Cotopaxi: Volcano Bike Tour & Glacier Hike with Lunch

Summary

Bike down Cotopaxi’s slopes after glacier hike picnic lunch

You’ll hike above 4,800 meters on Cotopaxi before biking down volcanic slopes with a local guide by your side. Warm up with breakfast and a picnic lunch at altitude, then circle Limpiopungo Lagoon listening for birdsong as clouds drift over icy peaks. It’s not just about views — it’s about feeling small in all the best ways.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of gravel under our boots when we stepped out near Pasochoa — that and the thin, cold air. Our guide, Andrés, handed out steaming cups of coffee while we tried to get used to breathing at almost 3,000 meters. There was this quiet hum from the other travelers as we all took in the view of Ilinizas poking through clouds. Breakfast tasted like relief more than anything — warm bread, eggs, and something sweet I never caught the name of.

Driving into Cotopaxi felt like entering another world. The volcano itself just sits there — huge, white-capped, and way more intimidating up close than any photo. We stopped a few times so nobody got dizzy from the altitude (one guy did anyway; Andrés just gave him some advice about slow steps and chocolate). At the parking lot, we pulled on gloves and started hiking toward the refuge. The wind picked up hard here — it stung my cheeks but also made me laugh for no reason. By the time we reached 5,000 meters and saw the glacier (so close you could see little cracks in the ice), I was tired but weirdly proud. Lunch back at the refuge was simple: sandwiches, fruit, hot tea. Tasted better than it sounds when you’re that high up.

I’d been nervous about biking down Cotopaxi’s slopes (my hands still shook a bit from the cold), but after Andrés’ quick safety talk it felt doable. The descent is wild — volcanic gravel sprays up behind you, and every bump rattles your bones in a good way. There was this moment where a fox darted across ahead of us near Limpiopungo Lagoon; everyone stopped to watch it disappear into yellow grass. The lagoon itself is quiet — birds everywhere, water like glass. We wandered around with Andrés pointing out tiny orchids I’d never have noticed on my own.

On the ride back to Quito I kept thinking about how raw everything felt up there: cold air in your lungs, volcanic grit in your teeth (not kidding), and that feeling when everyone finally starts laughing again after being too winded to talk for hours. If you’re looking for a Cotopaxi bike tour that’s more than just scenery — yeah, this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cotopaxi National Park bike tour

• Drive 1.5 hours south of Quito
• Stop for breakfast and acclimatization
• Enter Avenue of the Volcanoes
• Purchase indigenous handicrafts
• Make acclimatization stops en route
• Arrive parking area and hike to refuge
• Hike up to 5000 meters to glacier
• Return to refuge for picnic lunch
• Return to parking area for briefing
• Bike descent to Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Guided walk around lagoon
• Visit museum and interpretation center
• Return to Quito

Top questions

How far is Cotopaxi from Quito?

It’s about 50 km south of Quito; driving takes around 1 hour 30 minutes along the Panamerican Highway.

Is this Cotopaxi bike tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children as young as 5 can join if supervised by parents.

What should I wear for biking Cotopaxi?

Bring warm clothes including a windbreaker and gloves to protect against cold mountain winds.

Do I need previous biking experience?

No special experience needed; guides provide instruction before descent.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included—vegetarian options available if you let them know in advance.

Are entry fees or permits included?

Your permit to enter protected areas is included in the tour price.

Will there be stops for acclimatization?

Yes, several technical stops are made to help everyone adjust to altitude along the way.

What is Limpiopungo Lagoon like?

It’s a quiet lagoon surrounded by grasslands with lots of birds—there’s also an interpretation center nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation from Quito along mountain highways with acclimatization stops for breakfast and photos; entry permits; all biking equipment including helmet; guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout; plus a picnic lunch at high altitude before returning to Quito in the evening.