Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

Explore Cotopaxi National Park with a full-day excursion. Admire the Cotopaxi volcano and the stunning plateau on which it sits — you might even see wild horses grazing! All ages are welcome to hike the glacier, and experienced cyclists can opt to bike.

Day 1 Cotopaxi National Park
Duration: 10 hours

Meeting point: 7:30am at Hotel Hilton Colon (secondary lobby). Address: Av. Juan León Mera between Patria Avenue and 18 de Septiembre Street. Please meet your guide in the secondary lobby of the hotel.

Finish Point: Hotel Hilton Colon. Expected finish time is 17:30.

Itinerary: Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador's most spectacular highlights. This full-day tour gives you the opportunity to explore this protected area on foot and by bike. The Cotopaxi National Park is situated in a stunning paramo plateau, where wild horses graze on the extensive plains at the foot of the volcano and gather to drink at the Limpiopungo lagoon which reflects the white peaks of nearby Volcan Rumiñahui. Trek through the National Park you will discover pumice, ash, stone and other volcanic debris amid the tiny páramos plants.

Hiking is for all ages but mountain biking is reserved for confident cyclists with experience in downhill. The hike will take around 3 hours to complete and then the biking activity to Limpiopungo Lagoon will start and this takes around an hour.

Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers.

Packing essentials: Warm clothing, Waterproof jacket, Gloves, Scarf, Hat, Hiking boots or trekking shoes, Sunglasses, Sunblock, Extra snacks and water.