Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Viewpoint Day Trip
Day Trip Details
At the indicated time, we'll pick you up in Quito and take the Pan-American Highway South. During the journey, we'll admire various ecosystems and landscapes typical of the Andes.
After 1.5 hours of travel, our first stop will be Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. This park is Ecuador's second most important tourist attraction, surpassed only by the Galapagos Islands. Here, you can enjoy a local tea that prevents altitude sickness.
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 over 4,000 m (13,123 ft) above sea level.
We'll return to the road and head southwest until we reach the Quilotoa Volcano. After a short walk, we'll arrive at the Quilotoa viewpoint, where we'll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Quilotoa lagoon, one of the most beautiful volcanic lagoons in the world. Its crystal-clear waters make it one of the most impressive landscapes in Ecuador.
Then, you'll have free time to get yourself some lunch before heading back to Quito.
Finally, we'll say goodbye at the starting point 12 hours after picking you up.
Options
Upon booking, you can choose one of the following options:
- Tour without pickup: if you'd prefer to make your own way to the meeting point, please go to the NH Collection Hotel at 7 am.
- Tour with pickup: this option only includes pickup from hotels in the La Mariscal area. During the booking process, you'll need to select a hotel. Pickup will be between 6:30 and 7 am.
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 (depending on selection)
Transport by bus or minibus
English–speaking guide
Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
Not included
Food and drinks
Tea
When to book?
You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. 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.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
-
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.
-
Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
-
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.
-
Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Global Land Tour Globaland Cia Ltda Corporate name: GLOBAL LAND TOUR GLOBALAND CIA. LTDA. Registered Office: Vicente Ramón Roca E4-49 y Av. Amazonas, Quito, Ecuador Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): RUC 1792512670001 Contact information Email: management@globallandtour.com Phone: 593999712102
-
Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
