THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Stand beneath one of the Andes' most perfect cones on a full-day outing from Quito. Ascend to Jose Rivas Refuge, glimpse glacial shoulders near 5,000 m, then descend by bike to Limpiopungo lagoon before returning to the city.
Stand beneath one of the Andes' most perfect cones on a full-day outing from Quito. Ascend to Jose Rivas Refuge, glimpse glacial shoulders near 5,000 m, then descend by bike to Limpiopungo lagoon before returning to the city.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by CarpeDM Adventures · Latacunga, Cotopaxi Province
Fog thins as the bus climbs from Quito and the cone of Cotopaxi appears—an enormous, deliberate presence pushing skyward, its glaciers daring you to approach. By the time travelers step into Cotopaxi National Park the air is thin and bright; winds move across the páramo with a dry, tactile patience that shapes the grasses and the route ahead.
challenging.
8 hours.
Participants should be in good aerobic shape with prior high-altitude experience or recent acclimatization; expect steady uphill walking at 4,600–4,900 m.
The hike from the 4,600 m parking area to the refuge is a steady uphill of roughly 2–3 hours depending on fitness; altitude makes it feel harder than distance alone suggests.
Approaching the glacier may require crampons and ropes depending on conditions—guides will assess safety and supply or advise accordingly; for the refuge itself no glacier gear is typically needed.
Yes, mild symptoms are common without acclimatization: headaches, nausea, fatigue. Rest, hydrate, and descend if symptoms worsen; inform the guide of any signs immediately.
The itinerary includes a short 3–5 km downhill bike segment from near the refuge to Limpiopungo when conditions allow; riders should be comfortable on mixed dirt and rocky tracks.
Cotopaxi has been climbed since the 18th century and has shaped local Andean routes; refuges and interpretation centers reflect a long history of mountaineering and scientific study.
Cotopaxi National Park is managed to protect fragile páramo ecosystems and glacial runoff; stay on trails, pack out waste, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
CarpeDM Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with CarpeDM Adventures
Book directly with CarpeDM Adventures for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now