Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador

Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!

Outty Ranking 74 5.0 · 24 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $139
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! worth booking?

Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $139 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
5/5 (24)
Duration
9 hours
From
$139 per person

In the fleeting embrace of time, the vast tapestry of Ecuador unfolds before you. Picture this: a caldera, spanning a vast three kilometers, its birth a testament to nature's raw power, carved from the earth by a cataclysmic eruption some eight centuries ago. And then, the towering majesty of one of the planet's highest active volcanoes, standing as a sentinel of nature's fiery heart. As you find respite in the historic charm of Quito, remember, each stop on this journey is but a brief interlude, a mere 30 minutes. Yet, in that half-hour, vistas of unparalleled beauty unfurl, beckoning you to capture their essence in frames that will forever echo the spirit of Ecuador."

What you get

    About this experience

    In the fleeting embrace of time, the vast tapestry of Ecuador unfolds before you. Picture this: a caldera, spanning a vast three kilometers, its birth a testament to nature's raw power, carved from the earth by a cataclysmic eruption some eight centuries ago. And then, the towering majesty of one of the planet's highest active volcanoes, standing as a sentinel of nature's fiery heart. As you find respite in the historic charm of Quito, remember, each stop on this journey is but a brief interlude, a mere 30 minutes. Yet, in that half-hour, vistas of unparalleled beauty unfurl, beckoning you to capture their essence in frames that will forever echo the spirit of Ecuador."

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Guide

    Not included

    • Lunch and personal expenses
    • Tips
    • Breakfast

    What you'll see and do

    1. 7:20 Start your tour here at our Go F.A.R / CarpeDM Office 7.30am or from the New Town - Hilton Colon Hotel

      5 minutes here

    2. Cotopaxi National Park

      Embark on a Journey to the Skies with Cotopaxi's Majestic Embrace! As we chauffeur you to the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, prepare to ascend one of the world's loftiest active volcanoes, standing tall at a staggering 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). But the adventure doesn't end there! Let the serene Limpiopungo Lagoon unveil the legend behind Cotopaxi's name - the Moon’s Throne.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Quilotoa

      Embark on a Daylong Odyssey to Ecuador's Hidden Gem: The Mesmerizing Laguna Quilotoa! Dive deep into the heart of South America's most enchanting lagoon, cradled amidst the vibrant tapestry of Ecuador's indigenous villages. On Thursdays, let the bustling Saquisilí market be your gateway to cultural wonders, while Sundays usher you into the vibrant hues of the Pujili market. As we journey through these authentic hamlets, witness the unfiltered essence of Ecuador in all its glory. Upon reaching the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater Lake, brace yourself for a stunning opportunity to take in the moment or capture it, the lagoon's embrace await you.

      30 minutes here

    4. Return to Quito. Drop off in Old town or New Town.

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quito

    7:30am to 7:45am

    Meeting point

    Quito

    7.20 am Next to Secret Garden Hostal San Blas (Historical Center of Quito)

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    7:30am to 7:45am

    Ends at

    7.20 am Next to Secret Garden Hostal San Blas (Historical Center of Quito)

    Before you book

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

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    LIMPIOPUNGO LAKE, Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! in QuitoQUILOTOA LOOP, Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! in Quito

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    24 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    24
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Salome_B · October 2026

    See 2 volcanoes in one day!

    Jean Pierre is a great guide! He is very knowledgeable, patient, and spoke English the entire time! Thanks for a great day of adventure!

    via Viator

    anjalisF1451MX · July 2026

    Great experience, highly recommend

    We had a great experience doing the Cotapaxi and Quilatoa 1-day tour with CarpeDM. The communication with the operator Paul prior to and after booking the trip was very easy and genuine. Paul helped us with various options, even suggesting tours in the Galápagos. Our driver and guide Lincoln was wonderful. He arrived at the hotel right on time. He was extremely knowledgeable about history and culture of Ecuador, and enthusiastically discussed with our family. He was very warm, kind, never rushed, and went out of his way to make sure we had a great trip. Our lunch was included in the tour. The lunch was sumptuous. Highly recommend both CarpeDM and Lincoln.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience on your Cotopaxi and Quilotoa day tour with us. It's especially rewarding to know that your experience was positive from the very beginning, with Paul helping you find the right tour and answering your questions before your trip. Lincoln will be thrilled to hear your kind words. He is passionate about sharing Ecuador's history, culture, and landscapes, and we're so pleased that his knowledge, warmth, and dedication helped make the day so memorable for your family. We're also glad you enjoyed the included lunch. We believe that great local food is an important part of any Ecuadorian adventure, so it's wonderful to know it was a highlight of your day. Thank you for your recommendation of both CarpeDM Adventures and Lincoln. It was our pleasure to be part of your Ecuador journey, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure—perhaps in the Galápagos or another beautiful corner of Ecuador!

    via Tripadvisor

    F5982NFwillg · July 2026

    Great guide for epic day trip

    I had a very enjoyable day driving and hiking down and up Quilotoa. Our guide Lincoln was super welcoming and made sure that he helped speak in English when needed and provided relevant and interesting information about Ecuador and the area. Had a great time and enjoyed Lincoln's company, he is a great guide and excellent at walking up the steep trail from Quilotoa lake!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable day exploring Quilotoa with Lincoln. The hike around the crater and back up is certainly rewarding, and we're glad you had a great experience taking it all in. Lincoln will be very happy to hear your kind words. He takes great pride in making sure every guest feels welcome, understands the history and culture of Ecuador, and enjoys the journey as much as the destination. We’re especially pleased that you appreciated his company and support on the challenging climb back from the lake. Thank you again for choosing CarpeDM Adventures. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Ecuador soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    linpaws · June 2026

    Cotopaxi

    Excellent 1 day experience. Descent to the base camp wasn't easy but our guide Filipe was giving the group lots of tips. Stunning views and absolutely worth the day trip from Quito.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had an excellent day at Cotopaxi and found the experience worthwhile. The hike to the refuge can certainly be challenging due to the altitude, but we're glad Felipe’s guidance, encouragement, and helpful tips helped you along the way. And of course, the stunning views of Cotopaxi make every step worth it! Thank you for choosing CarpeDM Adventures, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in Ecuador.

    via Tripadvisor

    valentine_J · June 2026

    I have an amazing day...

    I have an amazing day with Felipe as tour guide.Beautiful views of Quilotoa and Cotopaxi.Amazing picture with Alpagas!I totally recommend this tour!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $139 to $210
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by CarpeDM Adventures, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.1.

    See everything CarpeDM Adventures runs

    Why this scores 74

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)57
    Booking momentum (14% weight)48
    Value for money (12% weight)61
    Listing quality (10% weight)83
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! cost?

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    Prices start at $139 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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! 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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 24 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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!?

    +

    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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!?

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    Around 8 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! 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?

    +

    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?

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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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!?

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    Included: Private transportation; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and Guide. Not included: Lunch and personal expenses; Tips; and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!?

    +

    7:30am to 7:45am Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Cotopaxi & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. 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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!?

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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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure! 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 & Quilotoa 1 day Adventure!?

    +

    Across 24 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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