Cotopaxi & Limpiopungo: Day Trip with Entrances & Guide

Summary

Walk Cotopaxi’s wild slopes, see Limpiopungo’s quiet waters, meet locals

You’ll ride from Quito into Cotopaxi’s wild highlands with a local guide, walk up volcanic trails to José Rivas Refuge, and pause by Limpiopungo Lagoon where wild horses graze. Expect chilly air, honest conversation, and moments when you forget your phone entirely.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to feel so small standing under Cotopaxi. We’d just left Quito behind—still a bit sleepy—and suddenly there it was, this volcano that looks like it belongs in a storybook but also kind of makes you nervous. Our guide, Andrés, handed out coca candies (not sure they helped my altitude nerves but I ate two anyway) and pointed out the way the clouds move around the summit. He said sometimes you get lucky and see the whole peak—today it played hide and seek.

The drive into Cotopaxi National Park was bumpy in a comforting way, like you’re really getting somewhere remote. At the Interpretation Center, I tried to ask about the wolves in Spanish (lobo?) and got a smile from the woman at the desk who gently corrected my accent. The museum itself is small but has these old mountaineering photos that made me want to climb something, even though honestly walking up to José Rivas Refuge was enough for me. The air gets thin fast—my hands felt cold but also weirdly awake. There were people from all over on that trail, some laughing, some huffing like me.

Later at Limpiopungo Lagoon, everything slowed down. The water looked almost metallic under gray sky and wild horses grazed off in the distance—so still I thought they might be statues. Andrés told us about condors nesting nearby (didn’t spot any but kept looking up just in case). The grass here feels rougher than back home; I sat for a minute just listening to wind move through it. It smelled faintly smoky, maybe from someone’s campfire far off? I still think about that quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cotopaxi National Park and Lagoon

• Visit Cotopaxi National Park Interpretation Center
• Walk to José Rivas Refuge
• Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon for volcano views

Top questions

How long does the Cotopaxi day trip take from Quito?

The full day trip lasts approximately 8-10 hours including transport from Quito.

Is entrance to Cotopaxi included in this tour?

Yes, all entrance fees for Cotopaxi and Limpiopungo are included.

What is the elevation at José Rivas Refuge?

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

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; bring snacks or check with your guide for stops.

Do I need to be very fit for this hike?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to high altitude walking.

Are guides bilingual on this tour?

Yes, your guide will speak both Spanish and English.

Can infants join this Cotopaxi day trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health conditions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in tourist transport from Quito, all entrance fees for Cotopaxi and Limpiopungo Lagoon, plus a bilingual Spanish-English guide who shares stories along the way before returning you safely in the evening.