Visit the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi Volcano on a group tour from Quito!
The transport will pick you up at 7 am at Plaza Foch. Once everyone is on board the transport, there will be a breakfast stop at the Chaupi community. (Dietary requirements can be catered to, please inform the operator if necessary).
Once you arrive at the Cotopaxi National Park parking area (located at 4600 m) you will begin the hike. Please allow yourself at least 2-3 days in Quito to acclimatise before taking on this trek. We recommend you bring drinking water for the hike and progress at your own pace. After around an hour and a quarter of hiking, you will arrive at the refuge, located around 4,800 m. Here there will be the option for you to stamp your passport and purchase hot drinks before continuing the hike.
The final part of the trek will take you up to the Cotopaxi glacier at around 5,000 m. There will be some time here for photos (after all, who doesn’t want a photo of them touching a glacier?!) before you head back down to the parking area of the National Park.
This is where you will begin your bike ride! The cycling part of the day is optional so you can also get back on the minibus and follow the cyclists down if you would rather not ride yourself. High-quality equipment for the cycling is provided inclusive of the tour price. After you have finished cycling down the volcano, the group will meet by the Limpiopungo viewpoint for the final few photos of the almighty volcano.
The tour finishes with a lunch stop at the Chaupi community, where you will have the opportunity to replenish your energy! The minibus will return you to Quito around 6 pm.
Please note: No special fitness level is required to do this trip, however, you should allow yourself time to acclimatise to the high altitude.
FAQ
What should I bring?
- Drinking water
- Warm clothes (layers are best)
- Snacks
- Hiking boots/shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Scarf/hat
- Sunglasses
- Suncream
- Camera
- Passport (if you would like a stamp at the refuge)
Is the biking optional?
Yes. The biking of the volcano is optional. If you do not want to cycle back down, you can go in the minibus.
I have dietary requirements. Will there be breakfast/lunch options for me?
The tour can cater for those with dietary requirements. Please let the operator know of any requirements via the ‘ask a question’ box.
Will I get altitude sickness?
This tour goes to a height of around 5,000 m so it is important you allow yourself at least a couple of days to become acclimatised before taking on the trip. For more information on altitude sickness medication and prevention, please see this post.
Is this tour subject to change based on the weather?
Yes. The operator reserves the right to alter the itinerary due to weather or various other unforeseen circumstances.
Please note that Cotopaxi has its own micro-climate. Be prepared for any weather with warm, waterproof clothes. This tour will leave in any weather.
Operator
Ecuatraveling
The South America Backpacker Community have tried and tested adventures across the region and handpicked a selection of only the BEST companies to work with!
Why we chose Ecuatraveling:
- The Ecuatraveling Experience is all about enjoying life! They aim to show travellers the real Ecuador on their tailor-made trips which are customer focused.
- The founders of Ecuatraveling, Pablo Romero and Esteban Ludeña, have over 10 years experience living in Ecuador and working in tourism there. They are specialists who offer tours in both mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
- They support the charity FIBUSPAM who aim to improve the lives of the indigenous communities in Chimborazo, Ecuador.
- Ecuatraveling recieve consistently high reviews from travellers!
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