Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador

Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m

Outty Ranking 61 5.0 · 2 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $125
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m worth booking?

Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $125 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2)
Duration
8 hours
From
$125 per person

Elevate your adventure with this private full-day tour to Cotopaxi National Park. You will pass through the Avenue of the Volcanoes where, if it is clear, you will be able to see some of our sleeping giants. Once inside the Park, you can observe hundreds of wild animals, from birds to mammals. Explore the peaceful Limpiopungo Lagoon and hike up to the volcano’s first refuge! (Jose Ribas Refuge at 4,864 m / 15,744 ft), enjoy a cup of hot chocolate to warm up (not included) and admire the views from this point. Please note that the hike is subject to weather and safety conditions on the day.

What you get

    About this experience

    Elevate your adventure with this private full-day tour to Cotopaxi National Park. You will pass through the Avenue of the Volcanoes where, if it is clear, you will be able to see some of our sleeping giants. Once inside the Park, you can observe hundreds of wild animals, from birds to mammals. Explore the peaceful Limpiopungo Lagoon and hike up to the volcano’s first refuge! (Jose Ribas Refuge at 4,864 m / 15,744 ft), enjoy a cup of hot chocolate to warm up (not included) and admire the views from this point. Please note that the hike is subject to weather and safety conditions on the day.

    What's included

    Included

    • Admission fees
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off from/to centrally located hotels in Quito
    • Bottle of purified water
    • Professional bilingual Guide

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Tips

    What you'll see and do

    1. Machachi

      As we pass through Machachi, we'll take a scenic drive along the legendary "Avenue of the Volcanoes." Your guide will do more than simply point out the geography; they will transport you through time by sharing the ancient legends and epic battles for love starring these Andean giants.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Located at the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center is your first stop, where you’ll gain key insights into the richness of the Andean ecosystem and the fascinating geological history of the volcano. Here, you can acclimate and get ready for the adventure ahead.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Laguna de Limpiopungo

      Our first stop is this peaceful lagoon, perfect for an acclimatization hike. You'll enjoy the serenity of the páramo, observe diverse birdlife, and capture unparalleled views of Cotopaxi and the majestic Rumiñahui massif.

      60 minutes here

    4. Get ready for a challenging hike up the volcanic ash trail to the refuge, a journey that ignites a true sense of adventure. Once you arrive, you can treat yourself to a hot chocolate (not included) to warm up while you soak in the panoramic views.

      120 minutes here

    5. Cotopaxi Province

      Following our activities, the guide will show you some great places to try local food around the area. After that, we'll drive back to Quito.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Mini Group

      Driver Guide SUV (Toyota, Renault, Kia) Pickup included

    • Grand Expedition

      Driver + Professional Guide Transport Availability: Mini Van (5 pax + guide) or Mini Bus (6-10 pax + guide) Pickup included

    • Family and Friends

      Driver Guide Transport Availability: Special SUV (Up to 4 passengers) or Mini Van available 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 11 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Andean Roots Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Recommended minimum age is 12 years
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions because of the high altitude we will reach during the tour
    • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
    • Operates in all weather conditions, weather may vary please dress appropriately
    • At the time of booking, please inform the name of your hotel, or the name of the hotel near your location

    Photos

    Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m in Quito, photo 2Viewpoint of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m in QuitoThe beautiful snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m in QuitoLimpiopungo Lagoon, Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m in QuitoThe breathtaking view from Limpiopungo Lagoon., Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m in QuitoReaching the José Rivas Refuge, Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m in Quito

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    F8472FIleahb · July 2026

    Fantastic day in Cotopaxi

    My 12 year old son and I had the most amazing experience with Henry on this special trip. He took wonderful care of us from beginning to end. Fantastic day in Cotopaxi National Park. Henry was incredibly fun to be around , extremely knowledgeable of the park, animals and land. For sure the best guided trip we have been on.

    Response from the operator: We are glad to hear that you truly enjoyed the experience with Henry. Thank you for choosing our services!

    via Tripadvisor

    Caitlin H · April 2018

    Educational and Exhilarating Day!

    My boyfriend and I went on this tour together and had a wonderful time despite rain, fog, and snow! Our guide Christian picked us up from our hotel right on time- we decided to leave at 8am to beat traffic. It was about a two hour drive south to Cotopaxi National Park, and Christian told us tons of interesting information about Quito and the surrounding countryside throughout the drive (in English). When we arrived to the park, we were joined by Marina, a local guide who stayed with us throughout our time in the park. She spoke a little bit of English but mostly communicated with us in Spanish, so Christian translated. We first stopped at a small museum and botanical garden, where Christian and Marina gave us an introduction about the park: the people, flora, and fauna indigenous to the area. Then, in order to test our tolerance for the altitude, we took a short hike through the foothills with Marina, and she gave us a more in-depth explanation about the landscape and local plants. We even saw wolf poop and deer tracks! My Spanish is rusty, but Marina slowly and patiently explained things to me in Spanish so I could translate for my boyfriend. It was good practice! We met back up with Christian who drove us to our next stop- Limpiopungo Lagoon at the base of Cotopaxi Volcano. We were told at this point that we should be able to see the volcano in the distance, but as we were visiting in the rainy season, it was too foggy to see! We briefly walked to the lake to see it up close and watch the ducks for a bit, but didn't stay long because we were eager to get to the final hike! We drove approximately thirty minutes more to the parking area at the base of the trail. It looked like the surface of the moon, with black sand and volcanic rocks as far as the eye could see, fog, no trees and minimal plant life. We were not feeling any signs of altitude sickness (we both had been taking acetazolamide as a precautionary measure for a few days), so we proceeded to hike the switchback trail with Marina up to the Jose Rivas Refuge at the base of the Cotopaxi glacier. We walked very slowly and tentatively, and Marina was careful to make sure that we were not overexerting ourselves. We felt very safe with her. We eventually made it to the refuge, where we stopped for photos and a revitalizing lunch of hearty soup and some tea before making our descent. I would absolutely recommend a heavy coat, sturdy hiking shoes, hat, and gloves for this hike. It was a cold rainy day, and actually started snowing during our descent from the refuge. I'm told it stays chilly year round because of the elevation, so even in summer you need warm clothing. The fog cleared enough on our way back down that we could take in the vistas below and finally see the glacier above us. We made our way back down to the car, dropped off Marina on the way out of the park, and then Christian drove us back to our hotel. In all the trip lasted about 8:00-4:30, so plenty of time to get back to our hotel, wash up, rest a little, and grab a late dinner. All in a days' work! We had a fascinating, educational, and exhilarating day at Cotopaxi. We were pleased with both of our guides and would definitely recommend this trip to others! Thanks again.

    Response from the operator: Excellent

    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
    $125 to $219
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 61

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)19
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)61
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m cost?

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    Prices start at $125 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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m 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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m?

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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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m 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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m?

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    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?

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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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m 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?

    +

    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 Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m?

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    Included: Admission fees; Hotel pickup and drop-off from/to centrally located hotels in Quito; Bottle of purified water; and Professional bilingual Guide. Not included: Food and drinks; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 215 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m 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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m?

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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 Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m 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 booking options are available for Private Tour Cotopaxi National Park: hiking experience to 4800 m?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including Mini Group, Grand Expedition, Family and Friends. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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