Cotopaxi Full-Day Tour

Reaching an elevation of 19,388 feet (5,897 m) above sea level, Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. During this tour you'll visit the Cotopaxi National Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes.

This tour departs Quito at 8:00 AM. You'll drive south along the Pan-American Highway until you reach the Cotopaxi National Park approximately two hours later. During the ride, you'll see beautiful landscapes and tall Andean mountains.

Once you arrive at the park, you'll visit a museum and learn about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as other important information about the Cotopaxi Volcano. After you've had your fill of the museum, you'll walk to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, which will take about 30 minutes. Birds frequent this lagoon, and it's a great place for birding. Commonly sighted species include great thrushes, ground-tyrants, and speckled teals.

You'll enjoy a tasty snack before continuing on to a parking lot located at 15,100 feet (4,600 m); more excellent views can be had from here. If you're interested in additional exploration, a 1-hour walk to the José Rivas refuge can be arranged.

The tour will then return to Quito and arrive around 5:00 PM.

Sunscreen, rain jacket, comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, water bottle, snacks, and camera.

Private Tour Includes: Transportation, lunch, English-speaking guide, and entrance fees. Group Tour Includes: Transportation and English-speaking guide.

Some visits may vary depending on whether the tour is private or group.