How to Plan Your Full-Day Tour to Cotopaxi National Park with Hike from Quito

If you are planning a trip to Quito, Ecuador, don’t miss the chance to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Join the Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike to experience the natural beauty of Andes Mountains, take in the stunning views of the volcano from Limpiopungo Lagoon, and hike to the Jose Ribas Shelter at 16,000 feet above sea level. In this guide, we will provide you all the information you need to plan your tour, including itinerary, highlights, and booking details.

Experience

The Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike is a guided tour that takes you on an adventure through the Andes Mountains. You will be able to witness nature at its best and enjoy a variety of activities that include hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the park.

Itinerary

The itinerary follows the following timeline:

• 5.5 hours tour
• Quito: 1 hour
• Breakfast
• Cotopaxi National Park (guided tour)
• Cotopaxi Visitors Center (guided tour)
• Laguna de Limpiopungo (guided tour)
• Lunch
• Quito: 1 hour
• Meeting point
• Main stop
• Other stop

Highlights

During the tour, you can enjoy the following highlights:

• Experience the natural beauty of Cotopaxi National Park in the Andes Mountains
• Take in the stunning views of the volcano from the Limpiopungo lagoon
• Hike to the Jose Ribas shelter at 16000 feet above sea level

Full Description

The Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike is an incredible adventure that allows you to experience the natural beauty of the Andes Mountains. You can witness the exceptional variety of flora and fauna in the park and hike to the Limpiopungo Lagoon located on the slopes of the Cotopaxi volcano.

Your naturalist guide will accompany you to the lagoon where you can rest and enjoy the landscapes and the spectacular views of the volcano. You can then continue the hike to the Jose Ribas shelter and experience the environment at almost 16,000 feet above sea level.

Your Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike includes breakfast and lunch, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own food. You can also stop at the Cotopaxi Visitors Center and explore the culture and history of the park.

Booking

If you want to book the tour, please visit the official website and select your preferred date and time. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details of the tour, including the meeting point.

Conclusion

The Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike is an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes Mountains, witness the exceptional variety of flora and fauna, and hike to the Jose Ribas shelter at almost 16,000 feet above sea level. So, plan your tour today and explore the best of Ecuador with the Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Tour with Hike.

Insider’s Guide to Quito, Ecuador

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is culturally rich with colonial and indigenous influences. Home to a vibrant night scene, gorgeous architecture and beautiful art, the city is situated in a valley of the Andes mountain range and is a gateway to several national parks and protected areas, including the stunning Cotopaxi National Park. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, flavorful food, and cultural experiences in and around the city.

Local Attractions

The historic center of Quito, also known as Quito Old Town, is one of the main attractions of the city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features charming colonial architecture in buildings, plazas, streets, and churches dating back to the 16th century. The city’s impressive churches, including the La Compania and the San Francisco Church, are worth exploring. The city also boasts several museums, including the Casa del Alabado and the Museo Nacional del Ecuador.

For the best views of the city and surrounding areas, visitors can take a ride on the Teleferico cable car to reach the Pichincha volcano summit. This is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, and the views at the top are simply breathtaking. Additionally, El Panecillo hill, featuring a giant statue of the Virgin Mary, offers another excellent viewpoint of the city.

Dining Spots

The city is known for its diverse culinary scene that features delicious Ecuadorian cuisine and international dishes. One local food worth trying out is the tasty empanadas de viento, which are stuffed with cheese and fried, making for a perfect street food snack. Café Quiteño is the perfect spot for a signature coffee, while La Ronda street is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, providing an excellent dining experience in a colonial atmosphere. Other must-visit restaurants include Tiesto’s, Casa Gangotena, and Pim’s Panecillo.

Cultural Experiences

The city is undeniably vibrant with cultural experiences, including theater, music, and dance performances. The Casa de la Cultura is a cultural center that frequently hosts local and international events, with several museums and galleries within. Another must-visit attraction for cultural enthusiasts is the Otavalo Market, an indigenous market where local artisans sell handmade crafts, textiles, and jewelry.

Local History

Quito has a rich historical presence, from the pre-Columbian era to current times. The city’s Centro Historico is the largest and most well-preserved historic center in South America. The city’s religious history can be traced through its diverse religious sites, including Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, which is perhaps one of the most stunning examples of baroque architecture in the country, featuring intricate details and beautiful frescoes.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Beyond the city’s most popular tourist attractions are several hidden gems worth exploring, such as the Intinan Museum, located on the equatorial line, showcasing ancient indigenous artifacts and the scientific wonders that happen on the equator. On weekends, the Ciclopaseo is a fun cultural event where the streets are closed for biking and other exercise events.

Among the off-the-beaten-path experiences is a trip to the Cotopaxi National Park, located less than a two-hour drive from Quito, which is home to the Cotopaxi volcano, a vast expanse of Andean wilderness and several other volcanic craters. A Full-Day tour offers visitors extensive hiking opportunities and spectacular views of the stunning landscapes.

Conclusion

Quito is a beautiful city filled with cultural richness, breathtaking views, and great cuisines. The city’s historical sites and natural wonders are truly remarkable and will make a memorable experience for any visitor.