Cotopaxi Bike Tour from Quito: Volcano descent by mountain bike

Ride down from the glaciers of Ecuador's second-highest volcano

A full-day bike tour from Quito climbs to the José Rivas Refuge and glaciers of Cotopaxi volcano in Cotopaxi National Park, then descends roughly 11 kilometers by mountain bike through the park. The guide explains the volcano's geology, wildlife and plants during the hike up, and you ride back down with the option to continue to the park's south entrance for a longer descent. Private transportation, lunch and bikes are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cotopaxi National Park by bike and hike

• Arrive at southern entrance of Cotopaxi Park
• Visit Interpretacion Center Mariscal
• Arrive at parking area
• Receive explanation about volcano, animals, plants
• Hike to Jose Rivas Refuge (4800m)
• Rest briefly at refuge
• Hike to glaciers (5000m)
• Bike down approximately 11 km
• Optionally bike to south entrance of park

The experience

Cotopaxi rises 5,897 meters as a near-perfect stratovolcano in Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes, ringed by Sincholagua, Pasochoa and Rumiñahui. The day starts with a drive from Quito to the southern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, where you stop at the Interpretación Center Mariscal before heading to the parking area. Your guide walks through the volcano's formation, the animals and plants that live on its slopes, and what you're about to climb.

The hike climbs to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 meters, where you rest briefly before pushing higher to the glaciers at 5,000 meters. The descent is where the bike comes in: you ride down roughly 11 kilometers of trail from the refuge, with the option to keep going another 11 kilometers to the park's south entrance if you want the full 22-kilometer descent. The route follows the mountain's eastern flank, dropping through different elevations and vegetation zones on the way back down.

You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the altitude and the hike. The bike portion is the easier half of the day. Lunch is included, and all bikes and safety gear come with the tour. A professional guide leads in English or Spanish, and private transportation picks you up from Quito and brings you back.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Quito.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch.
• mountain bike and safety gear for the descent.

Options for this experience

3 options

Small GroupsUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:30Lasts 8 hours; lunch, jeep transport, and pickup are included.

PrivateUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:30Lasts 8 hours; lunch and pickup are included.

Solo TravelUp to 1 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:30Solo travel; pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Real Dreams Tour

Is this one for you?The 8-hour day suits travelers with moderate fitness who want to experience high-altitude climbing and then ride down, rather than hike the entire descent. Book the private option if you want a guide focused only on your group. Small group or solo departures let you share the cost and meet other riders.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How high do you climb on the Cotopaxi bike tour?

The hike reaches the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 meters, then continues to the glaciers at 5,000 meters before you descend by bike.

What is the bike descent like on this tour?

After resting at the refuge, you ride down approximately 11 kilometers of trail through the national park. You can choose to continue another 11 kilometers to the south entrance for a longer descent, totaling up to 22 kilometers of riding.

What does the guide explain during the hike?

Your guide covers the volcano's geology and formation, the animals and plants living on Cotopaxi's slopes, and the surrounding peaks in the Avenue of Volcanoes.

Is this tour private or in a group?

You can book as a small group, a private tour for your party, or as a solo traveler. The option you choose at checkout determines whether you share the experience or go with your own guide.

What's included in the tour price?

Private transportation from Quito, a professional guide in English or Spanish, lunch, and the use of a mountain bike are all included. You'll need to arrange your own breakfast before departure.