Cotopaxi National Park full-day tour with José Rivas Refuge hike

Hike to the José Rivas Refuge and stand at the base of Cotopaxi Volcano

A full-day guided tour from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park includes hotel pickup, a trek around Limpiopungo Lagoon, a visit to the Interpretation Center, and a one-hour hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters. A bilingual guide leads the route, and drop-off back in Quito is included. Lunch is on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cotopaxi National Park full day tour

• Pick up from Quito hotel
• Stop in Machachi for snacks
• Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon and Interpretation Center
• Hike to José Rivas Refuge
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Quito and drop off

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito.
• entry to Cotopaxi National Park.
• a visit to the Interpretation Center Mariscal Sucre.
• a guided trek around Limpiopungo Lagoon.
• a one-hour hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters.
• and a bilingual guide in English and Spanish throughout the day.

Times

• Every day 07:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 100 6 private ›

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 40 pickup points.

Book up to 4h before

Ages Up to age 90

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Ecuador Hop

Prices and times updated today

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The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel or hostel in Quito. A quick stop in Machachi lets you grab snacks or use the restroom before you reach Cotopaxi National Park. Your guide will be with you throughout, speaking English and Spanish.

Limpiopungo Lagoon is the first real stop: a glacial lake sitting at the base of the volcano, where the light and the mountain reflection make for the photos people come for. The Interpretation Center, a small museum at the same site, covers the park's wildlife, geology and history. From there you gear up for the hike to José Rivas Refuge, which sits at 4,864 meters and takes around an hour. The altitude is real. Dress warmly and pace yourself. The refuge itself is the payoff: the views of Cotopaxi from that height are what the whole day builds toward.

After the hike, you'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant where your guide can point you toward good options, including vegetarian dishes. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so you'll order and pay separately. The drive back to Quito takes the rest of the afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel or hostel around 8:00 pm, as long as it's within the pickup and drop-off zones.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Limpiopungo Lagoon like, and why stop there?

Limpiopungo Lagoon is a glacial lake at the base of Cotopaxi Volcano, known for its reflection of the mountain and the landscape around it. The stop includes time to photograph and a visit to the nearby Interpretation Center, where you learn about the park's wildlife, geology and history.

How high is the José Rivas Refuge hike, and how long does it take?

The José Rivas Refuge sits at 4,864 meters above sea level. The hike takes around an hour, and altitude is a factor: the operator recommends dressing warmly and being ready for the elevation.

What's included in the tour price, and what do I pay for separately?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito, entry to Cotopaxi National Park, the Interpretation Center visit, the guided hike to José Rivas Refuge, and a bilingual guide. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not included. You'll pay for lunch on your own at a local restaurant after the hike.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup from your hotel or hostel in Quito happens at a time confirmed via chat. Drop-off back in Quito is around 8:00 pm, making the full day roughly 11 to 12 hours from start to finish.

Is this tour suitable if I have altitude concerns or physical limitations?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. It is suitable for all other fitness levels. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller during the parts of the day that don't involve hiking.