Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2Day/1Night – Tours Included

Exploring the stunning landscapes of Ecuador’s Cotopaxi and Quilotoa is a thrilling adventure that showcases the country’s natural wonders. This 2-day, 1-night tour offers an immersive experience, from the serene Laguna de Limpiopungo to the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon. Guided hikes and cultural insights add depth to the journey, but what truly sets this tour apart is the chance to witness the majestic Cotopaxi volcano up close. With hotel pickup, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and the opportunity to create unforgettable memories, this tour promises an adventure that will leave you…

Key Points

• This 2-day, 1-night tour explores the natural wonders of Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon, with guided hikes and cultural insights.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a bilingual guide, and guided hikes, starting at $149 per person with a capacity of up to 15 participants.
• Highlights include visiting the serene Laguna de Limpiopungo, hiking to the José Rivas Refuge for panoramic views, and exploring the Quilotoa Lagoon.
• The tour provides opportunities to learn about the unique ecology and indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian Andes.
• Travelers should consider altitude medication and be prepared for the significant driving time, but the tour is suitable for active explorers.

Tour Overview

The Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Tour, offered by Ecuador Hop, is a 2-day, 1-night adventure that takes travelers on an exploration of two of Ecuador’s most iconic natural wonders.

Located near Quito, the tour boasts an average rating of 4.5 stars from 9 reviews. Priced from $149.00, the tour accommodates up to 15 participants and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a bilingual guide, and guided hikes in Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon.

Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Travelers should be prepared for significant driving time and consider altitude medication if not acclimatized.

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Tour, travelers embark on the first day’s adventure within Cotopaxi National Park.

The tour begins with an early pickup from Quito, followed by a visit to the serene Laguna de Limpiopungo. Afterward, guests will hike to the José Rivas Refuge, a base camp for mountaineers, and enjoy panoramic views of the Cotopaxi volcano.

The second day takes guests to the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon, where they’ll trek to the viewpoint and water’s edge.

Travelers will also explore the Cañon del Río Toachi, taking in the stunning 100-meter-deep canyon.

The tour concludes with a relaxing drive back to Quito, arriving around 7:30 pm.

Cotopaxi National Park

Although the tour begins with an early pickup from Quito, travelers are quickly whisked away to the serene Laguna de Limpiopungo within Cotopaxi National Park.

Here, they’ll spend an hour admiring the glacial lagoon and the majestic Cotopaxi volcano in the distance. The group then ventures deeper into the park, hiking up to the José Rivas Refuge at an impressive 4,864 meters.

This basecamp offers panoramic vistas of the snow-capped peak. Throughout the day, the guide shares insights about the park’s ecology and its importance to the local indigenous communities.

As the sun sets, travelers settle in for an overnight stay, eagerly anticipating the next day’s adventures at Quilotoa.

Laguna De Limpiopungo

After an early pickup from their hotels in Quito, travelers are quickly whisked away to the serene Laguna de Limpiopungo within Cotopaxi National Park.

This glacial lake sits at an elevation of 3,800 meters, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Cotopaxi volcano in the distance.

Visitors have an hour to explore the area, taking in the tranquil waters and majestic mountain scenery. The tour guide provides information about the unique ecosystem and the significance of this natural wonder.

With a short but impactful visit, travelers are left with a lasting impression of the Ecuadorian Andes before continuing their adventure.

Cotopaxi Province Hike

Following the trek to the glacial lagoon, the tour continues deeper into Cotopaxi Province.

The journey takes travelers to the José Rivas Refuge, a basecamp for mountaineers located at an elevation of 4,864 meters.

From here, the group enjoys:

1. A scenic lookout with panoramic views of the iconic Cotopaxi volcano.
2. An opportunity to learn about the region’s rich mountaineering history and culture.
3. An overnight stay in the Cotopaxi area, allowing for further exploration and acclimatization to the high-altitude environment.

This immersive experience in Cotopaxi Province offers a unique glimpse into the rugged beauty and adventurous spirit of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Quilotoa Lagoon Exploration

The tour then moves on to explore the captivating Quilotoa Lagoon.

Travelers visit the Canon del Rio Toachi, where they can take in views from the deepest point of the canyon, stretching 100 meters.

Next, they embark on a guided trek to the Quilotoa viewpoint and water’s edge, taking in the striking emerald-green crater lake.

Visitors then have free time to wander the Quilotoa village and enjoy lunch.

The scenic drive back to Quito provides a relaxing end to the day, with arrival around 7:30 pm and drop-off at the hotel or hostel.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an onboard bilingual guide.

Guided hikes in Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa are also included. However, meals aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour has the following inclusions and exclusions:

1. Included:

   • Hotel pickup and drop-off
   • Onboard bilingual guide
   • Guided hikes in Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa

2. Not Included:

   • Meals

Travelers should be aware that the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are available for cancellations.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers have provided a mix of positive and constructive feedback on the Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2Day/1Night tour. Reviewers praised the stunning scenery at Quilotoa Lake and the knowledgeable guides who shared cultural experiences with indigenous families.

The tour is great for those who enjoy physical challenges and beautiful landscapes. However, some travelers encountered logistical hiccups due to group changes.

Plus, the significant driving time of 5-6 hours in one day was a consideration for some. The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, though travelers should be prepared for the physical demands and potential logistical challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Cotopaxi and Quilotoa?

The best time to visit Cotopaxi and Quilotoa is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. This period offers clearer skies, milder temperatures, and reduced chances of rainfall, providing optimal conditions for exploring these stunning landscapes.

How Physically Demanding Is the Hike to the José Rivas Refuge?

The hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4864m is considered moderately demanding. It requires a good fitness level and acclimatization to the high altitude, but the guided trek allows travelers to take breaks and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Can I Rent Hiking Equipment for the Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Treks?

The tour operator can provide hiking equipment rentals for the Cotopaxi and Quilotoa treks. Travelers can rent items like hiking boots, poles, and backpacks to ensure they’re prepared for the physical challenges of the hikes.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Fitness Requirements for This Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but participants should be in good physical condition to handle the high-altitude hikes. There are no minimum fitness requirements, but the guide can provide advice on suitability based on individual abilities.

Can I Book This Tour in My Native Language Other Than English?

The tour operator offers the Cotopaxi & Quilotoa tour in multiple languages, including the traveler’s native language. Customers can inquire about language options when booking to ensure they can participate in their preferred language.

Recap

The Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 2-Day/1-Night tour offers an exhilarating adventure through Ecuador’s stunning landscapes. Participants can enjoy the rich cultural insights shared by the guide, making for a memorable exploration of the Ecuadorian Andes. While meals aren’t included, the package offers hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and guided hikes to iconic destinations like the Cotopaxi volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon.