Cotopaxi National Park hiking & biking tour from Quito

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Free cancellation

1/15

Duration9h

GroupUp to 18

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

A 45-minute climb to the refuge, then a downhill ride through volcanic terrain to the lake

This 9-hour tour from Quito combines hiking and mountain biking in Cotopaxi National Park. You start with a challenging 45-minute walk to a mountain refuge at 4,800 meters (15,750 feet), descend by bike to Limpiopungo Lake, and finish with lunch at a local community. A bilingual guide leads the route, handles transport from Quito, and provides the bike; you need moderate fitness and warm layers for the altitude.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking and biking in Cotopaxi Park

Pick up at Plaza Foch
Pick up at Plaza San Blas
Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park
Start hike at parking lot (4,600 m)
Arrive at refuge (4,800 m), optional hot drinks
Begin downhill mountain biking
Arrive at Limpiopungo Lake viewpoint
Lunch at Chaupi community
Return to Quito

The Experience

The day begins with pickup at Plaza Foch or Plaza San Blas in Quito at 7:15 or 7:30 am, followed by a two-hour transfer to the park. You arrive at the parking lot at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) and start the hike—a steep, 45-minute push to the refuge at 4,800 meters. The climb is demanding but the views of the park and volcano reward the effort. At the refuge, hot drinks are available for purchase if you need them before the descent.

From the parking lot, you switch to the bike for a downhill run through volcanic landscape. The ride takes you past wild horses, llamas, and possibly Andean condors as you descend toward Limpiopungo Lake. You reach the lake viewpoint around 2 pm, then continue to Chaupi community for lunch at 3 pm. The return to Quito takes about three hours, with arrival around 6 pm. Bikes are optional—let the operator know if you prefer to skip the biking portion when you book.

The park operates in all weather, so bring waterproof layers, gloves, a hat, and sturdy hiking boots. You'll need to sign a liability form for the bike and leave an ID document as security, which is returned after the tour. The guide speaks English and Spanish and can adjust the pace within the park's regulations, though the itinerary may shift due to weather or park conditions.

What’s included

Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
transportation from and to your Quito hotel or meeting point (Plaza Foch or Plaza San Blas).
mountain bike for the downhill portion.
lunch at Chaupi community.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for back problems

Operated by Ecuatraveling

Is this one for you?The 9-hour commitment means you leave early and return by evening, which works for a full day but rules out combining this with other activities. If you have a free morning and afternoon in Quito, this tour fills both; if you're short on time or prefer a half-day option, look for a shorter park visit instead.