Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2-Day Tour from Quito with Local Guide

Summary

Andean Volcanoes & Quilotoa Lagoon Overnight Adventure

Feel high-altitude air on your face as you trek Cotopaxi’s slopes and descend into Quilotoa’s turquoise crater lake. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll visit Andean villages, taste homemade snacks, and see Tigua art up close—moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the van seat as we left Quito behind, I caught the first glimpse of Cotopaxi’s snowy peak through a break in the clouds — our guide, Andrés, just grinned and said, “She’s shy in the mornings.” The air got thinner and sharper as we climbed; I could smell wet earth and something like eucalyptus. At Limpiopungo Lagoon, a local woman waved us over to try her homemade cheese rolls (I bought two — still warm). The wind was so strong it made my eyes water, but maybe that was just the view. We hiked up towards José Rivas Refuge — not gonna lie, I had to stop to catch my breath more than once. Andrés kept us laughing with stories about climbers who’d tried (and failed) to summit Cotopaxi in sneakers. Lunch after that tasted better than it probably was because I was starving.

The night at the hacienda felt like stepping into someone’s family home — creaky floors, thick blankets, and a fireplace that smelled faintly of woodsmoke. In the morning, after strong coffee (needed it), we drove out toward Quilotoa. The road twisted through tiny villages where kids waved at our bus; one little boy tried to sell me a painted gourd at a stoplight. At the community viewpoint above Quilotoa Lagoon, nobody spoke for a minute — just this crazy turquoise water down below and mist curling around the rim. The descent was steeper than I expected; my legs were jelly by the time we reached the shore. Some people rented mules for the climb back up — I thought about it but ended up walking (slowly). My shoes filled with dust.

We stopped at a Tigua art workshop on the way back — bright paintings everywhere, all these tiny details of village life and mountains. The artist showed me how he mixes colors with his fingers instead of brushes; Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” in Kichwa (I definitely butchered it). There was something grounding about seeing how people here live with these volcanoes always on the horizon. On the drive back to Quito I kept replaying that moment at Quilotoa’s edge — quiet except for wind and distant dogs barking somewhere down in the valley.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quito to Cotopaxi

• Depart Quito to Cotopaxi National Park
• Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon and Mariscal Sucre Center
• Trek to José Rivas Refuge, lunch, overnight at Hacienda

Day 2 — Quilotoa and return to Quito

• Visit community viewpoint at Quilotoa Lagoon
• Descend to lagoon, explore, lunch, visit Tigua craft workshop
• Visit Tigua community and art

Top questions

How long is the Cotopaxi & Quilotoa tour from Quito?

The tour lasts 2 days and 1 night, departing from Quito.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes tourist transport from Quito but does not specify hotel pickup.

What is included in the Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2-day tour?

The tour includes entrance fees to Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon, bilingual guide, transport, visits to a traditional house and Tigua art gallery.

How difficult is the hike to José Rivas Refuge on Cotopaxi?

The trek requires at least moderate physical fitness due to altitude and terrain.

Are meals provided during this overnight trip?

The tour includes lunch each day; other meals are not specified.

Can infants join this Cotopaxi & Quilotoa day trip?

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

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with health issues?

No; it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

What’s included

Your two-day adventure covers entry fees for both Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon, guided visits in English or Spanish, comfortable tourist transport throughout, lunch each day, plus stops at a traditional moorland house and Tigua art gallery before returning to Quito in the evening.