
Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 58 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour worth booking?
Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $72 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 58 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (58)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $72 per person
Enjoy a great day hiking & biking in Cotopaxi National Park. The 45-min walk is challenging but so rewarding, you will have breathtaking views on the park and the volcano! As for the mountain biking activity, be ready to experience o lot of adventure and fun when biking down the volcano and to the Lake Limpiopungo. This tour is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the otherworldly landscapes of the park and spot amazing wildlife (Andean condors, wild horses, llamas, deers, etc.).
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a great day hiking & biking in Cotopaxi National Park. The 45-min walk is challenging but so rewarding, you will have breathtaking views on the park and the volcano! As for the mountain biking activity, be ready to experience o lot of adventure and fun when biking down the volcano and to the Lake Limpiopungo. This tour is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the otherworldly landscapes of the park and spot amazing wildlife (Andean condors, wild horses, llamas, deers, etc.).
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Professional and bilingual guide
- Transportation from/to Quito's meeting point
- Bike (optional)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Breakfast
What you'll see and do
Cotopaxi National Park
07:15 - Pick up at Plaza Foch (Juan Leon Mera and Mariscal Foch) 07:30 - Pick up at Plaza San Blas (Caldas E1-83 y Pichincha) 08:00 - Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park 09:45 - Arrival at the parking lot at 4,600 m (15,092 ft) and start of the hike 11:00 - Arrival at the refuge at 4,800 m (15,750 ft). Hot drinks optional (not included) 13:00 - Start of downhill mountain-biking activity from the parking lot 14:00 - Arrival at Limpiopungo Lake viewpoint 15:00 - Lunch at Chaupi community 18:00 - Arrival at Quito
480 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus.
Meeting point
Quito
6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus.
Ends at
6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus.
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
- Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ecuatraveling
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances
- Important: For the use of bicycles, you will be kindly asked to sign a document that you accept responsibility of the good use of the bicycle and you will be asked to let an identity document that will be given back after the tour. Thank you for your comprehension.
- Necessary equipment: Warm clothing (including a change of clothes). Gloves, Scarf, Hat. Sunglasses. Water. Hiking shoes/boots. Camera. Snacks. Sun cream. Cotton pants, Waterproof jacket
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 58 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
58 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cotopaxi Hike and Bike
Hubby and I booked the Cotopaxi Hike and Bike. Alex, (driver) and Joel,( guide) ran a smooth tour. Happy we went!
via Viator
Tough! But special
Tough! I almost didn't finish between the altitude, sleet, rain and utter lack of visibility. Of course, none of this is the tour operator's fault. You should be fit and acclamated to the altitude to do this tour. The tour guide and driver were professional and friendly. It's not the most informative tour but it's an excellent way to see Cotopaxi in one day from Quito.
via Viator
The website description...
The website description and the ticket confirmation gave different tour start times. Try to resolve any such discrepancies. Don't rely on a taxi driver to know where the meet point is located. Find out from tour hosts EXACTLY where the meeting point is, and a description of vehicle, etc. (latitude/longitude coordinates, or intersection of two streets, or specific location in a parking lot...) Don't expect the tour guides to find you -- you find them! They may be unwilling to look for anyone that doesn't jump into their vehicle. If possible get tour guide's phone number for use with Whatsapp, and, if possible, check that your phone will work in the area of the tour.
via Viator
Great trip
Great trip, the guides were very professional and knowledgeable. They allowed everyone to go at their own pace. Very one on the trip enjoyed the experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had a great trip and that you appreciated our guides' professionalism and knowledge. It's wonderful to know that everyone enjoyed the experience and felt comfortable going at their own pace. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future! Ecuatraveling Team
via Tripadvisor
Great to have a quick look at the Cotopaxi
Easy trip up to the Cotopaxi base camp, and back down with the mountain bike. The ride can be quite long if you are the first pick-up point. As the bus drives by Papallacta on the way back, you can combine it with an overnight stay at the Papallacta hot springs.
Response from the operator: Dear Karel, Thank you for sharing your experience with the Cotopaxi base camp and mountain bike tour! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the adventure and found the trip up to the base camp and the ride back down to be a great experience. Your tip about combining the return journey with an overnight stay at the Papallacta hot springs is fantastic—what a wonderful way to add a relaxing touch to the adventure! We also appreciate your feedback about the pick-up process and will keep it in mind to ensure our guests have the best possible experience. Thank you for choosing Ecuatraveling, and we hope to have the chance to help plan your next adventure soon! Warm regards, Ecuatraveling Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ecuatraveling, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.3.
See everything Ecuatraveling runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $72 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 Hiking & Biking Tour take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Hiking & Biking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 58 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 Hiking & Biking Tour?
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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 Hiking & Biking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour?
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Around 20 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?
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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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Hiking & Biking Tour?
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Included: Lunch; Professional and bilingual guide; Transportation from/to Quito's meeting point; and Bike (optional). Not included: Gratuities; and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour?
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7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour offered in?
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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 Hiking & Biking Tour?
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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.
What happens to Cotopaxi National Park Hiking & Biking Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 Hiking & Biking Tour?
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Across 58 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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