páramos plants.

Hiking is for ages 14+ but mountain biking is reserved for confident cyclists with experience in downhill. The hike will take around 3 hours to complete and then the biking activity to Limpiopungo Lagoon will start and this takes around an hour.

Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers.

Packing essentials: Warm clothing, Waterproof jacket, Gloves, Scarf, Hat, Hiking boots or trekking shoes, Sunglasses, Sunblock, Extra snacks and water.

Hike starts at 4500 meters above sea level and climbs up to 4864 meters at the Refugio. To avoid the possibility of altitude sickness we recommend acclimating before attempting this hike.
Hike starts at 4500 meters above sea level and climbs up to 4864 meters at the Refugio. From there it's about another 45 minute hike before you arrive at the Glacier at 5000 meters. To avoid the possibility of altitude sickness we recommend acclimating before attempting this hike.

Meal:Lunch
Included Activity:Cotopaxi Day Tour Duration : 10.0 hr
Optional Activities:Cotopaxi Mountain Biking Excursion
Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

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What's Included

Accommodation
All accommodation is included. Accommodation is mainly in twin share rooms. Sometimes dorm accommodations are used which will be exclusive to your tour group.
Meals
1 lunch
Transport
Private van
Guide
Professional English Speaking Local Guide
Included activities
Full day excursion to Cotopaxi National ParkTransportLocal guideMountain bike with helmetAll safety equipmentLunch

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a Premier Premier tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 5572 reviews for other tours with an average 5.0rating.

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