Ecuador: Cotopaxi Camping, Biking & Hot Springs Adventure

Summary

Cloud forest hikes, condors at Zuleta, volcanic hot springs and biking Cotopaxi’s wild trails

You’ll taste chirimoya at Otavalo market, soak in volcanic hot springs at Papallacta, camp under Cotopaxi’s shadow with expert guides, bike wild Andean trails, spot condors at Zuleta hacienda—and still have time for fireside laughter. This journey isn’t about rushing; it’s about feeling Ecuador in your bones.

What’s the experience like?

You step out of the car and the air feels thinner—like you’re already halfway up a mountain. Quito’s colors are so sharp in the morning it almost hurts your eyes. Our guide, Sofia, met us in the hotel lobby with this quiet confidence that made me feel like I’d known her for ages. We wandered through Quito’s old town first (she pointed out this bakery where the bread smelled like vanilla and something floral—jasmine maybe?), but honestly my mind was racing ahead to Cotopaxi. I’d seen photos but nothing prepares you for actually seeing that volcano looming over everything. It’s just there, massive and a little intimidating.

The drive north took us past avocado trees and chirimoya stalls—I tried one for the first time, sweet and a bit strange on my tongue. The Otavalo market was a riot of color and sound; I got completely lost among alpaca scarves until an old man started playing a pan flute right next to me (I think he saw me staring). Lunch was trout with some kind of spicy green sauce—can’t remember the name—and then we headed to Zuleta Hacienda. The rooms had fireplaces that crackled all night, which felt pretty magical after a day outside. In the morning we followed our local guide around the property; he showed us how they make cheese (the smell is… intense) and led us out looking for condors. We actually spotted one circling way above us—everyone went silent for a second.

I didn’t expect to love Papallacta hot springs as much as I did. Maybe it was the cold air on my face while my body was underwater, or maybe just being able to do nothing for an hour after all that hiking. There were families laughing nearby, steam drifting everywhere—it felt like time slowed down there. Then came Cotopaxi camping: tents set up facing the volcano itself (waking up to that view is still burned into my brain). We told stories around a bonfire with our guides trading jokes in Spanish and English—my Spanish is terrible but laughter translates fine.

Biking across Cotopaxi’s trails was both easier and harder than I thought—flat stretches where you can just look around at wild horses grazing, then rocky bits where I nearly wiped out twice (Sofia pretended not to notice). The last day we zipped through cloud forest canopy lines, legs shaking from nerves but also excitement. On the drive back toward Quito I kept thinking about that moment by Limpiopungo lagoon: silence except for wind and distant bird calls, everyone just staring at Cotopaxi like it might move if we blinked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Quito exploration

• Arrive in Quito
• Explore Quito old town
• Meet trip leader for briefing

Day 2 — Visit Otavalo market and Peguche

• Drive to Guayllabamba valley
• Taste local fruits
• View San Pablo Lake and Imbabura Volcano
• Visit Otavalo Indigenous market
• Enjoy traditional lunch
• Visit Peguche village for tapestries

Day 3 — Zuleta Hacienda and condor spotting

• Tour Hacienda cheese factory
• Walk to spot condors
• Optional horse riding or relax

Day 4 — Equator line and hot springs

• Drive to Equator line museum
• Stand on both hemispheres
• Drive to Papallacta hot springs
• Relax in volcanic waters or spa

Day 5 — Cloud forest and Cotopaxi hike

• Visit cloud forest reserve
• View hummingbirds and drink hot chocolate
• Drive to Cotopaxi National Park
• Hike Limpiopungo lagoon
• Spot wild horses, birds, and condors
• Evening bonfire stories

Day 6 — Mountain biking and hacienda stay

• Breakfast with Cotopaxi view
• Mountain bike 15 km on trails
• Arrive at charming hacienda

Day 7 — Cloud forest hike and zip line

• Drive to Santa Rita Cloud Forest
• Hike canopy line
• Learn about flora and fauna
• Enjoy zip line adventure

Day 8 — Departure and farewell

• Prepare for international departure
• End of services

Top questions

How difficult is the biking in Cotopaxi?

The biking is mostly on flat terrain with some single track sections; suitable for all fitness levels according to the tour details.

Are meals included during the tour?

Traditional lunches are included at local spots such as Otavalo market and Zuleta hacienda; breakfast is provided each morning.

Is camping gear provided for Cotopaxi?

Yes, tents, air mattresses, trekking sticks, dry bags and bathroom tent are included during camping near Cotopaxi.

Can I soak in Papallacta hot springs during this trip?

Yes, there is time set aside specifically for relaxing or getting a massage at Termas de Papallacta Spa.

Will we see Andean condors on this tour?

You’ll have a guided walk at Zuleta hacienda focused on spotting condors in their natural habitat—sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

What kind of accommodations are used?

The tour includes 5-star hotels in Quito, nights at luxury haciendas like Zuleta and Santa Ana, plus one night camping near Cotopaxi volcano.

Is hotel pickup included from Quito?

Yes, comfortable land transportation with hotel pickup from Quito is included throughout the itinerary.

Are there activities suitable for families or children?

The itinerary features gentle hikes, easy biking routes and cultural visits suitable for all physical fitness levels—including families.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup from Quito with certified English-speaking guides leading short hikes through cloud forests and biking across Andean plains. All outdoor gear is covered: tents by Cotopaxi volcano (with bonfire stories), air mattresses for comfort, plus entry fees to Papallacta hot springs where you can soak or book a massage before returning each evening to cozy hotels or historic haciendas—with traditional lunches along the way.