Cotopaxi volcano tour from Quito: Hike to José Rivas Refuge

Climb to the José Rivas Refuge and descend Ecuador's largest active volcano by bike

A full-day tour of Cotopaxi National Park from Quito combines a guided hike to the José Rivas Refuge on Ecuador's largest active volcano with optional downhill cycling and a stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon for photography and bird watching. Pickup from Quito Old Town at 7:30 am; certified bilingual guide, lunch and bicycle use included; return around 5:00 pm. Minimum age 21. Moderate fitness required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cotopaxi volcano nature and adventure

• Pick-up at 07h30
• Acclimatization stop at 2,945 meters
• Flora and fauna explanation
• Ascent by vehicle to parking lot
• Hike to José Rivas Refuge
• Downhill cycling (optional)
• Stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Lunch
• Arrival in Quito around 5:00 pm

The experience

The day starts with pickup in Quito Old Town and a drive to Cotopaxi National Park, where you acclimatize at 2,945 meters before the main hike begins. A guide leads you up to the José Rivas Refuge without requiring technical climbing skills or mountaineering experience, moving through high-altitude Andean landscapes with views across the surrounding peaks. The refuge sits at the base of Cotopaxi's snow-capped cone, and the hike itself is the centerpiece of the tour: a chance to stand at real elevation on one of the world's highest active volcanoes.

On the descent, you have the option to ride a bicycle downhill from the upper part of the park to the lower section, a route that covers the terrain you hiked up. The bike ride is optional but included if you want it. After that comes a stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon, where the water reflects the surrounding mountains and volcanic peaks on clear days. This is where most travelers spend time photographing and watching for birds. Lunch (typical Ecuadorian food or a vegetarian option) happens before the drive back to Quito, arriving around 5:00 pm.

Transportation is comfortable and authorized for tourists. The certified guide speaks both Spanish and English. A small extra fee applies if you arrange pickup from your own accommodation outside Quito Old Town, and groups of more than four can discuss custom transportation arrangements with the operator.

What’s included

• Certified bilingual guide in Spanish and English.
• comfortable authorized transportation with pickup from Quito Old Town.
• hike to the José Rivas Refuge.
• use of bicycle for optional downhill cycling.
• lunch with vegetarian option.
• stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon for photography and bird watching.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (21 to 65 years) · Under 21: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15 · max 2 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Friends Expeditions

Is this one for you?The hike to José Rivas Refuge and the full-day pace demand moderate fitness and acclimatization to high altitude, so this tour suits travelers who are comfortable with sustained walking at elevation and want to experience Cotopaxi's high-mountain landscape without technical climbing.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high does the hike to José Rivas Refuge go, and do I need mountaineering experience?

The José Rivas Refuge sits at high altitude on Cotopaxi, but the hike requires no technical equipment or prior mountaineering experience. Just moderate physical fitness and acclimatization time at the start of the day.

Can I skip the downhill bike ride if I don't want to cycle?

The downhill cycling is optional. You can choose not to ride and descend by vehicle instead, though the bike route is included in the tour price if you want to use it.

What is Limpiopungo Lagoon like, and how much time do we spend there?

Limpiopungo Lagoon is known for reflecting the surrounding mountains and volcanic peaks in its water on clear days. It's a stop for photography, bird watching and contemplation, though the exact time depends on the day's pace.

What time does pickup happen, and when do we return to Quito?

Pickup is at 7:30 am from Quito Old Town. The tour returns around 5:00 pm, making it a full day of nine to ten hours total.

Is lunch included, and are there options for dietary preferences?

Lunch is included and you can choose typical Ecuadorian food or a vegetarian option.