Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation worth booking?
Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation is a 7-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $350 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $350 per person
Enjoy a totally unique tour in a single day from Quito, visiting the active Cotopaxi volcano in the south of the city of Quito. Known as the second highest in Ecuador, with an altitude of 5,897 meters, the Cotopaxi volcano is a symbol of natural grandeur and home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. The tour does not end here, the Papallacta hot springs await us. to relax in its waters with unique healing properties.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a totally unique tour in a single day from Quito, visiting the active Cotopaxi volcano in the south of the city of Quito. Known as the second highest in Ecuador, with an altitude of 5,897 meters, the Cotopaxi volcano is a symbol of natural grandeur and home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. The tour does not end here, the Papallacta hot springs await us. to relax in its waters with unique healing properties.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bilingual Tour Guide
- Lunch
- Pick Up / Drop Off
- Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
Not included
- Ticket Hot Spring
What you'll see and do
Cotopaxi National Park
Our adventure begins with the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Standing tall at an impressive elevation of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), Cotopaxi is a true marvel of nature. With its snow-capped peak and a perfectly symmetrical cone, it creates an iconic silhouette against the clear blue sky.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Laguna de Limpiopungo
This is the best place to view the Cotopaxi volcano, We are going to walk around the Limpiopungo Lagoon in Cotopaxi National Park to enjoy the Nature of the flora the fauna in the Avenue of the volcanos in the Nades of Ecuador
180 minutes here · Admission included
Termas de Papallacta
Atter of visiting Cotopaxi National Park we drive to the Papallacta hot spring where we can enjoy the thermal warm water that comes from the Volcano Cayambe, This is a splendid time to enjoy the massage too
180 minutes here · Admission included
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Quito Trip
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 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
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent experience
Excellent experience, very experienced and friendly guide. We learned a lot from Ecuador and would come back. Thank you David!
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! 🌟 Nos alegra muchísimo saber que tuviste una excelente experiencia y que disfrutaste del tour junto a David. Nuestro equipo se esfuerza cada día por ofrecer experiencias auténticas y llenas de aprendizaje sobre Ecuador. ¡Será un placer recibirlos nuevamente en una próxima aventura!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Wonderful putting to Cotopaxi and Termas Papallacta springs
As city transport vehicles cannot go to the national park and vice versa, we were in 2 vehicles each way. The main driver Jimmy was very skilled and stopped whenever we wanted to take photos. Our guide Andres was very knowledgeable and informative about the history of Ecuador, Cotopaxi park and flora/fauna. Both Jimmy and Andres were very polite and helpful. Although the weather was not clear, we enjoyed our walk around the lagoon and we loved the visit to Termas Papallactas hot mineral springs and massage.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much Michael and Paula for taking the time to share your experience! We’re so glad to hear that, despite the weather, you enjoyed the walk around the lagoon and especially the relaxing visit to Papallacta We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to Jimmy and Andrés.We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again on another adventure in Ecuador! :)
via Tripadvisor
Did a solo trip with Pedro and loved it. Views of Cotopaxi were so beautiful, we waited for some clouds to move along and finally got to see it. Pedro was great about checking in on how I was doing with the elevation, pointing out animals and telling me about the history of the park. The hot springs were really nice, the facility is beautiful and so great on a cool rainy day as was the massage I booked. Pedro also worked out a way to avoid two traffic delays which saved us tons of time!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your comment! We're glad to hear you had such a positive experience and truly enjoyed the nature, peaceful atmosphere, and special moments throughout the trip. We strive to offer well-organized, comfortable tours filled with memorable experiences. We'd love to have you join us again for another adventure in Ecuador!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect full day tour
We had an amazing time doing this tour! It was a perfect itinerary for doing a variety of things during our limited time in Quito before an evening flight. Our guide Pedro was a great driver, shared interesting information about Quito and pointed out cool wildlife. He was also really patient on the Cotopaxi hike (we came from sea level but we made it!), picked a delicious spot for lunch on a lake, and took excellent photos for us (including a quick stop to see a newborn baby alpaca!). Even after the long drives, we still had a good amount of time to relax at the Hot Springs. Everything was straightforward and professional from the moment of booking until drop off back at our hotel near the airport. We were really glad that the tour company worked with us and could be so flexible to accommodate our preferences and location. Would love to come back and try some of the other tours.
Response from the operator: Hi Lauren, Thank you so much for your lovely message! 😊 We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that it was a great way to make the most of your time in Quito before your flight. So glad you made it up to Cotopaxi Volcano! We know it’s not easy coming from sea level, but you did it! 💪 Special moments like the stop to see the newborn alpaca or relaxing in the hot springs make it all even more worthwhile. Thank you for highlighting the organization and flexibility of our team. We love being able to tailor each experience to fit exactly what our guests need. We’d love to see you again to keep exploring together! 🌋💚 Best regards, Quito Trip Team
via Tripadvisor
Adventure and relaxation in one day
Our hike up Cotopaxi was amazing and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide Pedro. He set the perfect pace and made us feel safe and comfortable as we found climbing at altitude quite challenging…but so worth it! He also arranged a great lunch stop where we enjoyed some beautiful trout and our final destination to the hot springs at Papallacta made a perfect end to a wonderful day. We would definitely recommend a trip with Pedro as he is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the hike to Cotopaxi and the entire journey to Papallacta. Pedro loves knowing how much you appreciated his guidance and company! ☺️ It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope you return to Ecuador soon. A new adventure always awaits!
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
- $350 to $450
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Quito Trip, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.3.
See everything Quito Trip runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation cost?
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Prices start at $350 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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation 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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation?
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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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation 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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation?
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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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation 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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation?
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Included: Private transportation; Bilingual Tour Guide; Lunch; Pick Up / Drop Off; and Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park. Not included: Ticket Hot Spring. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 245 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Cotopaxi Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation 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 & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation?
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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 Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation 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 Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs – Nature & Relaxation?
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Across 10 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.
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