Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Volcanoes Excursion

Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Volcanoes Excursion Itinerary

After being picked up from your hotel first thing in the morning, you'll leave Quito behind and head south on the Pan-American Highway. The journey by comfortable air-conditioned bus will give you the opportunity to admire the incredibly diverse ecosystems of the Andean countryside.

The first stop that you'll make will be in the Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes. The park is Ecuador's second most important tourist attraction, beaten only by the Galapagos Islands in popularity.

Crossing the green páramo of the national park, you'll arrive at the flanks of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the park's museum and the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a stunning example of the imprint left by the ancient eruptions of the volcano. After a relaxed walk (if weather conditions allow it), you'll reach a forest of chuquiragas - a species of flower native to the Andes, which feed local hummingbirds - located almost 13,800 feet (4200 m) above sea level. 

Returning to the highway, you'll make your way southwest, arriving at the Quilotoa Volcano. The furthest west of Ecuador's volcanoes, the beautiful turquoise water-filled caldera was formed over 600 years ago after the volcano's devastating eruption. The dramatic scenery of the paradise lagoon is one of the country's most spectacular sights. A short hike (dependant on weather conditions) will bring you to the Quilotoa viewpoint, from which you'll enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view over Quilotoa Lagoon, one of the world's most beautiful volcanic lakes.

You'll then have free time to have lunch (not included) before taking the road back to Quito. The tour will end with drop off back at your hotel. 

Hotel pick up

This tour includes a pick up and drop off service for the main hotels in Quito: Sheraton, Dann Carlton, NH Collection, Swissotel, Holiday Inn, Mercure Alameda, Reina Isabel, Nu House, J.W. Marriott, Howard Johnson and Hilton. If your accommodation is not listed here, the meeting point will be at the Holiday Inn.

If your hotel is not on this list, or you would prefer to make your own way to the main meet point, you should head to the Holiday Inn Hotel (on the corner of Av. Orellana E6-54 and Reina Victoria) at 7 am.