Cotopaxi National Park hiking tour from Quito: 4,864 m refuge

Eight to ten hours climbing volcanic ash to a mountain refuge with views across the Avenue of the Volcanoes

A private full-day tour from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park combines a scenic drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes with a challenging hike to Jose Ribas Refuge at 4,864 meters. You'll stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon for acclimatization, observe Andean wildlife, and reach the refuge to rest and take in panoramic views of Cotopaxi and the Rumiñahui massif. Hotel pickup and a bilingual guide are included. The hike is subject to weather and safety conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cotopaxi National Park hiking tour

• Drive along Avenue of the Volcanoes
• Visit Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center
• Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Hike to Jose Ribas Refuge
• Enjoy hot chocolate and views
• Try local food near the park
• Drive back to Quito

The experience

The day starts with a drive through Machachi along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where your guide shares the ancient legends and geological stories of the Andean peaks. At the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center near the park entrance, you'll learn about the ecosystem and volcanic history before heading into Cotopaxi National Park itself. This stop gives your body time to adjust to the altitude before the main climb.

Limpiopungo Lagoon comes first as an acclimatization hike across the páramo. The trail is gentle and the setting is quiet, with views of Cotopaxi and the Rumiñahui massif reflected in the water. Birdlife is abundant here, and the lagoon sits at a lower elevation than the refuge, so your body continues to adapt as you walk. After this, the real climb begins: a steep hike up volcanic ash to Jose Ribas Refuge at 4,864 meters. The trail is demanding, but once you reach the refuge, you can rest and absorb the panoramic views across the Andes. A hot chocolate is available to buy at the refuge to warm up. On the way back down, your guide will point out local food spots in the area before driving you back to your Quito hotel.

This is a private tour, so the pace and timing are yours alone. The hike's difficulty and the altitude mean you need moderate fitness and should be at least 12 years old. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with heart conditions or poor cardiovascular health. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation, so bring layers and be prepared for rain or wind. The entire experience runs 8 to 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels in Quito.
• entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park.
• bottle of purified water.
• professional bilingual guide in English or Spanish.

Options for this experience

3 options

Grand ExpeditionUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:00With a driver and professional guide, a mini van (5 passengers plus guide) or a mini bus (6–10 passengers plus guide) is available, and pickup is included

Family and FriendsUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:00A special SUV (for up to 4 passengers) or a mini van is available with a driver-guide, and pickup is included

Mini GroupUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 08:00A driver-guide SUV (Toyota, Renault, or Kia), and pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 to 96 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Andean Roots Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the private option if you want the pace and timing to match your fitness level and acclimatization needs. The guide adjusts the day around you rather than a fixed group schedule. Families and groups of friends can book together and share the cost across your party while keeping the experience private.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Avenue of the Volcanoes and what will I see there?

The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a scenic route through Machachi where your guide shares the ancient legends and stories of the Andean peaks. On a clear day, you'll see several of the region's major volcanoes, though visibility depends on weather conditions.

How difficult is the hike to Jose Ribas Refuge?

The hike to Jose Ribas Refuge is challenging, climbing volcanic ash terrain to 4,864 meters. You'll need at least moderate fitness. The Limpiopungo Lagoon hike earlier in the day is gentler and helps your body acclimatize before the steeper climb.

What wildlife might I see in Cotopaxi National Park?

The park is home to hundreds of wild animals, from birds to mammals. Limpiopungo Lagoon is particularly good for birdwatching, and the páramo ecosystem supports diverse species adapted to high altitude.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The hike is subject to weather and safety conditions on the day. Your guide will assess conditions and may adjust the route or timing to keep you safe. Dress in layers and bring rain gear, as weather can change rapidly at this elevation.

Is there food and water provided during the tour?

A bottle of purified water is included. Food and drinks are not included, though your guide will show you local food spots on the way back to Quito. Hot chocolate is available to buy at Jose Ribas Refuge.