Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip from Quito & Limpiopungo Lagoon

One Day at 5,897 Meters: Cotopaxi Volcano & Glacial Lake from Quito

You get picked up from your Quito hotel and driven into Cotopaxi National Park to hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon, climb to Padre Rivas Refuge at 4,830 meters, and see the active volcano's cone and glacier. Park entry, a certified English-speaking guide, lunch, and return transport are all included. Minimum two people per booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cotopaxi National Park

• Depart from Quito
• Visit Cotopaxi Volcano viewpoint
• Explore Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Hike in Limpiopungo valley
• Drive to Padre Rivas Refuge
• Optional glacier visit

The Experience

"The mountain shows itself when it wants to," our guide told us as we pulled out of Quito that morning, and he wasn't being poetic — he meant it literally. Cotopaxi sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and on clear days it rises from the highland plain at 3,800 meters like something drawn by hand. The full-day Cotopaxi National Park tour starts with hotel pickup in the city, then climbs steadily into thinner air. You're heading toward one of the world's highest active volcanoes, and the landscape changes as you go — the city noise drops away, the temperature falls, and the cone gets bigger in the windshield.

The first real stop is Limpiopungo Lagoon, a glacial lake ringed by smaller peaks where you'll see herds of llamas, rabbits, deer, and a surprising number of birds if you're patient. The water is clear and cold, and the frame around it — Cotopaxi on one side, Sincholagua and Rumiñahui on the others — is the kind of view that makes you understand why people hike to high places. From there, you take a short walk in the valley before the vehicle climbs again to Padre Rivas Refuge at 4,830 meters. Depending on how your body feels at that altitude, you can push higher toward the glacier at 5,050 meters, or stay at the refuge and let the landscape do the work. The guide is certified and English-speaking, and he knows the route well enough to read the weather and your pace.

Lunch is included — a real meal, not a bar — and if you've told them about dietary needs when you booked, they'll have sorted it. The drive back to Quito gives you time to feel the altitude leave your system, and by evening you're dropped at your hotel. The whole day runs in all weather, so bring layers and waterproof gear; the mountain doesn't wait for perfect conditions, and neither does the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Quito, entry to Cotopaxi National Park, a certified English-speaking guide, lunch with your choice of menu options (vegetarian available), and transport by private vehicle to Limpiopungo Lagoon and Padre Rivas Refuge at 4,830 meters.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Ecuador's most recognizable volcano and a glacial lagoon without arranging transport, park fees, or a guide yourself — the fixed itinerary and included meals mean you show up and climb, nothing else to plan.

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Top questions

How high do you actually climb on this tour?

You drive to Padre Rivas Refuge at 4,830 meters (15,800 feet). From there, depending on your fitness and how you feel at altitude, you can hike higher toward the glacier at 5,050 meters, or stay at the refuge. The volcano's summit is 5,897 meters but is not part of this tour.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off from hotels in central Quito are included. Hotels outside the city center may have an extra charge — confirm your location when booking.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian and other dietary options are available. You must advise the operator at the time of booking so they can prepare your lunch accordingly.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but the pace is adjustable and you can choose how high to climb beyond the refuge.

What's included in the price?

National Park entry fees, a certified English-speaking guide, lunch, transport by private vehicle, and hotel pickup/drop-off in central Quito are all included.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. Bring waterproof and warm layers — temperatures drop significantly at altitude, and conditions can change quickly.

How many people do I need to book with?

A minimum of two people per booking is required.

How long is the full day?

The itinerary does not specify total duration, but a full-day Cotopaxi tour typically runs 8–10 hours from pickup to drop-off, depending on how high you climb and how long you spend at each stop.