2-Day Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon: Biking and Hiking

Adventurous travelers seeking an unforgettable experience can embark on a remarkable 2-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Ecuador. Enjoy the natural wonders of Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon, where challenging hikes, exhilarating downhill mountain biking, and captivating cultural encounters await. This outdoor adventure promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, as you discover the diverse beauty and rich heritage of this remarkable region. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour offers an opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring sights that have made Ecuador a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Points

• The tour offers a 2-day exploration of Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon, focusing on biking and hiking activities.
• On day 1, visitors hike to the Cotopaxi volcano refuge at 4,864 meters and enjoy a thrilling downhill mountain biking descent.
• On day 2, the tour includes a visit to the emerald-hued Quilotoa Lagoon and exploration of local indigenous markets.
• The tour is suitable for individuals with good fitness levels, but not recommended for those with certain health conditions like back problems or heart conditions.
• The package includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and an option to hire mules for the return trip at Quilotoa Lagoon.

Tour Overview

This 2-day tour offers an exciting exploration of Cotopaxi National Park and the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon. The tour departs from Quito and takes travelers on a journey through the Andean landscape.

With a focus on biking and hiking, the tour includes a visit to the iconic Cotopaxi volcano, where hikers can trek to the refuge at 4,864 meters, followed by a thrilling downhill mountain biking experience.

On the second day, the tour explores the Quilotoa Lagoon, an emerald crater lake nestled in the Andes. Travelers can also visit local indigenous markets and interact with the community.

The tour is suitable for those with a good fitness level and offers a unique cultural and outdoor adventure.

Itinerary for Day 1

The tour begins on the first day with a visit to Cotopaxi National Park.

Travelers will stop at the Avenida De Los Volcanes, which offers spectacular views of the Andean landscape. This stop lasts about an hour, and admission is free.

Next, they’ll explore Cotopaxi National Park, where they’ll hike up to the refuge at 4,864 meters.

After the hike, they’ll enjoy a thrilling downhill mountain biking experience.

The entire Cotopaxi National Park portion of the tour takes around 7 hours, and admission is included.

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park

Ascending through the lush alpine landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, hikers embark on a challenging trek to the refuge at an impressive elevation of 4,864 meters.

The path winds past vibrant wildflowers and glacial streams, offering breathtaking views of the park’s snowcapped peaks. Along the way, guides share insights into the unique flora and fauna, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystem.

As hikers reach the refuge, they’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, the second-highest active volcano in the world.

This exhilarating journey through the park’s pristine wilderness is a highlight of the two-day adventure.

Downhill Mountain Biking

After the challenging hike to the Cotopaxi refuge, adventurers hop on their mountain bikes for an exhilarating downhill ride through the park.

The descent takes them along winding trails, past glacial streams and dense vegetation. Riders must navigate sharp turns and steep inclines, requiring strong bike-handling skills.

The panoramic views of the Andean peaks and valleys provide a breathtaking backdrop to the thrilling journey.

At the end of the ride, participants feel a sense of accomplishment having conquered both the hike and the bike descent in this unique volcanic landscape.

Itinerary for Day 2

Leaving the spectacular views of Cotopaxi National Park behind, the tour ventures to the Quilotoa Lagoon on the second day.

First, the group visits either the Saquisili or Pujili indigenous markets, allowing for culture and interaction with the local people.

The highlight of the day is exploring the emerald-hued Quilotoa Lagoon, situated within a volcanic crater at an altitude of 3,800 meters.

Travelers have the opportunity to hike down to the lagoon’s shore and soak in the breathtaking landscape.

Those seeking an easier return can opt to hire mules for the ascent back to the crater’s edge for an additional $8.

The day concludes after approximately 6 hours of exploration.

Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon

As the tour makes its way to the Quilotoa Lagoon, travelers are greeted by the stunning emerald-hued waters nestled within a volcanic crater at an impressive 3,800 meters in altitude. Visitors can explore the serene lagoon and interact with the local indigenous communities. The tour also includes a visit to either the Saquisili market on Thursdays or the Pujili market on Sundays, offering a culture and opportunity to browse handcrafted goods.

Attraction	Duration	Admission
Indigenous Market	2 hours	Free
Laguna Quilotoa	6 hours	Free
Mules (optional)	N/A	$8

The Quilotoa Lagoon experience provides a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package includes a night’s accommodation in a double room with a private bathroom, depending on the number of travelers.

Plus, 4 meals are provided, and transportation to and from the meeting point in Quito is included.

While mules are available at Quilotoa Lagoon for the return trip up the crater at an additional cost of $8, tips for the guides are optional.

The total price for the 2-day tour varies based on group size, starting from $248.00.

Travelers should be aware that this tour isn’t recommended for those with certain health conditions or for pregnant individuals due to the physical requirements.

Health Restrictions and Cancellation Policy

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain health conditions. Specifically, individuals with back problems, heart conditions, serious medical conditions, or pregnant travelers should avoid this tour.

The hiking and biking activities can be physically demanding, and the high altitudes may pose additional challenges.

• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for travelers with heart conditions
• Not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Plus, this tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, so participants should be sure of their ability to complete the activities before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike for the Cotopaxi Biking Activity?

Based on the tour details, guests can’t bring their own bikes for the Cotopaxi biking activity. The tour provides mountain bikes for the downhill biking portion of the excursion in Cotopaxi National Park.

Is There an Option to Visit the Cotopaxi Summit During the Hike?

No, the tour does not include an option to visit the Cotopaxi summit during the hike. The hike only goes up to the refuge at 4,864 meters, and the descending mountain bike ride is the main focus of the Cotopaxi portion of the tour.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring the Indigenous Markets?

The itinerary includes 2 hours to explore the indigenous markets of Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujili (Sundays). Travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the local culture and interact with vendors at these vibrant marketplaces.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any age restrictions. It appears suitable for travelers of various ages, as long as they meet the good fitness level requirement. Participants should check with the tour operator for specific details on age policies.

Can I Extend My Stay at Quilotoa Lagoon Beyond the Scheduled Time?

The tour schedule allows for approximately 6 hours at Quilotoa Lagoon, but travelers can extend their stay beyond this time if desired. However, any additional time spent there would be at the traveler’s own expense.

Recap

This exhilarating 2-day adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Ecuador. Travelers can challenge themselves with a strenuous hike to the Cotopaxi refuge, followed by an adrenaline-filled mountain biking descent. On the second day, they’ll discover the serene beauty of Quilotoa Lagoon and enjoy the vibrant local culture. This tour is perfect for fitness enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable Ecuadorian experience.