Leave urban Quito behind and lose yourself in Ecuador's natural beauty. Discover Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, and marvel at the turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lagoon, a volcanic caldera.
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Volcanoes Excursion
After being picked up from your hotel at 6:55 in the morning, you'll leave Quito behind and head south on the Pan-American Highway. During the tour, we'll admire the Andes ecosystems and landscapes and you'll have the opportunity to drink the local tea that prevents altitude sickness. Don't worry about this as we have devices to measure the pressure, you just have to enjoy the ride!
The first step 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 at about 7 pm.
Hotel pickup
This tour includes pickup from the following hotels in Quito:
- Sheraton Hotel
- Dann Carlton
- Le Parc Quito
- Wyndham Garden
- Swissotel Quito
- NH Collection
- JW Marriot Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express
- Rio Amazonas
- NU House Boutique
- Reina Isabel
- Mercure Alameda
- Hilton Colon Quito
- Patio Andaluz
If you're not staying at one of these hotels, you'll have to select the one closest to your accommodation.
Option without pickup
If you would prefer to make your own way to the meet point, we'll meet at Hotel NH Collection Quito at 6:58 am.
Price
More Information
Duration
12 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop off
English– speaking guide
Transport by air conditioned bus
Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
Not included
Food and drinks.
When to book?
You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
No printing of documentation required.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Are there any walks around the lagoon?
A - No as going down to the lagoon and then back up again requires a lot of physical effort and time.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us .
