Strenuously Cotopaxi Volcano and birding by the lagoon (Private)
Contemplate the highest active volcano in Ecuador. The snow-capped volcano tops out 19,337 feet above sea level. Cotopaxi National Park is the most-visited tourist attraction in Ecuador Mainland. Discover more than a mountain in this volcanic complex full of biological diversity. Get inspired by the Cotopaxi one of the best trips in Ecuador.
Take a walk on volcanic sand trails and feel the fresh air of the Andes. Feel the height sensation from the Jose Rivas volcanic refuge located at 15,748 feet. Fun and adventure wait for you at the almost perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone. Perfect place to walk with your friends and test yourself.
Visit and photography a mesotrophic lagoon which houses some native birds or migratory. Wildlife can be seen crossing from the entrance to the high spot of the Cotopaxi National Park.
Cotopaxi was also an important indigenous settlement where a Pukara was built. Pukara means an indigenous military fortress.
Options
Strenuously Cotopaxi Volcano and birding by the lagoon (Private)
Pickup included
What's included in Strenuously Cotopaxi Volcano and birding by the lagoon (Private)
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
QuitoPass-by Only
Quito city to Cotopaxi National Park (9,000 feet high) Pick up from the hotel. Cotopaxi Volcano is located in Northen Andes of Ecuador. After a 2-hour drive, we get to the National Park whose altitude is 3,400 msl (11,154 feet). During the drive, we will observe the Andean ecosystem and volcanic sceneries. The climate we will find in the Cotopaxi National Park will depend on the season. The average temperature is 7° celsius (44° Fahrenheit), so we recommend bringing warm clothing, walking shoes and a rain or wind jacket.
Take a short break and try a hot coca tea, this ancient drink will help you to mitigate the altitude sickness during the walk. From the viewpoint, you can see two extinct volcanoes and farms.
Cotopaxi National Park
Upon arrival at the Cotopaxi National Park, we will carry out the respective check-in at the main entrance. From here, we will drive directly until we reach out the parking lot that is located at 14,763 feet above sea level. Here, we prepare to start a one-hour walk until we get in the Jose Ribas refuge, which is located at 15,748 feet. If you are not used to the height, you may feel a little fatigued, which is normal, for this reason, the walk can be slow and according to your physical conditions. After a great experience walking on the flanks of an active volcano, we will arrive at the refuge. The incredible view will be the reward of the walk. We will do the walk slowly, we adapt to the conditions of all travelers
Inclusions
- Cotopaxi National Park admission
- Pick-up from Quito city or the Airport
- A Naturalist Guide/Driver (English/Spanish-speaking)
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch
- Tips
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We offer pick-up travellers from the Quito Airport (At no extra cost)
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Ticket Redemption
Please, check the pick up time and and the date of your tour.