Cotopaxi from Quito: Volcano Hike, Limpiopungo Lagoon & Refuge

Summary

Andean landscapes, Cotopaxi volcano hike and Limpiopungo lagoon

You’ll leave Quito behind and step into Cotopaxi’s wild air — watching clouds drift over Limpiopungo Lagoon and hiking up toward the José Rivas Refuge with a local guide. Expect moments of silence, laughter in two languages, and maybe even wild horses in the distance. If you’re looking for something that feels real and raw (and includes pickup plus all entrances), this day sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road out of Quito to feel so quick — one minute city noise, then suddenly clouds rolling over open grasslands. Our guide, Andrés, joked about the volcano “sleeping with one eye open.” I could smell wet earth before I even saw Cotopaxi itself. It’s just there, huge and white-topped, and you sort of forget to talk for a second. The bus windows fogged up from everyone craning for photos. I almost missed my first glimpse because I was busy unwrapping a snack — rookie mistake.

We stopped at Limpiopungo Lagoon, which is this shallow mirror that catches every bit of sky. There was a group of local kids skipping stones (one waved at us; I waved back but probably looked awkward). The wind was sharp enough to sting your cheeks but it made everything feel cleaner somehow. Andrés pointed out wild horses in the distance — I’d have missed them otherwise. He explained how the lagoon changes color with the seasons and why people believe it’s got its own moods. That stuck with me.

The trek up to José Rivas Refuge is no joke if you’re not used to altitude — my legs felt like jelly after ten minutes and someone behind me kept laughing about their “city lungs.” Still, everyone sort of cheered each other on, swapping stories in Spanish and English (I tried both; neither sounded cool gasping for air). At the top, we all just stood quietly for a moment. You can hear your own breath mixing with the wind up there. On the way down I realized my gloves smelled faintly like sulfur from touching volcanic rocks — weird detail but it’s true.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cotopaxi National Park exploration

• Depart from Quito to Cotopaxi Park
• Visit Limpiopungo lagoon and take photos
• Explore Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center
• Trek to José Rivas Refuge
• Return to Quito

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Quito to Cotopaxi?

It usually takes around 1-1.5 hours by tourist transport from Quito to Cotopaxi.

Is lunch included on this Cotopaxi day trip?

No lunch is included; only transport, entrances, and bilingual guide are provided.

What altitude is the José Rivas Refuge on Cotopaxi?

The José Rivas Refuge is located at 4,864 meters above sea level.

Are entrance fees included in this tour?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup available for this Cotopaxi tour?

The tour includes tourist transport from Quito but does not specify hotel pickup.

Is this day trip suitable for people with heart or spine problems?

No, it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks both English and Spanish fluently.

Do you visit Limpiopungo Lagoon during this trip?

Yes, there's a stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon as part of the itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip tourist transport from Quito, all entry fees to Cotopaxi sites including Limpiopungo Lagoon and the refuge area, plus a bilingual English-Spanish guide throughout your journey.