Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito
Quito, Ecuador

Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito

Outty Ranking 65 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $69
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito worth booking?

Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $69 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
8 hours
From
$69 per person

Escape Quito for a full-day adventure to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Travel along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, explore Limpiopungo Lagoon, and enjoy a guided walk through high-Andean páramo landscapes. Spot wild horses and native birds while learning about local ecosystems. With flexible pacing, private guiding, and breathtaking views, this tour blends nature, culture, and altitude into a memorable Andean experience. You can enjoy this experience as a shared tour, small group, or private tour, choosing the option that best fits your travel style.

What you get

    About this experience

    Escape Quito for a full-day adventure to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Travel along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, explore Limpiopungo Lagoon, and enjoy a guided walk through high-Andean páramo landscapes. Spot wild horses and native birds while learning about local ecosystems. With flexible pacing, private guiding, and breathtaking views, this tour blends nature, culture, and altitude into a memorable Andean experience. You can enjoy this experience as a shared tour, small group, or private tour, choosing the option that best fits your travel style.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transport
    • Cotopaxi entrance fees (If applicable)
    • Tour guide/driver

    Not included

    • Extras
    • Tips
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Quito

      We'll start with a drive from Quito to Cotopaxi on the Panamerican Highway, then on a secondary road to get to the Cotopaxi National Pak.

      90 minutes here

    2. Laguna de Limpiopungo

      We will visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at the base of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano. Surrounded by Andean landscapes and unique paramo vegetation, it’s perfect for a peaceful walk, birdwatching, and taking in stunning views of the volcano reflected in the crystal-clear waters weather permitting.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Cotopaxi National Park

      Then we will drive up to the parking lot from where we can hike up to the José Rivas Refuge, enjoying breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. For those seeking more adventure, continue up to the glacier for an unforgettable experience at over 5,000 meters. This challenging yet rewarding trek offers a unique glimpse of Cotopaxi's natural beauty.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Optional stop to savor a traditional lunch at the charming Rondador restaurant, where vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. One of the highlights of this stop is the unique opportunity to feed the friendly llamas—a favorite experience for many visitors!

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Quito

      After a full day of adventure, we will return to Quito.

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Meeting point

    Quito

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Small Group Tour

      Small grourps up to 15 guests Pickup included

    • Shared Tour

      Pick-up Central located hotels

    • Private Tour With Lunch

      Lunch included SUV / Van / Minubus Flexible Pickup included

    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
    Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Hiking Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from QuitoGreat view of Cotopaxi volcano with horses, Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from QuitoHiking to Cotopaxi Volcano refugio Jose Rivas, Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from QuitoStunning view of Cotopaxi, Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from QuitoChallange to Cotopaxi, Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from QuitoDriving on dirt road to Cotopaxi, Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 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.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

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

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

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

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    Spencer_Q · August 2026

    A Truly Memorable Day

    It’s a full and well structured day with several stops along the way to break up the driving. The main activity is an hour hike to the basecamp at 16,000 ft. Be in decent shape, drink your cocoa tea and plenty of water and don’t rush-it’s a challenge if you don’t live at altitude.. Our guide was awesome-smoothly transitioning between Spanish and English and made sure we were all OK. It was a truly memorable day and I have the pics to prove it!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the well-paced itinerary and the different stops along the way. We hope your photos continue to bring back great memories of your adventure in Ecuador. Team Cuenca Bestours

    via Viator

    Kathrine_C · February 2026

    This was a great experience. Our guide Irene / Elena was fantastic, she was knowledgeable, passionate and fun.

    Bring warm clothes, a windcheater, a beanie, gloves and hiking stick. Walk really slowly, and breathe deeply .

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing these helpful tips! You are absolutely right — dressing warmly and being prepared for changing mountain conditions makes all the difference. We also appreciate your advice about walking slowly and breathing deeply. Taking a steady pace allows our guests to better acclimate, enjoy the scenery, and fully embrace the experience. Thank you again for contributing such practical guidance for future travelers! Team Cuenca Bestours

    via Viator

    917yangb · August 2025

    Cotopaxi Daytrip

    Great Tour with Alejandro😊We had so much fun and learned a lot of things about Ecuador and the different Volcanoes. He is very knowledgeable. We adapted the order of the itinerary due to the little weather changes so we could have the best experience of the Cotopaxi and the Laguna. On top the hot chocolate at the refugio is also tasty and great to warm up again😉

    Response from the operator: We’re so glad to hear that Alejandro made your tour both fun and enriching with his knowledge of Ecuador and its volcanoes. It’s great that the flexible itinerary allowed you to enjoy Cotopaxi and the Laguna at their best—and we agree, the hot chocolate at the refugio is a real treat! We truly appreciate your kind words. Cuenca Bestours Team

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $69 to $229
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.

    See everything Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator runs

    Why this scores 65

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)95
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito 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 Full-Day Tour from Quito 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 Full-Day Tour from Quito worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Full-Day Tour from Quito?

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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 Full-Day Tour from Quito suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito?

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    Around 1 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 Full-Day Tour from Quito 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 Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito?

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    Included: Transport; Cotopaxi entrance fees (If applicable); and Tour guide/driver. Not included: Extras; Tips; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 87 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito 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 Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito?

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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.

    Is Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito?

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    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. 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.

    What booking options are available for Cotopaxi Volcano Full-Day Tour from Quito?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including Small Group Tour, Shared Tour, Private Tour With Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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