Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates in 2025 for preventative maintenance on the runway: April 5 & 12; May 10, 17 & 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; September 6, 13 & 20, between the hours of 2am and 2pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double-check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.
Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)
1 days, Cotopaxi National Park to Cotopaxi National Park
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Cotopaxi 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 ages 14+ 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.
Hike starts at 4500 meters above sea level and climbs up to 4864 meters at the Refugio. From there it's about another 45 minute hike before you arrive at the Glacier at 5000 meters. To avoid the possibility of altitude sickness we recommend acclimating before attempting this hike.
Cotopaxi Day Tour
Explore one of Ecuador's most iconic sites, the Cotopaxi Volcano. Famous for it's perfectly symmetrical profile, this mountain is rich with areas to explore, and a mecca for hikers and mountain bikers. No trip to Ecuador is complete without a visit to this epic location.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Cotopaxi Mountain Biking Excursion
Looking to push your Cotopaxi trip to the next level? Opt to hop on a mountain bike and experience this thrill-seekers paradise at full speed. This optional includes all equipment rental, it's recommended to be an experienced rider before signing up.