
Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 76 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry worth booking?
Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $260 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 76 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 (76)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $260 per person
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the eastern mountain range of the Andes. Cotopaxi is the second-highest volcano in Ecuador with a height of 5897 meters. It is surrounded by other mountains such as Sincholagua, Pasochoa, and Rumiñahui, all within the avenue of volcanoes. With its wonderful symmetrical shape, it is an excellent stratovolcano, translated from Quichua into Spanish as the neck of the moon.
What you get
About this experience
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the eastern mountain range of the Andes. Cotopaxi is the second-highest volcano in Ecuador with a height of 5897 meters. It is surrounded by other mountains such as Sincholagua, Pasochoa, and Rumiñahui, all within the avenue of volcanoes. With its wonderful symmetrical shape, it is an excellent stratovolcano, translated from Quichua into Spanish as the neck of the moon.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Pick Up / Drop Off
- Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Breakfast
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Cotopaxi National Park
Arrival to the southern entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Cotopaxi Volcano
Arriving at the parking lot at 4600 (15.091ft) above sea level. Our hike starting to the Refugio Padre Ribas where we can get a hot drink.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Laguna de Limpiopungo
Hiking in the limpiopungo lagoon.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Lunch in a local restaurant.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Cotopaxi National Park
Driving back to Quito
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Shared Tour- No Lunch
Shared Tour- no Lunch: This shared tour requires a minimum of 6 passengers. If the minimum is not met, we will contact you with alternative options Duration: 8 hours Pickup included
Private Tour Included Lunch
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
- Real Dreams Tour
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 76 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
76 verified traveler reviews for Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day
Competent guide and good car. Very nice experience. I recommend both the tour for its sfenic drive and hike as well as the operatior.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
I did a tour/hike of Cotopaxi with guide Andres and driver Jimmy. The scenery was gorgeous! The hike was challenging just due to the altitude but worth it for the views and seeing the Refugio. Guide Andres had so much great information about the history, people, geography and animals in the area. He was friendly and helpful and answered any questions I had about the area. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: We are so happy to hear about your wonderful adventure to Cotopaxi! Thank you for sharing your experience and for highlighting the beauty of this incredible destination. It is great to know that Andres and Jimmy helped make your day special. Andres’ knowledge about the history, culture, geography, and wildlife of the area is a valuable part of the experience, and we are glad he was able to answer your questions and share interesting details throughout the journey. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are happy that, despite the challenge of the altitude, you were able to enjoy the amazing landscapes and reach the Refugio. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back soon for more unforgettable adventures exploring Ecuador.
via Tripadvisor
Cotopaxi experience
This was a fabulous day. Our guide Edison met us promptly and expertly handled all the driving requirements. He was knowledgeable and pointed out many interesting features of Quito and Ecuador. The Cotopaxi experience was marvellous. We got to meet some alpacas, some great Ecuadorian people and experience the park and its amenities fully. The walk round the lake was full of discoveries from hummingbirds to lizards and lots of other things in between. The climb to the refuge on Cotopaxi was challenging but rewarding and the celebratory lunch at a wonderful local restaurant was top drawer! Would recommend this excursion to everyone looking to experience nature just outside of Quito!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review David! 😊 We’re very happy to hear you had a great experience in Cotopaxi with Edison and enjoyed the park, wildlife, and local culture. It’s wonderful to know the day was memorable and rewarding. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again for another adventure in Ecuador! 🌄
via Viator
Well paced and gorgeous scenery
Excellent adventure with Andres! He was very enthusiastic and informative and took us up to 16,137 feet!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an excellent adventure with Andres. His enthusiasm and knowledge truly make a difference, and reaching 16,137 feet is an incredible achievement! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. It was a pleasure having you with us we hope to see you again for another unforgettable experience! 😊
via Tripadvisor
Poor guide and transportation. Waste of a day!
The tour guide spent more time talking to his driver than us. Also the car (2WD) was not able to make it to the parking area which meant we had to hike up just to get where everyone else parked. By the time we got to the parking lot we didn’t have the energy to hike up the mountain.
Response from the operator: Hi Kyle, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We have carefully looked into what happened, as situations like this are not common for us and we always strive to provide a high quality service, as reflected in most of our reviews. Regarding the situation, at no point did our guide refuse to continue to the refuge. Due to weather conditions and the state of the road, the vehicle was unable to reach the parking area. You began the hike; however, before reaching the midpoint, our guide informed us that you experienced symptoms related to the altitude, and you decided not to continue the ascent to the refuge. We regret that the experience did not fully meet your expectations and understand how the conditions may have impacted the activity. We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue improving our service.
via Viator
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
- $260 to $300
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Real Dreams Tour, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.4.
See everything Real Dreams Tour runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry cost?
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Prices start at $260 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry 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 76 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry?
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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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry?
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Around 27 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry?
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Included: Professional guide; Lunch; Pick Up / Drop Off; Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park; and Transport by private vehicle. Not included: Breakfast; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 238 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry?
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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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry 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 Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry?
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Across 76 reviews averaging 4.9 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.
What booking options are available for Private Cotopaxi Volcano Hike from Quito with Lunch & Entry?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Shared Tour- No Lunch, Private Tour Included Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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