One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador

One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa

Outty Ranking 58 4.0 · 3 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $116
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

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

Quick answer

Is One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa worth booking?

One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $116 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
4/5 (3)
Duration
9 hours
From
$116 per person

Embark on an adventure through Ecuador, visiting the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano and its national park. Explore Limpiopungo Lagoon and the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center to learn about the páramo and its lagoons. Meet Julián, a resident of the Andes, and discover his life alongside the guinea pig, considered a protector of energies. Then, visit the Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve and the spectacular Toachi River Canyon. End in Quilotoa, where you can hike around the crater or descend to its emerald-green lagoon. A trip full of nature and culture. Don't miss it!

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on an adventure through Ecuador, visiting the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano and its national park. Explore Limpiopungo Lagoon and the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center to learn about the páramo and its lagoons. Meet Julián, a resident of the Andes, and discover his life alongside the guinea pig, considered a protector of energies. Then, visit the Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve and the spectacular Toachi River Canyon. End in Quilotoa, where you can hike around the crater or descend to its emerald-green lagoon. A trip full of nature and culture. Don't miss it!

    What's included

    Included

    • Admission to specified attractions
    • English, Spanish Guide
    • Air-conditioning

    Not included

    • Food and accommodation
    • Entrance to Quilotoa

    What you'll see and do

    1. Quito

      We meet to head south toward the Cotopaxi volcano, one of Ecuador's most iconic volcanoes and one of the country's most important protected areas.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Laguna de Limpiopungo

      At approximately 3,896 meters above sea level, we'll visit the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon. Here you can enjoy the local flora and fauna, and if you're a photography enthusiast, this is a perfect place to capture the majesty of the landscape.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Cotopaxi National Park

      We'll enjoy a cultural experience visiting a local family's home, where we'll learn more about their traditions, daily life, the Andean products they grow, and the animals that live in the region. It will be an immersion into Andean culture.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Canon del Rio Toachi

      Before continuing, we'll make a brief stop at the Toachi River Canyon, a stunning landscape that's part of the "Los Ilinizas" Ecological Reserve. A natural haven you can't miss.

      35 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Laguna Quilotoa

      We continue to Quilotoa, an iconic destination in Ecuador, known for its impressive emerald lagoon inside the volcano's crater. Once in Quilotoa, admire the stunning emerald lagoon nestled inside the crater of this breathtaking volcanic caldera. Depending on the available time, enjoy a small scenic walk along the crater rim, where you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Andean landscapes. Entrance $2

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Quito

    07:00 Espere en la recepción del hotel / si requiere la recogida en otro punto consulte el costo adicional desde $5.

    Meeting point

    Quito

    06:45 Espere en la recepción del hotel / si requiere la recogida en otro punto consulte el costo adicional desde $5.

    Meeting point

    Quito

    06:30 Espere en la recepción del hotel / si requiere la recogida en otro punto consulte el costo adicional desde $5.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    07:00 Espere en la recepción del hotel / si requiere la recogida en otro punto consulte el costo adicional desde $5.

    Ends at

    06:45 Espere en la recepción del hotel / si requiere la recogida en otro punto consulte el costo adicional desde $5.

    Ends at

    06:30 Espere en la recepción del hotel / si requiere la recogida en otro punto consulte el costo adicional desde $5.

    Ends at

    The same especificified points

    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
    Ecuador Traveler Planet

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • 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

    One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa in Quito, photo 2One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa in Quito, photo 3One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa in Quito, photo 4One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa in Quito, photo 5One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa in Quito, photo 6

    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

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    rosahelenac2025 · October 2025

    Watch a deer approach the lake, a bear on the mountain and the Cotopaxi

    My experience was good, as the guide has the knowledge and didactically informs everything about the culture, fauna and flora of the tour

    Response from the operator: ¡Gracias por tu comentario! 😊 Nos alegra que hayas disfrutado del tour. ¡Esperamos verte en una próxima oportunidad!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Antonio_A · August 2025

    A very...

    A very interesting experience, with a very friendly and expert guide. We highly recommend the visit. The view of Lake Quilotoa is spectacular.

    Response from the operator: Agradeceremos su decisión de viajar con nosotros! 😊 Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutaron de la experiencia. ¡Gracias por recomendarnos y por ser parte de Ecuador Travelerplanet! 🌋🇪🇨 ¡Hasta una próxima aventura! 🌎✨

    via Viator (translated)

    Beate_R · July 2025

    Too much time in the van

    12 hours drive for a few minutes at the Cotopaxi, at the gorge in front of the Quilotoa crater was not stopped at all, but 2km before and Quilotoa cost admission, although supposedly included.

    Response from the operator: Hi Beate, thank you for your comment. We're sorry the tour didn’t meet your expectations. Sometimes adjustments are necessary due to logistics, but we truly appreciate your feedback and will keep it in mind to improve future experiences. Thank you for traveling with us!

    via Viator (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $116 to $232
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 58

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)72
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)36
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa cost?

    +

    Prices start at $116 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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa?

    +

    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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa?

    +

    Included: Admission to specified attractions; English, Spanish Guide; and Air-conditioning. Not included: Food and accommodation; and Entrance to Quilotoa. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa?

    +

    07:00 Espere en la recepción del hotel / si requiere la recogida en otro punto consulte el costo adicional desde $5. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa offered in?

    +

    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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa?

    +

    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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 One Day at Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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