Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador

Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip

Outty Ranking 59 5.0 · 8 traveler reviews0.1 hoursFrom $239
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip worth booking?

Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip is a 0.1-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $239 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
5/5 (8)
Duration
0.1 hours
From
$239 per person

Don't miss the opportunity to have an unforgettable lifetime-experience at the best-quality private day tour to Cotopaxi National Park, escorted by knowledgeable tour guides, and enjoy the privilege to discover an unknown old colonial Hacienda of Ecuador that was built over impressive Inca structures during the XV century. Be delighted by a gourmet lunch, served inside a well-preserved Inca Temple! Go out of the beaten path with us and explore Cotopaxi region with a different perspective, full of Nature, History, personal challenges and unexpected nice surprises!

What you get

    About this experience

    Don't miss the opportunity to have an unforgettable lifetime-experience at the best-quality private day tour to Cotopaxi National Park, escorted by knowledgeable tour guides, and enjoy the privilege to discover an unknown old colonial Hacienda of Ecuador that was built over impressive Inca structures during the XV century. Be delighted by a gourmet lunch, served inside a well-preserved Inca Temple! Go out of the beaten path with us and explore Cotopaxi region with a different perspective, full of Nature, History, personal challenges and unexpected nice surprises!

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Certified Bilingual Tour Guide
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes

    Not included

    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Quito

      We will start at 8:00 a.m. from your hotel in Quito.

      5 minutes here

    2. Cotopaxi National Park

      Then around 9:30 a.m. in the encounter with Cotopaxi Volcano (5.897 m - 19,347 ft), you will be surrounded by pristine forests, mountains, lakes, wild horses and ecosystems that change amazingly as you get higher in the National Park! You will also observe the exotic fauna as you take part of the numerous activities offered by this unforgettable private adventure!

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Cotopaxi National Park

      You will be fascinated by nature at its most extraordinary presentation in the second most visited national park in Ecuador! An impressive variety of animals live within the 33.300-hectare reserve such as: condors, pumas, spectacled bears, Andean foxes, carunculated caracaras (an endemic specie of the region), llamas, frogs, páramo hummingbirds and many others!

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Lasso

      After hiking around the park, you will visit San Agustin de Callo, a unique colonial hacienda in Ecuador, built over impressive old Inca structures. Here we will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional lunch, surrounded by Inca walls and friendly llamas, while we learn all about the history of this place!

      120 minutes here

    5. Quito

      You will be back in your hotel approximately at 4:30 p.m.

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Ecuador Best Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Our guides and drivers will follow vehicle cleaning and personal care protocols, with disinfectant products during the tour.

    Photos

    Wild horses filling the heart of everyone., Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip in QuitoGet the Best Quality Food of Cotopaxi Region!, Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip in QuitoHave Lots of Flexibility on your Tour!, Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip in QuitoCotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip in Quito, photo 5Don't Miss this Adventure!, Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip in QuitoBe Escorted by the Best Local Tour Guides!, Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip in Quito

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    7 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    8 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    8
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Journey50394139612 · February 2026

    Lake, Towereing Volcano and a Wonderful Hacienda

    My wife and I and our 40 year old son travled to Cotopaxi to walk the lake, see some birds and hike to over 15,900 feet. We had a fantastic time with Wilson! We then went to lunch at a wonderful hacienda which incorporated the Inca ruins as well Colonial period building and more recent. It was a fantasic place and the food was wonderful. We were then surprised to feed a pack of llama. What a wonderful day out of Quito!! I highly recommend the trip.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing this exclusive tour to Cotopaxi National Park!! We are glad to know that you loved it!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Safari47288941214 · November 2025

    If you go to Cotopaxi go with Luis!!

    We went with my family during this holiday, it was excellent, good Service, good guide, comfortable transportation, unforgettable experience and incomparable lunch.

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias por escoger este salida al Cotopaxi, llena de magia y lugares poco conocidos!! Fue un placer...!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Peter_S · April 2023

    Well planned adventure.

    From beginning to end, a great exposure to the natural beauty of Ecuador beyond Quito. Wilson tailored the day to our interests and shared his extensive guiding experience throughout the tour.. A lakeside walk below Cotopaxi volcano was a highlight but the exceptional lunch and time with llamas was exactly what we’d hoped for in selecting this tour. Highly recommend.

    Response from the operator: Dear guests, Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience on this day tour from Quito... It means a lot for us and for future travelers that are interested to have a super experience in Cotopaxi region. Kind regards, Ecuador Best Tours,

    via Viator

    Judith_F · February 2022

    Tour well worth taking

    We were lucky to see a good part of Cotopaxi despite cloudy weather. We hiked around a small lake - 2.4 km - at 12,000 feet but didn't go up to the refuge at 15,000 thank goodness. The lunch at the Hacienda San Agustin was wonderful, the building is so interesting with its foundation from Inca times and of course, the llamas who came into the courtyard to be fed with carrots was such fun. Great tour!

    Response from the operator: Dear friends, It was a pleasure! Thank you very much for trusting on this tour, because we definitely know it is worth taking it, with lots of wonderful nature and stunning history! A big hug to you all, Your Ecuadorian friends,

    via Viator

    Steve_S · July 2021

    Fun, spectacular, amazing!!!

    This was a great day trip run by Ecuador Best Tours with Luis as our guide. He showed up 15 minutes early which was great because we were able to beat the traffic out of Quito. The drive was about 1.5 hours with some amazing views on the way. Once at the Nat’l Park, we made our way to the lagoon/pond and did a 2.5 mile hike. We were at 12,000’ and with the gusty wind, it was cold. I definitely recommend layers for top and bottom with gloves, hat, and waterproof jacket. The hike had some amazing views of the mountains, and we even spotted an Adean Condor flying above us. There are also wild horses in the field nearby. Next we went further up Cotopaxi mountain (by car) to an altitude of 15,000’. We opted not to hike up to the lodge because we could feel the effects of the altitude…but got a cool pic of the altitude on my Garmin GPS watch. Got glimpses of Cotopaxi between the clouds and it’s spectacular. On the way down, we saw a fox and interacted with it. After this we made our way to the Inca ruins for lunch. It has a pretty cool history from the Incas, to a monastery, to a farm. The lunch was absolutely delicious in an unique setting. But the best part was the surprise with the llamas. I’ll leave it at that so you can be surprised too. I definitely recommend this tour and also Ecuador Best Tours!!!

    Response from the operator: Dear friends, Thank you so much for this wonderful, detailed and helpful review about our excursion to Cotopaxi Volcano and the Inca Ruins!! With travelers like you all, nothing can go wrong!! Our tour guide Luis loved his day with you all! Thank you so much for your help, and thank you for coming to our beloved country!! Your Ecuadorian friends, Ecuador Best Tours,

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    0.1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $239 to $355
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Ecuador Best Tours, who run 17 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Ecuador Best Tours runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)39
    Booking momentum (14% weight)30
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.

    How much does Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip cost?

    +

    Prices start at $239 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip take?

    +

    Plan for about 0.1 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.

    Is Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip?

    +

    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 0.1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Quito?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Quito?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Quito?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Certified Bilingual Tour Guide; Lunch; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 310 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip?

    +

    Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Cotopaxi National Park and Inca Ruins Day Trip.

    Pick your date