Rumiñahui Volcano Hike

The jagged peaks of Rumiñahui Volcano above the páramo Rumiñahui Volcano above the plain of Limpiopungo in Cotopaxi National Park Rumiñahui Volcano seen across the grasslands of Cotopaxi National Park Limpiopungo Lagoon with Rumiñahui Volcano behind Rumiñahui Volcano on the horizon of the Cotopaxi páramo

Overview

The Rumiñahui Volcano Hike is a full day from Limpiopungo Lagoon up Rumiñahui, the jagged old volcano in front of Cotopaxi, to its central summit at about 4,630 m, with some of the best views of Cotopaxi in the park. A classic acclimatization hike.

Itinerary

Start in Machachi

We meet early at our office in Machachi and drive into Cotopaxi National 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

Limpiopungo Lagoon

The trail starts by Limpiopungo Lagoon, at 3,830 m and right at the foot of Rumiñahui.

Up through the páramo

A steady climb through the páramo grasses and up the ridge, with Cotopaxi growing behind you: about 3 to 4 hours up, at your pace.

The central summit

The last stretch is a short scramble over rock to the central summit of Rumiñahui, at about 4,630 m. If the rock is wet or the wind is strong, your guide stops just below it, where the views are just as good. It's also the classic acclimatization hike before the Cotopaxi summit climb.

Back down and return

About 2 to 3 hours down to the lagoon, then the drive back to Machachi, or to your hotel in Quito if you added the pickup. For more climbs and treks in Ecuador, see Ecuador Ascents.

What's included

Included

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

Not included

  • Lunch (you can add it as an extra)
  • Pickup in Quito or other cities (you can add it as an extra)
  • Park entry fees, if any
  • Tips

Good to know

Fitness
You should be able to hike 6 to 7 hours with about 800 m up and down. No climbing experience is needed; your guide helps you on the rocky part.
Before Cotopaxi
Rumiñahui is the classic acclimatization hike before the Cotopaxi summit climb. Ask us to plan both.
Weather
The final scramble isn't done in rain, hail or snow. Bring warm layers, a rain jacket, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen.

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

How high is Rumiñahui?
Its highest point, the north summit, is about 4,720 m. This hike goes to the central summit, at about 4,630 m, the usual goal from Limpiopungo.
Is Rumiñahui an active volcano?
No. Rumiñahui is an old, inactive volcano, worn by glaciers into the jagged peaks you see from the park.
Is it a good acclimatization hike for Cotopaxi?
Yes, it's one of the best: it takes you above 4,500 m and back down the same day, a few days before the summit climb.
How hard is the Rumiñahui Volcano Hike?
It's a long day: 6 to 7 hours with about 800 m up and down, and a rocky scramble at the end. No climbing experience is needed, and your guide helps you on the rocky part.
When is the best time for the Rumiñahui Volcano Hike?
You can go all year. The drier months, June to September and December to January, usually bring the clearest views of Cotopaxi from the top of Rumiñahui Volcano, and the mornings are clearer than the afternoons. The final scramble isn't done in rain, hail or snow.
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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$130 per person
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