Cotopaxi & Quilotoa: Day Trip from Quito with Hike & Lunch

Summary

Quito to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa in one wild day through Andean villages and volcanic lakes

You’ll cross Andean valleys from Quito to Cotopaxi’s wild slopes before hiking around Limpiopungo Lagoon with a local guide. After passing through colorful villages, enjoy lunch near Quilotoa Lagoon’s surreal crater rim. Expect moments of quiet awe, laughter with your group, and a real taste of Ecuador’s highlands.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed when my alarm went off at 5:30 — who signs up for a 10-hour day trip from Quito on vacation? But by the time we were winding out of the city, fog curling around the bus windows, I was already glad I’d dragged myself up. Our guide, Carolina, had this gentle way of pointing out things you’d miss: a farmer waving from his field, the sudden shadow of Cotopaxi looming up out of nowhere. It’s weird how close you feel to these volcanoes — like they’re watching you back.

First stop was Cotopaxi. The air got thin and sharp as we stepped into the páramo. There’s this particular smell — kind of earthy and cold at the same time — that hits you right away. We hiked around Limpiopungo Lagoon; it was quieter than I expected except for the wind rattling through the grass. Carolina told us about old eruptions and pointed to wild horses grazing in the distance. I tried to snap a photo but honestly, it never looks like what your eyes see. My hands were freezing but I didn’t really care.

The drive to Quilotoa felt long but not boring — we passed tiny villages like Tigua and Zumbahua where kids waved at us (one stuck his tongue out, which made everyone laugh). Lunch was waiting when we arrived near Quilotoa Lagoon — hot soup and rice with chicken that tasted better than anything fancy after that mountain air. The lake itself is unreal: greenish-blue water inside this huge crater, clouds moving so fast they kept changing the color. Some people hiked all the way down; I just sat at the rim for a while because my legs were jelly and honestly? That silence sticks with me more than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Volcanoes

• Depart Quito to Cotopaxi National Park
• Observe Avenue of the Volcanoes landscape
• Explore Cotopaxi National Park and volcano views
• Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Pass through indigenous villages Pujili, Tigua, Zumbahua
• Arrive at Quilotoa Lagoon for lunch
• Explore Quilotoa Lagoon and optional hike

Top questions

How long is the Cotopaxi & Quilotoa day trip from Quito?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours including transport and stops.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is provided near Quilotoa Lagoon as part of the tour.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

No special physical condition is required; suitable for all fitness levels.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in Quito.

Can I hike down to Quilotoa Lagoon?

Yes, there’s an optional hike to the bottom of Quilotoa Lagoon if you want.

What places do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Cotopaxi, Limpiopungo Lagoon, several Andean villages, and Quilotoa Lagoon.

Is entry to parks or attractions included?

Yes, all entry fees are covered in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Quito, private transportation throughout the Andes with a professional guide sharing stories along the way, all entry tickets for natural areas like Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Lagoons, plus a hearty local lunch before heading back in the evening.