Spend a full day trading Quito’s streets for the wind-swept heights of Cotopaxi National Park. This guided excursion combines high-altitude viewpoints, a short hike around Limpiopungo lagoon and a stop at the Padre Rivas refuge with transport and park fees included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the van onto a wind-scoured high plain and Cotopaxi lifts into view: a near-perfect cone capped in snow, the summit slicing the high sky. The air is thin and sharp; your breath fogs as you tighten layers and squint across a sweep of volcanic rock, puna grass, and blue water. The tour moves from lowland bustle to this stark altitude in a single day, trading city noise for cold sun and the patient hush of the páramo.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate cardio fitness recommended due to high altitude and short hikes with uneven terrain
Wildlife
History
Cotopaxi has been significant to indigenous Andean cultures and was historically a landmark in colonial-era travel routes; eruptions have shaped local settlement patterns.
Conservation
The park manages visitor numbers and restricts access above certain altitudes to protect fragile páramo vegetation and glacial features—stay on trails and carry out all waste.
Reserve your spot on the Full-Day Tour Cotopaxi National Park - All included from Quito today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a day in Quito or lower-altitude towns and avoid heavy exertion the morning of the tour to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Layer for variable conditions
Temperatures swing rapidly—pack a windproof shell, insulating midlayer and a sun hat to cover hot sun and frigid winds.
Hydrate and snack
Bring at least 1–2 liters of water and high-energy snacks; cold air increases dehydration and appetite at altitude.
Footwear for uneven terrain
Sturdy hiking boots with grip are recommended for rocky trails, scree and muddy patches around the lagoon and refuge.
Waterproof wind jacket
Blocks strong high-altitude winds and provides layering flexibility.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on rocky trails, scree and wet ground around the lagoon.
Sun protection (sunglasses, SPF 30+)
UV intensity is high at elevation; protect skin and eyes from reflection off snow.
summer
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during stops and in cold, windy conditions near the refuge.
winter