Mini stay / English speaking guide
Region to visit : Andes
Activities to do:
Hiking – Tourism and environmental discovery
Level 
Medium * From 450 $
This tour will take you through beautiful Andean landscapes and introduce you to their inhabitants along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, as well as to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, rising to 5,897 meters with its nearly perfect cone — the highest active volcano in the world. It is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes southeast of Quito in the Eastern Cordillera. This hike allows you to explore a remarkable area of Andean páramo and its indigenous communities.
Day 1: Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Latacunga
Departure at 8:00 a.m. from Quito by private vehicle toward Cotopaxi National Park. If the departure is on a Thursday, we will visit the Saquisilí market along the way. Arrival at Cotopaxi National Park and stop on the shores of Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3,800 meters above sea level to observe the Andean páramo and local wildlife. Hike from the parking area at 4,500 m to José Ribas Refuge (4,864 m; about 45 minutes of ascent and 364 meters of elevation gain). Picnic lunch. Excursion to the edge of the glacier (1 hour). Visit to the park museum before continuing to Latacunga. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Latacunga.
L (picnic) – D
Hiking time: 4 hours – Terrain: sandy and rocky trails in the upper part of the volcano with occasional snow – Elevation gain: 500 meters
Day 2: Latacunga – Quilotoa Lagoon
Breakfast. Departure by local bus to Quilotoa Lagoon, about 2 hours away in the western Andes. Visit to the community. Descent into the crater (320 m elevation change and 1.6 km trail). This volcano is still active, and we may observe carbon dioxide emerging from the water’s surface, which contains a notable amount of iron. Optional mule ride from the crater floor back up to the community. Picnic lunch during the day. Dinner and overnight with a local family in Quilotoa.
B – L (picnic) – D
Hiking time: 3 hours – Terrain: dirt and sandy trails – Elevation change: 320 meters
Day 3: Quilotoa Lagoon – Chugchilán
After breakfast, around 8:00 a.m., hike from Quilotoa to Chugchilán following the crater rim for about a quarter of its circumference before descending toward Guayama and the bottom of the Río Sigue canyon. The hike ends with a 400-meter ascent from the canyon floor to the village of Chugchilán (12 km total). Picnic lunch during the day. Dinner and overnight at a lodge in Chugchilán.
B – L (picnic) – D
Hiking time: about 4–5 hours – Terrain: dirt, sandy, and rocky trails – Elevation change: 1,000 meters descent and 400 meters ascent
Day 4: Chugchilán – Isinliví
Breakfast. Hike from Chugchilán to Isinliví (13 km). Descent into a beautiful green canyon where the small village of Itualo is located. Crossing of the Toachi River via a suspension bridge, followed by an ascent out of the canyon through another valley along small dirt trails until reaching the village of Isinliví. Picnic lunch during the day. Dinner and overnight at a lodge in Isinliví.
B – L (picnic) – D
Hiking time: 5 hours – Terrain: dirt and sandy trails with vegetation tunnels – Elevation change: 450 meters
Day 5: Isinliví – Latacunga
Breakfast. Return via Sigchos and then to Latacunga by local bus. Return to the hotel in Latacunga to collect any stored equipment. End of the program.
Customize this trip :
Let us know your desire changes and suggestions and we´ll send you a proposal
Private transportation on day 1 and local transportation on the other days
Meals (bottled water) and accommodations as mentioned
Professional guide
Activities
Mule ride ascent from the crater (day 2)
Personal expenses and tips
Supplement for higher-category hotels
Departures every day
Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 2 participants
Precautions:
Because of the terrain, the altitude, and the reduced level of oxygen, participants must report any symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, vomiting, or pain in the abdomen or chest. These symptoms are related to altitude sickness, and once informed, the guide will take the necessary measures to ensure your well-being and safety.
Note:
The program may be canceled or modified if the minimum number of participants is not reached, if weather conditions or other exceptional circumstances disrupt the proper operation of the trip. In the event of a natural disaster, social or political issues, road closures, or other unforeseen situations, we will seek an alternative solution while trying to alter the program as little as possible. Otherwise, a partial refund will be issued after deducting incurred expenses.
General information and requirements:
Minimum age: Not applicable
Required physical condition: Good fitness level
Experience required: Not necessary
Altitude: From 3,800 to 4,864 meters and close to 5,000 meters at Cotopaxi
Difficulty level: Moderate
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours per day
Total program duration: 5 days
Terrain type: volcanic ash trails, rock and snow near the glacier, and dirt paths
Elevation change: 1,200 meters
Climate: Partly cloudy with possible isolated rain, especially between March and May. From December to January, snowfall is possible near Cotopaxi Volcano; the rest of the year is drier with moderate winds
Location: Eastern and Western Cordilleras
Required clothing: gloves, hat, waterproof jacket and pants, thermal clothing, sturdy hiking boots
Recommended personal equipment: small backpack, trekking poles, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Download the technical file
Trek de Cotopaxi a Isinlivi region du Quilotoa 5 jours 2025 Technical file
