Quito: Cotopaxi Volcano Hike and Limpiopungo Lagoon Tour｜Ecuador

Depart from Quito early in the morning and drive along the Pan-American Highway South to Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy the scenery along the Avenue of the Volcanoes as you reach the park, home to an active volcano standing at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet).

Before entering the National Park, stop at a cafeteria for a hot drink, canelazo (a hot cinnamon drink), and to purchase snacks. Afterward, check in and drive directly to the mountain parking lot at 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) to begin your 1-hour 45-minute hike (depending on your fitness level) to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters (15,953 feet). This will be the highest point of the day.

After this hike, descend by car to your second stop and take a 1-hour 30-minute hike around Limpiopungo, a lagoon where you'll see various types of páramo birds. After this fantastic high-altitude experience, visit the Information Center and purchase souvenirs in the gift shop.

Leave the National Park, have lunch at a local restaurant, and in the afternoon, return to your hotel in Quito. Optionally, rent mountain bikes for a descent from the mountain parking lot to Laguna Limpiopungo (additional cost).