Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour from Quito – A Detailed Guide

Quito – the capital of Ecuador and a city famous for its historical importance and iconic old town – is a great destination for nature-lovers, offering stunning views of snow-capped volcanic peaks, lush cloud forests, and beautiful national parks. One such paradise near Quito is Cotopaxi National Park, a must-visit for those wanting to explore Ecuador’s natural beauty.This full-day Cotopaxi National Park tour from Quito is the perfect way to explore this stunning region. You’ll be taken on an exciting journey around the park, while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes Mountains, as well as learning more about the local flora and fauna. This guide will explain everything you need to know about this incredible experience, including essential information, what to expect, and our personal experiences.

What is the Cotopaxi National Park?

Cotopaxi National Park is a protected area located in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador. It covers an area of 32,320 acres and is home to one of Ecuador’s most famous volcanoes, Cotopaxi. This stratovolcano boasts an altitude of 19,347 feet and is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The national park is also home to a diversity of fauna , including guanacos, foxes, rabbits, birds, and even condors. Additionally, the area holds a wealth of flora such as different species of ferns, mosses, lichens, and polylepis trees. Cotopaxi National Park was opened in 1975 with the primary purpose of protecting ancestral lands, as well as preserving its unique environmental conditions.

What to Expect from the Tour?

The full-day Cotopaxi National Park tour from Quito typically begins with hotel pickup in Quito or on the way from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park (depending on the tour company). The tour then makes its way to the entrance of the national park, where you’ll have the chance to explore the forests and trek up to Cotopaxi Volcano.Once at the base of Cotopaxi Volcano, you’ll have the chance to take part in a variety of activities, depending on your tour package. These activities typically include hiking, horseback riding, biking, birdwatching, and more. After spending some time exploring the area and admiring its breathtaking views, you will make a stop at one of the local restaurants in the area for some traditional Ecuadorian food before returning to Quito.

What To Pack?

You should make sure to pack accordingly to make your experience more enjoyable. During summer months (December– March) it’s recommended to pack warm clothing due to the cold temperatures of the Andes Mountains, as well as a sturdy hiking footwear as you’ll likely be trekking through trails and slopes. During winter months (April-November) it’s recommended to pack rain jackets or ponchos due to the rain season in this region and sturdy boots for your trekking experience. Moreover – since you’ll be spending the majority of your day outdoors in the Andes – you should bring some sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.

Tips & Advice

Here are some tips & advice to help make your experience even more enjoyable:

• Start early: We recommend starting your tour early so you can take advantage of the morning light and get a good spot on the parking lot.
• Prepare for night temperatures : As mentioned, temperatures can dip drastically during the night so we recommend bringing warm clothes such as a jacket.
• Discard waste appropriately: Although the nature in the area is immensely beautiful, do not forget to discard your trash appropriately.
• Bring snacks: Since you’ll likely be spending most of your day outdoors exploring Cotopaxi National Park, bring some snacks and refreshments with you.

Our Experience

We recently had the opportunity to join a full-day tour of Cotopaxi National Park from Quito with Get Your Guide, and it was an amazing experience. The tour began with hotel pickup around 6am and continued on its way towards Cotopaxi National Park. Once at the park entrance we were able to explore its beautiful forests and trek up to Cotopaxi Volcano. We were also able to take part in some activities such as horseback riding and biking and got some great photos of our experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the area and provided us with such interesting information about local Andean culture and history. Overall – our full-day tour of Cotopaxi National Park was a great experience – one that we would definitely recommend if you’re visiting Quito! The tour will give you a chance to explore an amazing landscape full of wonders that are sure to leave you in awe. So if you’re looking for a unique adventure near Ecuador’s capital city – book your Cotopaxi National Park full-day tour from Quito today!