A compact two-day loop from Quito that pairs Cotopaxi’s snow-capped cone with Quilotoa’s turquoise crater lake. Expect high-altitude hiking, sweeping páramo views, and cultural stops at community viewpoints and Tigua artisan workshops.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
They load the minivan at dawn in Quito and you watch the city fall away as the páramo opens—grasslands rolling under a sky sharpened by altitude. Cotopaxi’s cone appears like a blunt thumb against the air; steam and snow still mark the summit while winds push the layered clouds across the crater.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and some experience with high-elevation hiking; expect reduced stamina due to thin air.
Wildlife
History
Cotopaxi and Quilotoa occupy long-inhabited Andean landscapes where volcanic activity shaped settlement patterns; the José Rivas refuge was established by local climbers in the 1970s.
Conservation
Both sites are managed with visitor limits and community projects; stick to marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and support local artisans to keep tourism benefits local.
Reserve your spot on the Cotopaxi and Quilotoa 2 days with hotel included today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prioritize acclimatization
Spend a day in Quito or at intermediate elevation before the tour to reduce altitude headaches and breathlessness.
Sun and wind protection
At 3,800–4,800 m the sun is intense and winds chill—sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windproof shell are essential.
Use steady pacing on steep descents
Trail sections into the Quilotoa crater are steep and loose—short, controlled steps lower injury risk.
Bring small cash for mules and crafts
Communities at Quilotoa and Tigua sell handicrafts and offer mule rides for uphill assists—cash is needed.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on steep, rocky access trails and crater paths.
Layered clothing (base, insulating mid, windproof shell)
Temperatures swing quickly between sun-warmed midday and icy winds at higher elevations.
Sun protection (sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen, hat)
High-altitude UV exposure is strong even on overcast days.
Daypack with water and snacks
Hydration and high-energy snacks help maintain performance in thin air.