What to do and see in Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador: The Best Day Trips from

May 21, 2022 Myesha Cogley

Cotopaxi (Spanish pronunciation: [kotoˈpaksi]) is one of the provinces of Ecuador. The capital is Latacunga. The province contains the Cotopaxi Volcano, an intermittent volcano with a height of 19,388 feet.
Restaurants in Cotopaxi Province

1. Biking around the Cotopaxi Volcano

Rebecca Adventure Travel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

After we pick you up at your hotel, we will drive south down the Panamericana Highway. Your biking tour will take place in the Cotopaxi National Park, named after one of the highest active volcanoes on earth, which at just over 19.000 feet, is one of the most stunning sights in Ecuador. You will bike next to Cotopaxi’s base on dirt roads surrounded by an other-worldly landscape dotted by rocks strew about by the volcano during its last major eruption. The ride is about 16 miles, and mostly on a flat easy terrain ideal for novice bikers. Lunch is included in this program. Explore the Cotopaxi volcano with our biking tour!

Inclusions: Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide, Private Transport, Biking gear, Lunch, Water

Exclusions: Fees for museums or natural reserves, Optional tips for guides and drivers

Reviewed By mbennaton

We (my husband and I ) had an amazing time in the Galapagos Islands! We did this trip at the end of October 2020 after the stressful lockdown covid months, so we were looking forward to unwind and visit for the first time the enchanted islands as our vacation. The tours designed by Rebecca Adventure were perfect and customized to our taste and needs. We visited Santa Cruz and Isabela and it was perfect because there weren't many tourists at the time due to the pandemic. We were truly impressed with all the activities, the wildlife and the services provided by our tour guides. We got to see most of the land and marine fauna that we expected, including hammerhead sharks. It was without a doubt one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We highly recommend Rebecca Adventure as your tour agency for the Galapagos and Ecuador. Biosecurity measures were very well respected on the islands, so its safe to travel! If you're looking to come to Ecuador and the Galapagos this is the time, still less tourists, the wildlife is truly impressive and besides life is short, take risks and ENJOY IT!

2. Quilotoa Crater Lake Private Day Tour

Ecuador Best Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Don't waste time waiting for large group-tours, protect your family and avoid unnecessary crowds! Stop anywhere you want during your journey and make great pictures with unforgettable landscapes!! On this private cultural full day excursion have the opportunity to visit a local indian market, where you will see different cultural interactions, and very varied local products. Do a very nice downhill hike into a charming volcanic crater and enjoy a real lifetime experience!! Make your stay in Quito an unforgettable adventure with us!!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English speaking guide, Mentioned itinerary and visits, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Drinks, Mules or horses ride

Reviewed By JeannePlantation

I had only one afternoon in Quito to sightsee. I contacted Ecuador's Best Tour with late notice by email and Luis replied right away. Luis has a great laid back, no worries attitude and assured me he would take care of everything and pick me up at my hotel. He arrived early to pick me up. I was thrilled to visit the beautiful Church la Compania. Luis was very knowledgeable about the history of the church and architecture. Next we visited a beautiful view of the city with the statue Virgin of El Panecillo. I only had a few hours to visit and Ecuador's Best Tours really helped me make the most of my visit. I highly recommend booking this with this company and you will be lucky if Luis is your guide. His English is extraordinary and he's just a pleasant guide to be around. I have toured many places around the would and I would say Luis was one of the best guides I have encountered. I got some great photos from my visit and hope to return someday. I would certainly use Ecuador's Best Tours again.

3. Baños full day tour from Quito including all entrances and activities

Quito Tour Bus
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

In just one day you will visit the main attractions of Baños, you will be able to see the Devil´s Cuadrol waterfall, the swing at the end of the world and the amazing viewpoint of the Amazon. You will travel safely with expert guides who will let you know all the attractions like a local and will take you to try the best typical food in the area. It is an adventure tour with a lot of nature and outdoor activities

Inclusions: Confirtable tourist transportation, Bilingual guide (English and Spanish), Casa del árbol entrance, Devil´s Cauldron waterfall entrance

Exclusions: Tips, Details not specified, Food and drinks, Extreme activities

Reviewed By Don J

My wife and I were fortunate to be able to take a private tour while in Quito during COVID lockdown. Our itinerary included The Museo de Sitio Intinan, the Casa de Agave distillery and museum, lunch at Panorama, and a drive through the Quito Historico Centro and up to the Mirador de Panecillo. Our tour guide, Diana, was exceptional. She had a great command of the English language, was very personable, and very knowledgeable about every place we visited throughout the day. She went above and beyond to make the day a very personal and special one for us, including taking pictures of us and for us throughout the day. Our driver, Carlos, was also wonderful. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Quito!

4. Quilotoa Lagoon

Galapagos My World
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

See many volcanoes and understand why this region was named "The Avenue of the Volcanoes" by the German naturalist scientific Alexander von Humboldt. Mountains and green pastures are your companions on this journey. Visit a local market as part of the itinerary in order to discover new fruits, tubers and vegetables from the Inter-Andean region. Dare to taste on the way up a guinea pig that is roasted above hot charcoal, this meat is considered a delicacy to people who are living in the rural areas. Finally find the mystical lagoon of the gods.

Inclusions: An English-speaking Certified Naturalist Guide-Chauffeur, Transportation Quito - Quilotoa - Quito, Admission to Quilotoa reserve

Exclusions: Travel insurance, Tips, Mule back riding $10 USD per person

Reviewed By valeriavH3917KD

This day was incredible to look many mountains from the highest part of the visit. The tour guide made the trip a lot of fun. I enjoyed every thing we did. 100% recommended.

5. Full Day Cotopaxi & The Chuquiragua Trail

GUIDEcuador Travel
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Unique Andean views a long the way to Cotopaxi Park Best chance to experience the Andes not far from Quito Hiking admiring the Andes Visit to an Hacienda with more the 3 Centuries of History

Inclusions: Private transportation, Certified English Speaking Tour Guide , Park Admission Fee , Saquisili Indian Market Visit ( ONLY ON THURSDAYS)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Personal Expenses

Reviewed By SunriseFitness

I highly recommend this tour! It’s active but not strenuous, covers a lot, and Alex was friendly and knowledgeable throughout. It felt nice to have a blend of parks and the city, stopping along the way for photos, explanations and history, sweeping city views and gelato on a balcony.

6. Cotopaxi & Quilotoa All in One - 1 Day - Private Tour

Real Dreams Tour Operador
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Two most beautiful and spectacular places in a single day! Quilotoa Lagoon and Cotopaxi Volcano in the Avenue of the Volcanoes in one day and at an incredible price. Everything included!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Lunch

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Reviewed By Ygor L

I had a great experience with the Quilotoa tour! Mainly due our amazing guide Pedro in Quito! He was just incredible! He knew pretty much everything about the history, culture and people of Ecuador! My friend made lots of questions and he answered all of them with minimum details and with a perfect English!!! Pedro was so patient with us, he didn’t rush us at all, he made lots of stops so we could take pictures, and of course, every stop he gave us lots of information about the place! Just what we look for on a guide! We now want to go for other tours and will make sure we’ll have him as our guide again! It was a great experience and it was worth every penny! Thank you again Pedro!

7. Cotopaxi Trek Glacial + Back Horse Riding

Real Dreams Tour Operador
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

With sublime beauty is perceived in the environment, an explosion of people's admiration, mystery, emotion, fury, and culture . The Cotopaxi, this natural colossus impresses with its great height of approximately 5,897 meters above sea level. A visit to this impressive place, after a delicious breakfast, we will make a 2-hour hike to the refuge, then we will back horse riding around the Cotopaxi Volcano, in approximately 2 hours, you will enjoy an exquisite lunch, with an impressive view of the landscape Andean.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Transport by private vehicle, horseback riding safety equipment, Box Lunch

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Reviewed By Ygor L

I had a great experience with the Quilotoa tour! Mainly due our amazing guide Pedro in Quito! He was just incredible! He knew pretty much everything about the history, culture and people of Ecuador! My friend made lots of questions and he answered all of them with minimum details and with a perfect English!!! Pedro was so patient with us, he didn’t rush us at all, he made lots of stops so we could take pictures, and of course, every stop he gave us lots of information about the place! Just what we look for on a guide! We now want to go for other tours and will make sure we’ll have him as our guide again! It was a great experience and it was worth every penny! Thank you again Pedro!

8. Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake

Inspiring Ecuador
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

This full-day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market at Saquilisilí or an historic church in Pujilí (Thursday/Sunday). The drive to Laguna Quilotoa displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. Before arriving at Quilotoa we will visit and incredible local gallery in Tigua, where we will have a short painting class to learn about the ancient techniques in this charming town. The tour includes a hike down into the Laguna Quilotoa, a sparkling emerald lake inside the inactive volcano crater. The return hike takes one hour, or there is the option of renting a mule for $12. We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening. We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening.

Inclusions: Transportation: Comfortable land transportation., Lunch, Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader, Fees and entrance to Quilotoa reserve, hike to the lake., Hiking sticks

Exclusions: Tips, Souvenirs, Optional rent of a horse/mule ($12) on the way back up from the lake

Reviewed By Clairekathryn

The views were incredible. I would totally recommend this trip! Great guides who made the group feel very safe, and went above and beyond to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols.

9. Private Cotopaxi Volcano Expedition Day

Inspiring Ecuador
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Transportation: Comfortable land transportation., Bilingual certified english speaking guide, Fees and entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park., Typical Lunch, Hiking sticks

Exclusions: Tips, Souvenirs

Reviewed By Clairekathryn

This tour was amazing!! I was so impressed by the quality of service, and how knowledgeable the guides were. The landscapes were absolutely stunning; this is definitely a must!

10. Quilotoa Lagoon,Volcanoes Avenue, Local People Full-Day Tour from Quito

Latin Adventures
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4.8 based on 39 reviews

Enjoy a full day tour to the Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito. Admire the spectacular view of the Avenue of Volcanoes and the Ecuadorian Andes along the way. Learn about the indigenous Andes cultures and traditions. Moderate hike in the lagoon.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Menu lunch , Saquisilí Indigenous Market (only Thursday), Indigenous Community family, Hike in the lagoon

Exclusions: Tips, Mule ride ($10.00USD, subject to change), Kayak rental ($3.00USD, subject to change)

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

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