
Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake worth booking?
Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake is a 7-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $125 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (11)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $125 per person
Our tourist service is special because we have new cars and guides with Experience the same ones that are certified and that will make your experience unforgettable.
What you get
About this experience
Our tourist service is special because we have new cars and guides with Experience the same ones that are certified and that will make your experience unforgettable.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Cotopaxi National Park
We will drive through the Avenue of the volcanoes and if it's a cleared day we can watch almost 8 to 12 mountains and volcanoes surrounding Quito such as “Ruco Pichincha”, “Atacazo”, “Corazón”, “Ilinizas”, “Cayambe”, “Antisana”, “Sincholagua”, “Pasochoa”, “Rumiñahui” and others. In about an hour and a half, we reach Cotopaxi National Park entrance and we will have here a little break to see a little handicraft market and drink coca leaf tea.
Pass by without stopping
Laguna de Limpiopungo
We will get to the plain Limpiopungo to 3,845 m.a.s.l. (12600 feet). Where we can make a hike around the lagoon for almost 1 hour, knowing the flora and birds from the Páramo area.
60 minutes here
OPTIONAL, if the time allowed we can go up to the parking 4,500 m.a.s.l. (14700 feet) from there you can hike about two hours round trip to reach the refuge "José Rivas" at 4,800 m.a.s.l. (15700 feet).
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Great Horned Owl Tours
Know before you go
- 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


What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing tour!!!
Gabriel was an incredible guide. He was full of so much knowledge and really structured our tour with how we were feeling. Highly recommend this tour operator and Gabriel!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your visit and for choosing our tour service
via Tripadvisor
Great guide, made us feel very safe
Roberto was excellent, first thing he said was " you are the boss, I do what you want" Excellent driver and guide, very knowledgeable If you are staying in the Quito area and are thinking about a tour/trip i would certainly recommend him. Well worth the price
Response from the operator: Thanks for your visit to Ecuador!
via Tripadvisor
Volcano Day Tour
Great day going to the volcano. Roberto was very informative, friendly and ensured we had a good time. We hiked up the Cotopaxi volano to the base camp, bird watched with his equipment, stopped by the park museum, and had a great local lunch.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your visit tp my country. We had and amazing day tour !
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful day in the volcanoes
Carlos was a driver and Roberto our guide. They whisked us through Quito along the Pan-American highway to the Avenue of the volcanoes. Carlos managed to drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic and very rough roads up to the top of the Cotopaxi volcano. Inside the Cotopaxi National Park, Roberto managed to find the tiniest exotic birds and pulled out a tripod, Telescopic, lens, and binoculars. He pointed out the rare almost extinct Ecuadorian deer, wild horses, ducks, and birds. Inside the museum, Roberto pointed out the volcanoes Flora and fauna. he took many wonderful pictures of us and even did a video of all of the that surrounded us. On the way back to our hotel we stopped at Mirador de los volcanoes for lunch. We enjoyed our welcome drink and appetizer. My salad and our lamb platter were reasonably priced, abundant and delicious. This was a wonderful 7 1/2 hour day, we really enjoyed getting outside of keto and seeing some of the lakes,mountains and volcanoes.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for take our tour service. We had and amazing Cotopaxi day tour !
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Private Tour with Roberto
Had an excellent time with Roberto doing a private tour where we did the Centro Historico, Mitad del Mundo, Cotopaxi and Mindo in August 2023. He was a great guide and very professional. I would highly recommend him to travellers to Quito and the surrounding area. He speaks both English and Spanish. 10/10 would recommend.
Response from the operator: Thanks Favio for your visit to 🇪🇨and take our tour service. I hope a new visit in the future to watch the " spectacled bear".
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $125 to $190
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake cost?
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Prices start at $125 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 & Limpiopungo Lake take?
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Plan for about 7 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 & Limpiopungo Lake worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 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 & Limpiopungo Lake?
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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 & Limpiopungo Lake suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake?
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Around 4 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake 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 & Limpiopungo Lake?
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Included: Private transportation; and Bottled water. Not included: Lunch; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 42 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake 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 & Limpiopungo Lake?
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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 & Limpiopungo Lake 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 & Limpiopungo Lake 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 & Limpiopungo Lake?
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Across 11 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.
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