
Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day worth booking?
Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day is a 6-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $170 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (32)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Fall in love with the enchanting mountain range of the Andes in Ecuador, feel the wind rush around you as you walk between villages and meet the local people. Be amazed with the stunning surroundings of the Limpiopungo Lagoon at the foothills of the volcano and dare to visit one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi, which has a perfectly symmetrical cone at 5,897 m (19,347 ft) high. Finally, have a local taste of delicious Andean food.
What you get
About this experience
Fall in love with the enchanting mountain range of the Andes in Ecuador, feel the wind rush around you as you walk between villages and meet the local people. Be amazed with the stunning surroundings of the Limpiopungo Lagoon at the foothills of the volcano and dare to visit one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi, which has a perfectly symmetrical cone at 5,897 m (19,347 ft) high. Finally, have a local taste of delicious Andean food.
What's included
Included
- Typical Lunch
- Hiking sticks
- Bilingual certified english speaking guide
- Transportation: Comfortable land transportation.
- Fees and entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park.
Not included
- Tips
- Souvenirs
What you'll see and do
Cotopaxi National Park
We will depart to the south of Quito towards the highest active volcano in the world. The Cotopaxi is surrounded by its National Park, home to abundant plant life, a rich fauna, and Inca ruins. Leaving Quito on the Panamericana South, we reach the Park entrance and begin our visit to the natural history museum before continuing up Cotopaxi. We ascend the mountain as high as possible to the parking lot at 4500 meters. From here, a short 45-minutes walk takes us up to the refuge to observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Laguna de Limpiopungo
Visit Limpiopungo lagoon at 3800 meters above sea level, located at the foothills of Cotopaxi volcano. Its clear but icy waters are surrounded by small hills and hills. It has a magnificent panorama for photography in a frame of elevations such as Cotopaxi, Sincholagua and Rumiñahui. Here your guide will explain you about the habitat of a big variety of birds, herds of llamas and some other species of mammals, especially rabbits and deer.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Inspiring Ecuador
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
32 verified traveler reviews for Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cotopaxi
Fantastic scenery well worth the climb even if the weather did not cooperate, the cloud base only started to lift as we left the park.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome experience
We enjoyed our trip with Jen as our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about Ecuador and Cotopaxi Volcano. Food was great also. I highly recommend this tour for a family trip.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Trip of a Lifetime
Climbing the volcano in the snow was an unforgettable experience. The host was very attentive to my tight schedule and took necessary safety precautions. He was very informative. I would definitely go on this tour again with my wife and cousin.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review! Our team at Inspiring Ecuador always take great care of safety. We'd love to have you, your wife, and cousin join us again for more awesome adventures!
via Viator
Fun day in Cotopaxi 😊
We had an Amazing trip to Cotopaxi! Highly recommended. Our guide David was excellent! Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Amazing views and experience. We had a wonderful time! David and Diego picked us up and take us back home safe. Grateful!
Response from the operator: Hi Sofia. First review you have ever done I can see! Thank you. I'm sure David loved showing you around. Hope to have you back in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
Marcelo was an excellent and knowledgeable guide We trekked the Cotopaxi Volvano but he was safe at all times Then stopped for some delicious Andean food! Highly recommended
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $170 to $265
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day cost?
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Prices start at $170 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 Expedition Day take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Expedition Day worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 32 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 Expedition Day?
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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 Expedition Day suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day?
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Around 11 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day 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 Expedition Day?
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Included: Typical Lunch; Hiking sticks; Bilingual certified english speaking guide; Transportation: Comfortable land transportation; and Fees and entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. Not included: Tips; and Souvenirs. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 40 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day 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 Expedition Day?
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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 Expedition Day wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day 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 Expedition Day?
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Across 32 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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