How to Plan Your Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour

Are you planning a trip to Quito, Ecuador and looking for an unforgettable adventure? Look no further! The Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour is a must-do experience for any nature lover or hiking enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through all the essential steps on how to plan your own tour, so you can be fully prepared for this amazing excursion.

Experience

The Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour is an incredible journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador. The tour takes you on an adventure to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, where you can view its impressive crater and the surrounding national park. You will also stop at the Limpiopungo Lagoon for a breathtaking sightseeing experience, and explore the beauty of Quilotoa Lagoon.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the tour that you can expect to experience:

– View the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano
– Stop at the Limpiopungo Lagoon
– Explore the forest of chuquirahuas
– See the stunning turquoise Quilotoa Lagoon
– Take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent views of the Quilotoa Volcano
– Enjoy time for lunch at your own expense

Full Description

The Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour is an exciting adventure that starts with a bus ride through the Panamerican Highway. On your ride, you’ll get to admire the diverse ecosystems of the route as a clear sign of the majesty of the Andes before arriving at the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, you will have the opportunity to view the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.

After visiting the Cotopaxi Volcano, you will visit the Museum Park, which houses the Limpiopungo Lagoon. You can explore the beauty of this lagoon and take in the tranquility of the surrounding nature. You’ll then embark on an interesting hike to reach the forest of chuquirahuas at an altitude of 4200 meters (if the weather permits).

The tour doesn’t end there. You’ll then proceed to visit the stunning Quilotoa Volcano, which offers a turquoise lagoon in its crater. The views here are unparalleled, so make sure to take a short hike to truly appreciate the magnificence of the volcano, weather permitting. During the trip, you will also have free time to enjoy lunch at your own expense.

Inclusions

We want to ensure you have the best experience possible. That’s why the tour includes:

– Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Quito (if option selected)
– Transportation
– Bilingual guide
– Cotopaxi Museum entrance fee
– Quilotoa Lagoon visit
– Lunch
– Horseback ride

How to Book the Tour

Booking the Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour is easy! Simply click on this link book the tour here and follow the instructions. Don’t forget to choose the date and number of participants you wish to book for. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.

Conclusion

The Cotopaxi National Park & Quilotoa Full-Day Tour is a must-do experience when visiting Quito, Ecuador. With breathtaking views, a unique excursion, and an unforgettable experience, this tour is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors. We hope this guide has helped you plan your own unforgettable adventure. Book your tour today!

An Insider’s Guide to Quito, Ecuador and Surroundings

Quito, Ecuador is a vibrant city surrounded by natural beauty. With its cobblestone streets, beautiful colonial architecture, and stunning mountain scenery, Quito is quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers. Whether it’s exploring its numerous museums, discovering its food scene, or climbing the nearby mountains, Quito has something for everyone.

Top Attractions in Quito

1. Centro Histórico de Quito: This is the heart of Quito and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find an array of stunning colonial architecture, including La Compañía de Jesús, a beautiful baroque church, and the Presidential Palace.

2. Museo del Banco Central del Ecuador: This museum has a vast collection of pre-Columbian gold and ceramics, as well as contemporary art from Ecuador and Latin America.

3. TelefériQo: Take a cable car ride up to the top of Cruz Loma for stunning views of the city and the Andes Mountains.

4. La Ronda Neighborhood: This charming colonial neighborhood is full of cafes, shops, and live music. It’s a great place to explore and get a sense of Quito’s vibrant culture.

Top Dining Spots in Quito

1. Zazu: This restaurant specializes in farm-to-table dining and offers a delicious fusion of Ecuadorian and international cuisine.

2. El Ventanal: Located in the heart of the La Mariscal neighborhood, this restaurant serves up delicious Ecuadorian staples like ceviche and grilled meats.

3. Bandido Brewing: This brewery serves up a variety of craft beers, as well as delicious pub grub like burgers and nachos.

Must-Try Cultural Experiences in Quito

1. Quito Street Art Tour: Take a walking tour of Quito’s colorful street art scene. Local guides will give you insight into the city’s street art culture and the creative street artists behind it all.

2. Otavalo Market: Just a few hours outside of Quito, Otavalo Market is one of the largest indigenous markets in South America. You’ll find an array of colorful textiles, jewelry, and ceramics.

3. Inti Raymi: This is an annual festival that celebrates the indigenous solstice traditions. It’s held in June and features music, dance, and cultural events.

Local History in Quito

Quito has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times. You can learn more about the city’s history at the following locations:

1. Museo de la Ciudad: This museum has exhibitions on Quito’s colonial and indigenous history.

2. Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión: This is Ecuador’s national cultural center and has a vast array of exhibitions, workshops, and events.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions in Quito and Surroundings

1. Cotopaxi National Park: Take a full-day tour of Cotopaxi National Park and explore one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

2. Quilotoa Lake: This stunning crater lake is a must-see for any nature lover. You can hike to the bottom of the crater and take in the stunning views.

3. Mindo Cloud Forest: A few hours outside of Quito, Mindo is a magical place full of waterfalls, exotic birds and butterflies, and amazing hiking opportunities.