Cotopaxi Volcano Quest!
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 133 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cotopaxi Volcano Quest! worth booking?
Cotopaxi Volcano Quest! is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $89 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 133 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (133)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $89 per person
More than a decade of Excellence on TripAdvisor! Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with CarpeDM Adventures as you ascend one of the world's towering titans - an active volcano soaring to a staggering 5,897 meters! And for those seeking seamless journeys, we've got you covered. Ready to embark? Reach out to us on WhatsApp at +593.98.534.1575 and let the adventure begin! • 7.20 am Just outside our CarpeDM Operations / Go F.A.R Office • 7.30 am Hilton Colon Hotel • 07:45 Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park - stop off to pick up snacks / breakfast on the way. • 09:30 Enter Cotopaxi National Park • 10:00 Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre: The guide will give an explanation of the area, volcanoes, vegetation, animals. • 10:30 4600m car park, begin the hike up to the Basecamp • 12:30 Reach refuge at 4.864m. • 13:00 Reach Glacier 5,000m. depends on conditions • 14:00 Arrive at Limpiopungo lake. • 15:00 Eat lunch - Included at traditional local Restaurant • 16:00 Return to Quito
What you get
About this experience
More than a decade of Excellence on TripAdvisor! Dive into the adventure of a lifetime with CarpeDM Adventures as you ascend one of the world's towering titans - an active volcano soaring to a staggering 5,897 meters! And for those seeking seamless journeys, we've got you covered. Ready to embark? Reach out to us on WhatsApp at +593.98.534.1575 and let the adventure begin! • 7.20 am Just outside our CarpeDM Operations / Go F.A.R Office • 7.30 am Hilton Colon Hotel • 07:45 Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park - stop off to pick up snacks / breakfast on the way. • 09:30 Enter Cotopaxi National Park • 10:00 Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre: The guide will give an explanation of the area, volcanoes, vegetation, animals. • 10:30 4600m car park, begin the hike up to the Basecamp • 12:30 Reach refuge at 4.864m. • 13:00 Reach Glacier 5,000m. depends on conditions • 14:00 Arrive at Limpiopungo lake. • 15:00 Eat lunch - Included at traditional local Restaurant • 16:00 Return to Quito
What's included
Included
- What’s Included:
- Transport
- Lunch
- Guide
Not included
- What’s Not Included:
- Additional Snacks / Beverages
- TIPS
- Breakfast
What you'll see and do
Since this is a private tour you can confirm with us if you prefer an additional short hike instead of the downhill bike ride. Itinerary • 7:30 Meet at meeting point CarpeDM Office (Jose Antepara E4-38 and Los Ríos, Old Town sector) • 07:45 Transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park • 09:30 Enter Cotopaxi National Park • 10:00 The guide will give explanation of the area, volcanoes, vegetation, animals etc. • 10:30 4600m car park, begin hike up to the refuge • 12:30 Reach refuge at 4.864m. return to parking lot • 13:00 Equipment Check – Begin Bike ride back to the Limpiapungo lake (short 3 - 5 km ride) • 14:00 Arrive at Limpiapungo lake. • 15:00 Eat lunch (included) • 16:00 Return to Quito
15 minutes here
Cotopaxi National Park
Behold the majestic Cotopaxi, a vision of perfection with its impeccably symmetrical cone draped in a lavish cloak of snow and ice. A crowning jewel of Ecuador, this volcano beckons travelers from across the globe, making it the nation's most adored and ascended peak. Nestled amidst the ethereal paramo plateau of the Cotopaxi National Park, witness wild horses roaming freely, their silhouettes dancing against the vast plains. They converge by the serene Limpiopungo lagoon, a mirror reflecting the pristine white summits of the neighboring Volcan Rumiñahui. This haven is not just a sight, but a symphony of nature, where waterfowl and avian wonders serenade the soul. 1. Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre - get your passport stamped :) 2. Basecamp 4864 m Jose Rivas Refuge 3. Laguna Limpiopungo - followed by a hearty lunch that is included.
180 minutes here
Laguna de Limpiopungo
Limpiopungo Lagoon is a beautiful lake formed by water from the glaciers. Located in Cotopaxi, Ecuador. Limpiopungo is like a mirror that reflects the Cotopaxi
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
7:30am to 7.45am Entrance from Juan Leon Mera
Meeting point
Quito
7.20am Next to The Secret garden Hostel
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
7:30am to 7.45am Entrance from Juan Leon Mera
Ends at
7.20am Next to The Secret garden Hostel
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CarpeDM Adventures
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
- What to bring:
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Gloves, scarf, hat
- Hiking boots or trekking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Extra snacks and water
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 133 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
133 verified traveler reviews for Cotopaxi Volcano Quest!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent day tour - Cotopaxi mountain hike to base camp hut and then bike down the mountain
My husband and I had a wonderful time with Alejandro of CarpeDM tours. He speaks great English or Spanish, shares a lot of interesting information about the region and volcanos of Ecuador, and provides encouragement and support to assist you to getting to the intended location on the hike at you own pace. We spent just the right amount of time at each Location. We got super lucky with the weather and could see the summit of Cotopaxi once we got to the base hut. The biking down was fun. We saw lots of wildlife along the way, stopped to take photos and stopped at the lagoon and saw more wildlife and birds and Alejandro provided names and information about them. The lunch stop at the end was great local food. Overall a great experience and super fun day.
via Tripadvisor
Cotopaxi day trip from Quito
Felipe was attentive and informative, helpful and considerate. We had a great experience with him as our guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience exploring Cotopaxi with Felipe. His knowledge, attentiveness, and genuine care for our guests are qualities we truly value, so it’s wonderful to know that these made a difference to your day. Cotopaxi is an incredible place to visit, and having a guide who takes the time to share information, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels comfortable and well looked after can make the experience even more special. We’ll be sure to share your lovely words with Felipe. He’ll be very happy to know that you enjoyed your time with him. Thank you for choosing CarpeDM Adventures! We hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in Ecuador.
via Tripadvisor
Greatly organized day tour to Cotopaxi!
I highly recommend this tour! Everything was organized perfectly—from smooth transportation from Quito, to the hike up to the José Rivas refuge, the fantastic bike descent to the Limpiopungo lagoon, and a delicious lunch. Kudos to the driver for a very safe and comfortable ride, and to the guide for their professionalism, great care on the trail, and wonderful atmosphere. Professional, safe, and unforgettable! Top-notch service from start to finish!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review and enthusiastic recommendation! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic day exploring Cotopaxi with us. From the journey out of Quito and the challenging hike to the José Rivas Refuge to the exciting bike descent towards Limpiopungo Lagoon and a well-deserved lunch, it sounds like you really made the most of the experience! We especially appreciate your comments about the organisation, safety, and professionalism of our team. Cotopaxi is an incredible place to explore, but its altitude and changing mountain conditions mean that having an attentive guide and a reliable driver makes all the difference. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with both your guide and driver. They’ll be delighted to know that their care, professionalism, and positive attitude helped make your adventure so memorable. Thank you for choosing CarpeDM Adventures and for recognising the effort that goes into making each tour run smoothly. We hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another unforgettable adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Experience/Excellent Guide
What an incredible experience my group had! The entire booking process, finding the office, and transitioning between travel, hiking, biking, and lunch was so easy. I was able to inquire, reserve date, and make the deposit all in one day. Be sure to download WhatsApp for smooth coordination. I had no issues and every single question of mine was answered! Alejandro’s English, driving skills, and knowledge of Quito/Cotopaxi’s history on was top notch. He is an affable and experienced guide. Even better, he was patient as our group took many breaks to acclimatize. He never left anyone alone and ensured safety. I highly recommend CarpeDM for this tour and Alejandro as the guide!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your group had such an incredible experience on our Cotopaxi hike and bike tour. It’s wonderful to know that everything, from the booking process and communication to the transportation, hike, biking, and lunch, went smoothly. We always want our guests to feel well informed and supported from their first enquiry right through to the end of the adventure. We’re especially happy to hear your kind words about Alejandro! His knowledge of Quito and Cotopaxi, excellent driving, and friendly personality are qualities we truly value. Just as importantly, taking the time to let everyone acclimatize, adjusting the pace when needed, and making sure nobody is left behind are essential parts of a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Cotopaxi is an incredible place, but the altitude can be challenging, and we believe that enjoying the mountain safely is far more important than rushing to the top. We’re glad Alejandro helped your group feel comfortable and well looked after throughout the day. Thank you also for mentioning WhatsApp. It’s one of the easiest ways for us to coordinate meeting points and keep communication clear before the tour. We’ll be sure to share your lovely feedback with Alejandro. Thank you for recommending both him and CarpeDM Adventures. We hope to welcome you and your group back to Ecuador for another unforgettable adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Cotopaxi day tour
Good trip although we had great weather. 1.2km hike up to the refuge and then same distance back down again with a couple of other stops included.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed your Cotopaxi day tour and were fortunate to have such great weather. The hike to the José Rivas Refuge and back can certainly be a rewarding challenge at that altitude, and we’re happy you had the opportunity to enjoy the incredible scenery along the way. It’s also great to hear that you enjoyed the additional stops included in the day. Cotopaxi has so much more to offer than just the hike, and we love giving our guests the chance to experience the different landscapes and learn more about this remarkable area. Thank you for choosing CarpeDM Adventures. We hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another adventure in the future!
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
- $89 to $249
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 47
- Verdict
- Exceptional
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 runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cotopaxi Volcano Quest!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Cotopaxi Volcano Quest! cost?
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Prices start at $89 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 Quest! 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 Quest! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 133 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cotopaxi Volcano Quest!?
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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 Quest! 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 Quest!?
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Around 47 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 Quest! 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 Quest!?
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Included: What’s Included:; Transport; Lunch; and Guide. Not included: What’s Not Included:; Additional Snacks / Beverages; TIPS; and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Cotopaxi Volcano Quest!?
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7:30am to 7.45am Entrance from Juan Leon Mera Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Cotopaxi Volcano Quest! offered in?
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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 Volcano Quest!?
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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 Quest! 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 Quest! 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 Quest!?
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Across 133 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, 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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