Cotopaxi Tours itinerary

07:30 a 08h00 Departure from Quito

10:00 Arrival to the national park cotopaxi

The Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres) surrounding the highest active volcano in the world, specially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or páramo. You may see herds of llamas, wild horses, and perhaps deer, rabbits, frogs and lizards. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor.

10:00 a 10:20 Handicrafts Market of the Cotopaxi National Park

The tour includes a visit to an Indian market of the area. You will find all sorts of handicrafts ranging from alpaca sweaters, scarfs, shawls, tapestries, rugs, etc.

11:00 a 11:30 Arrival to the parking area of the Refuge of the Cotopaxi National Park (4600m)

The road to the refuge heads south from the main park road for nine kilometers to the parking area at 4,600 meters.

11:30 a 12:30 Trek towards the Refuge to 4800 m

A half-hour hike up a steep, sandy trail brings you to the José Ribas refuge, which was built in 1971 by the San Gabriel Climbing Club, stands at 4,800 meters, and is administered by Alta Montaña in Quito (tel. 2/2254-798). The two-story shelter is fully equipped with 70 bunk beds, cooking facilities, running water, snacks and water for sale, and lockable storage space for gear.

12:30 to 14:00 Arrival to the perpetual snow of the Volcano Cotopaxi to 5000 m

At the perpetual snow line you can enjoy the marvelous view of the mountains.

14:30 a 15:00 Return to the parking area

15:00 a 16:00 Visit Limpiopungo, where you will bserve ducks, gulls, wild horses, etc.

Along the route leading to the lake it’s possible to observe flocks of llamas and other species of mammals, especially rabbits and deer. It’s also possible to observe flora at altitude, which notably changes in ascendancy.

17:00 a 17:30 Departure from de Cotopaxi National Park

18:00 a 18:30 Lunch in Café de la Vaca

A pleasant lunch amidst breathtaking panoramic views is included. We tour the area before returning to Quito for the evening.

18:45 a 19:30 Return to Quito