Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Lagoon | Ecuador Land Tours

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

Highlights

Explore the stunning landscapes of an active volcano.

Explore Limpiopungo Lagoon and its amazing surroundings.

Discover local Andean traditions and crafts.

Journey to Cotopaxi volcanoes, views, and lagoons

Embark on a journey departing from Quito, headed South to Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of volcanoes and mountains, including the historic Volcanoes Avenue. Explore the stunning Limpiopungo Lagoon and its vibrant ecosystem. Observe the world’s highest active volcano and the park’s rich biodiversity in one unforgettable day.

Tourists-on-the-slopes-of-cotopaxi-volcano

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Rumiñahui

AM

Embarking on a southward journey from Quito, after a 2.30-hour drive, we will arrive to Cotopaxi volcano. If the weather is clear, we can admire other volcanoes and mountains such as Pichincha, Corazón, Antisana, Illinizas, and Rumiñahui.

Alexander Von Humboldt, an important German scientist that came to Ecuador in the 18th Century, named this territory the Volcanoes Avenue due to the number of high mountains that can be admired.

PM

Continuing southward, our next destination is Cotopaxi National Park. At 19,347 feet-height (5.9 km), Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. On a clear, enchanted day, the volcano boasts an eternal snow-capped peak. Despite the high altitude, the park is teeming with numerous bird species and diverse plant life, visible during a light hike.

To the northeast stands Rumiñahui at 4,557 meters, and between these two mountains lies the plain and lagoon of Limpiopungo (approximately 3,800 meters). If the weather is favorable, the north face may offer spectacular views of Cotopaxi. The surrounding scenery also features other volcanoes like Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, and Sincholagua.

Tourist-in-the-snow-at-the-Cotopaxi-Volcano
Rumiñahui-volcano-landscape

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What to take on the trip

     Essentials:

  • Passport and Travel Documents
  • Cash in US Dollars and bring credit or debit cards
  • Backpack
  • Water Bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
    Andean-Hiking-cotopaxi
    man-tacking-picture-to-the-Quilotoa-Lagoon

         What to Wear?

    • Layered Clothing (Base layer – Warm middle layer – Waterproof outer layer)
    • Comfortable Hiking Pants
    • Warm Hat
    • Gloves
    • Hiking Boots
    • Sun Hat
    • Change of Clothes

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