Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

G Adventures · 1 days
Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)
Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)
1 Days
From AUD $89
Trip Type
Day Tours
Activity Level
Average

Rating

Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

G Adventures · 1 days
Duration

1 days

Tour Type

Day Tours

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore Cotopaxi National Park with a full-day excursion. Admire the Cotopaxi volcano and the stunning plateau on which it sits — you might even see wild horses grazing! All ages are welcome to hike the glacier, and experienced cyclists can opt to bike.

Highlights

  • Visit Cotopaxi National Park
  • See the stunning Cotopaxi volcano and Limpiopungo lagoon. You can hike the glacier
  • Or opt to bike
  • All while admiring spectacular scenery.

Trip Details

Duration

1 days

Transportation

Private van

Tour Type

Day Tours

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Finishes

Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

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. 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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $89
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 1 days

Trip Type: Day Tours

Activity Level: Average

Explore Cotopaxi National Park with a full-day excursion. Admire the Cotopaxi volcano and the stunning plateau on which it sits — you might even see wild horses grazing! All ages are welcome to hike the glacier, and experienced cyclists can opt to bike.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Sep 2025

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990