Cotopaxi Volcano Hike

Embark on an exhilarating journey as we explore the Cotopaxi volcano on this memorable hiking expedition in Ecuador, where you'll ascend the second-highest active volcano globally!

Activity Overview

We will gather at your selected meeting point in Quito at the scheduled time. From there, a scenic ride will take us to the Cotopaxi National Park, where a thrilling trekking experience atop one of Ecuador’s majestic peaks lies ahead!

As we traverse the stunning avenue of volcanoes, prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking Andean scenery en route. As we approach our destination, we'll pause to allow our bodies to adjust to the high altitude.

Your adventure continues as we reach the base of Cotopaxi volcano, standing at 15,092 ft (4,600 meters) above sea level. Here, we will kick off the hiking journey to the Rivas Refuge, situated at an elevation of 15,958 ft (4,864 meters). During our 1-hour hike, we will delve into the unique flora and fauna that define this remarkable national park.

Upon arriving at the refuge, we will pause briefly and stamp our passports to commemorate our visit to the second-tallest active volcano in the world. Our path continues on foot until we reach an impressive height of 16,732 ft (5,100 meters), offering spectacular views of the Cotopaxi glacier that are sure to leave you in awe!

After soaking in the breathtaking vistas, we’ll begin our descent toward the Limpiopung lagoon. Want to add some excitement? We’ll mix different modes of travel—walking, minibus, and cycling—to enhance the adventure!

Once we arrive back down, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Following our meal, we’ll hop back on the minibus for the return journey to Quito, concluding our 11-hour adventure.

Meeting Locations

When you make your reservation, you can select from the following meeting points in Quito:

• Plaza Foch: 7:10 am
• Plaza San Blas: 7:20 am