Trekking around Cotopaxi Volcano

Daily Tour

{:fr}Andes{:}{:es}Andes{:}{:gb}Andes{:} Tour Guide: Guide anglophone

Mini stay / English speaking guide
Region to visit : Andes

We offer you an original three-day trek in Cotopaxi National Park. The hikes take place on the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano at an average altitude of 3,800 meters.

Activities to do:
Hiking – Tourism and environmental discovery

Level Medium * From 340 $

Itinerary

Cotopaxi Volcano, the second highest peak in Ecuador (5,897 m), is located 70 km south of Quito in the eastern Andes range. It is one of the eight active volcanoes on the mainland and also the highest active volcano in the world. We offer you an original three-day trek in Cotopaxi National Park. The hikes take place on the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano at an average altitude of 3,800 meters. We will climb to the summit of Rumiñahui (4,721 m), from where we will enjoy a 360° view of the national park.

Day 1

Departure at 8:00 a.m. from Quito by private vehicle toward Cotopaxi National Park. Stop on the shores of Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3,800 meters altitude to observe the Andean páramo and local wildlife. Hike from the parking area (4,500 m) to José Ribas Refuge (4,864 m altitude; about 45 minutes of ascent and 364 meters of elevation gain). Picnic lunch. Excursion to the edge of the glacier (1 hour). From the glacier, hike to our campsite located at 3,800 meters altitude. Dinner and overnight in tent.

Hiking time: approximately 6 hours
Terrain type: sandy and rocky trails on the upper slopes of the volcano with occasional snow
Elevation change: +500 meters / −1,200 meters

Day 2

After breakfast, ascent to the Central peak of Mount Rumiñahui (4,721 meters) following the trail starting from Limpiopungo Lagoon. Panoramic view of Cotopaxi National Park. Picnic lunch during the hike. Camp at 3,800 meters altitude. Dinner and overnight in tent.

Hiking time: approximately 7 hours
Elevation gain: 900 meters
Terrain type: sandy and rocky trails on the upper slopes of the volcano with occasional snow

Day 3

After breakfast, 5 to 6 hours of hiking along Limpiopungo Lagoon toward the pre-Inca site of Salitre at 4,100 meters altitude. Picnic lunch during the hike. Return to Quito by private vehicle.

Hiking time: approximately 6 to 7 hours
Terrain type: sandy and rocky trails
Elevation gain: 300 meters

Customize this trip :

Let us know your desire changes and suggestions and we´ll send you a proposal

Rates

With 2 People	500 $
With 3 People	390 $
4 People and more	340 $

The price includes :

Night in tent and meals (bottled water)
High-mountain guide and cook
Transportation Quito / Cotopaxi National Park / Quito

The price doesn't include :

Sleeping bag
Tips and personal expenses

Offers

Departures every day

Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 2 participants

Advices

Participants nevertheless require good acclimatization and solid physical fitness.

Group: 2 to 8 participants

Trip start: Quito
Trip end: Quito

Physical level: Moderate

Recommended season: Year-round

Accommodation: Nights in tent

Transportation: Private transport

Practical advice:
For this trip, we recommend using a backpack to carry your belongings rather than a traditional suitcase.

Feedback

Download the technical file

Fiche technique du programme

Reservation

Trekking around Cotopaxi Volcano – 3 days