Cotopaxi National Park Day Tour

Cotopaxi Volcano above the golden páramo of the national park Limpiopungo Lagoon with Rumiñahui Volcano behind The José Rivas Refuge on the slopes of Cotopaxi Walking by the Cotopaxi glacier The boardwalk at Limpiopungo Lagoon in Cotopaxi National Park Snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano under a blue sky

Overview

Limpiopungo Lagoon, the walk up to the José Rivas Refuge and, if weather and terrain allow, the glacier of Cotopaxi Volcano. Starts and ends in Machachi.

Itinerary

Start in Machachi

Your tour starts in the morning at our office in Machachi, south of Quito and the closest town to the park. If you add the pickup, your guide collects you at your hotel in Quito first.

Starts and ends: our office in Machachi
Pickup in Quito: available as an extra

Into Cotopaxi National Park

The road climbs through pine forest and the open páramo into Cotopaxi National Park, with the volcano growing in front of you.

Limpiopungo Lagoon

An easy walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, at 3,830 m and at the foot of Rumiñahui Volcano, looking out for wild horses and Andean birds.

The José Rivas Refuge

From the parking lot at about 4,600 m, a steep walk on volcanic sand up to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m, at your pace.

The glacier, if conditions allow

When the weather and the trail allow it, your guide takes you up to the edge of the Cotopaxi glacier. Safety comes first: the guide decides on the day.

Return to Machachi

Back down through the park to Machachi, or to your hotel in Quito if you added the pickup.

What's included

Included

  • Transport from and to our office in Machachi
  • Local English-speaking mountain guide
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Breakfast, lunch and bicycle (you can add them as extras)
  • Pickup in Quito or other cities (you can add it as an extra)
  • Tips

Good to know

Altitude
The tour climbs from 2,900 m to almost 5,000 m in one day. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and ask your doctor first if you have heart or breathing conditions.
What to wear
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. It can be close to freezing at the refuge.
The volcano
Cotopaxi is an active volcano. The park sometimes limits access to the upper areas; if that happens, we adapt the route.

How booking works

  1. Choose your date and group. The price per person drops as your group grows, and you see the total before you send anything.
  2. Check availability. Nothing is booked or charged yet; we confirm your date first.
  3. Pay and enjoy. Once confirmed, we send you a secure payment link by email or WhatsApp.

FAQ

Do I need experience to reach the refuge?
No climbing experience is needed. The walk from the parking lot to the refuge is steep and at high altitude, so take it slowly; your guide sets the pace.
Can we walk to the glacier?
When the weather and the trail allow it, yes. Your guide decides on the day, and safety always comes first.
Can you pick me up in Quito?
Yes. Add the pickup in Quito when you check availability, or ask us about other cities. It has an extra cost.

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