Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 29 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm worth booking?
Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $69 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 29 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (29)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $69 per person
Don't waste time waiting for large group-tours and just have lots of fun with your family or friends from the begining to the end. Avoid unnecessary crowds when you visit the second highest active volcano of the world, a
What you get
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Certified naturalist english speaking guide
About this experience
Don't waste time waiting for large group-tours and just have lots of fun with your family or friends from the begining to the end. Avoid unnecessary crowds when you visit the second highest active volcano of the world, and enjoy the majesty of one of the most beautiful mountains on this planet without rushing, from the comfort of a private, customizable and flexible tour with a fabulous stop for lunch at a 300-years-old-hacienda! Enjoy the company of a local expert, and learn that altitud is not as bad as people think. Go for personal challenges, and live a real and an unforgettable life-time-experience in the Andes of Ecuador!!
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Certified naturalist english speaking guide
Not included
- Drinks
What you'll see and do
Quito
Cotopaxi, the second most popular adventure destination in Ecuador is just one and a half hours far from Quito! If you find being in nature an uplifting experience, then take a visit to the second highest active volcano of the world that will leave its mark on you! You will be picked up by your tour guide at 8:00 a.m. from your hotel in Quito.
5 minutes here
Cotopaxi National Park
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 go higher in this incredible reserve! You will also observe the exotic fauna as you take part of the numerous activities offered by this unforgettable adventure!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Laguna de Limpiopungo
This park also has an important collection of lakes and mountain peaks. One the most outstanding of these is Limpiopungo Lake, which reflects in its waters the majestic Rumiñahui volcano, which is 4.757 meters above sea level (15,606 ft). You'll have the opportunity to hike around the lake to acclimatize because of the high altitude of this wonderful region.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Cotopaxi National Park
Then you'll drive up to the parking lot located at 4.500 meters above sea level (14,763 ft) to enjoy a breath-taking view of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, and to start an unforgettable hike up to the refuge! After one exciting and challenging hour hike, you'll have time to admire the stunning view and visit the world-wide-known Refuge "José Rivas", located at 4.800 meters above sea level (15,748 ft).
120 minutes here · Admission included
After finishing the hike, you'll drive downhill way towards a charming 300 years-old-hacienda to be delighted by its charming colonial architecture, history, and delicious gastronomy.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Quito
With no doubt, when you visit Cotopaxi National Park, and leave behind the noise and stress of the big city, you will experience a feeling of spirituality and love for nature. You will be back in your hotel in Quito approximately at 5:00 p.m. End of this unforgettable Andean adventure!
60 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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ecuador Best Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 10 C° - 18 C° / 50 F° - 64,4 F
- It is responsibility of every traveler that he/she is adequately insured against personal accidents and medical expenses during his/her trip to Ecuador, as well as having travel cancellation and baggage insurance to protect him/her.
- Our guides and drivers will follow vehicle cleaning and personal care protocols, with disinfectant products during the tour.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 29 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
29 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A private tour to Cotapaxi National Park with guide
Our guide Luis was attentive, knowledgeable and fun and he made the most of the day, adjusting the itinerary to get the best of the changeable weather allowing us to reach the Refugio safely. We saw wild horses, llamas and lots of interesting birds and had a fantastic meal and tour in the Hacienda Cienaga.
Response from the operator: Dear friends, Thank you very much for your nice and detailed review about your experience in Cotopaxi National Park. We are glad to know that you loved the adventure and history that is offered on this day trip from Quito. We hope to see you again some day. Your Ecuadorian friends,
via Tripadvisor
Great day trip tour to Cotopaxi!
Ximena picked us up from our hotel on time in the morning and drove us to Cotopaxi. She’s very friendly and is knowledgeable about the flora and trails around Cotopaxi. She drove up a very steep road to the José Rivas Refuge but we decided to turn around given that it was snowing and cloudy. Along the way we saw a fox and vistas of the volcano flatlands. She then guided us to hike the Cotopaxi lagoon area and pointed out native plants and herbs. We wrapped up the day by stopping by a former Ecuador president’s house that now is a hotel and restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious meal of local Ecuador dishes. We enjoyed the tour and recommend it for a great day trip to Cotopaxi.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for choosing this great adventure at Cotopaxi Volcano with our team!
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful accomplishment and tour.
This was an amazing trip and our guide, Diana and driver, Wilmer were excellent. This is our second tour with Ecuador Best Tours and their communication, service, attention to detail and focus on safety is outstanding. We hiked from the parking lot at Cotopaxi to the refuge. While it is only a 1km hike, you are doing it from roughtly 14,000 to 15,000 feet. It took us over 1 hour. It was very exhausting but our guide helped us through….urging us to take small steps and many rest stops. It was totally worth it and an excellent accomplishment. Coming down is easy. Hiking poles are highly recommended. The lunch at the Hacienda was an excellent reward as well.
Response from the operator: Dear guests, It was a pleasure, we are very happy to know you loved your experience with us at Cotopaxi National Park! For us is extremely important to be flexible and helpful in every tour we organize... Mission acomplished! We wish you all the best in the future... Your Ecuadorian friends,
via Tripadvisor
Needs more to be worth a full tour!
This trip was underwhelming to us. Seeing the Volcano was good but an hour at most activity. The lake was of no interest and walking around it held no appeal. The hacienda was truly lovely and lunch was good. I would rate that 4 star. The trip in general just wasn’t enough to see or do for an entire day.
Response from the operator: Dear guests, Thank you very much for sharing with us your experience. We are glad to know liked it! Kind regards,
via Viator
Great Day in Cotopaxi
This day trip was incredible. We got to enjoy the beauty of Cotopaxi and spend some time outdoors. Our guide - Carlos - was awesome! We had him for two other day trips with Ecuador Best Tours and we got to know him pretty well by day trip 3. Whenever I travel, I always try to find a local tour company and this one is the best in Quito!
Response from the operator: Dear travelers, Thank you very much for choosing our services for Cotopaxi National Park! We are glad to know you loved your adventures with our tour guide...! It was a great pleasure! Your friends, Ecuador Best Tours,
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $69 to $279
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm cost?
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Prices start at $69 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 Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 29 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 Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm?
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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 Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm?
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Around 10 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cotopaxi Volcano Day Trip with Lunch at Colonial Farm 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 tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. 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.
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