Overnight Tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa from Quito
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Type: Overnight Tours
Duration: 2 days
This tour will take you to some of the most amazing places in the Ecuadorian highlands. The Andes mountains are popular for its vasts landscapes, there is a fabulous set of volcanoes and we call them the "Volcano avenue". Here you are going to see varied paramo landscapes, indigenous communities and various flora and fauna species. Bike around the Cotopaxi foothills, take a photo of the majestic volcanoes in the "Avenida de los Volcanes", take a hike at 5,000 meters above the sea level spotting amazing glaciers and marvel yourself with an astonishing view of the Quilotoa crater's lagoon.
More About This Activity All Overnight Tours →
This tour will take you to some of the most amazing places in the Ecuadorian highlands. The Andes mountains are popular for its vasts landscapes, there is a fabulous set of volcanoes and we call them the "Volcano avenue". Here you are going to see varied paramo landscapes, indigenous communities and various flora and fauna species. Bike around the Cotopaxi foothills, take a photo of the majestic volcanoes in the "Avenida de los Volcanes", take a hike at 5,000 meters above the sea level spotting amazing glaciers and marvel yourself with an astonishing view of the Quilotoa crater's lagoon.Day 1: Cotopaxi (B,L)
We start our day at the meeting point in Quito, then we drive (1,5 hours) to the Cotopaxi National Park. We begin with an spectacular view of the Andean landscape and of course “Avenida de los Volcanes”. Once we arrive at the National Park we hike up to the refuge at 4,810m on the Cotopaxi volcano snowline. Depending on weather conditions we may keep hiking up to 5,000m where is possible to spot the turquoise glacier and then in all the path will have stunning views of the valley below, as well as, surrounding elevations and peaks. After a safety briefing we commence our downhill and descent on mountain bikes. There are two sections of the mountain biking, the first we recommend to experienced riders and the second for standard riders. The journey finishes at the beautiful lagoon at the base of Cotopaxi. After that we take you to Hacienda Papagayo where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Quilotoa Lagoon (B,L)
This full day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market, “Saquisili” (Thursdays) or the “Pujili”market (Sundays). Then the drive to “Laguna Quilotoa” an astonishing emerald colored lagoon inside a large volcano crater (3,800m altitude). Before reaching the crater's main point we’ll pass through the ancient canyon of Zumbahua town, where you can see many indigenous towns and farmlands. Arriving inside the crater you are going to be able to appreciate the vast and gorgeous lagoon landscape. Before lunch we will visit a local indigenous home where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the inhabitants. The tour includes a steep hike down to the lagoons shore.
Your tour ends upon arrival at Plaza Foch in Quito around 6pm approx.
We start our day at the meeting point in Quito, then we drive (1,5 hours) to the Cotopaxi National Park. We begin with an spectacular view of the Andean landscape and of course “Avenida de los Volcanes”. Once we arrive at the National Park we hike up to the refuge at 4,810m on the Cotopaxi volcano snowline. Depending on weather conditions we may keep hiking up to 5,000m where is possible to spot the turquoise glacier and then in all the path will have stunning views of the valley below, as well as, surrounding elevations and peaks. After a safety briefing we commence our downhill and descent on mountain bikes. There are two sections of the mountain biking, the first we recommend to experienced riders and the second for standard riders. The journey finishes at the beautiful lagoon at the base of Cotopaxi. After that we take you to Hacienda Papagayo where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Quilotoa Lagoon (B,L)
This full day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market, “Saquisili” (Thursdays) or the “Pujili”market (Sundays). Then the drive to “Laguna Quilotoa” an astonishing emerald colored lagoon inside a large volcano crater (3,800m altitude). Before reaching the crater's main point we’ll pass through the ancient canyon of Zumbahua town, where you can see many indigenous towns and farmlands. Arriving inside the crater you are going to be able to appreciate the vast and gorgeous lagoon landscape. Before lunch we will visit a local indigenous home where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the inhabitants. The tour includes a steep hike down to the lagoons shore.
Your tour ends upon arrival at Plaza Foch in Quito around 6pm approx.
« Go Back