Cotopaxi volcano and birding in the lagoon (private departure)
- Live Guide
- Instant Confirmation
- Day Trip
- Pickup Service
- Private Tour
- E-Ticket
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 Mountain Range. 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. 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.
Itinerary Details
Operated by: Galapagos My World
Pass By: Quito
Start a day trip from the city or Quito airport. Cotopaxi Volcano is located on the south of the capital. After a 2-hour drive, we get to the National Park whose altitude is 3,400 meters (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.
Stop At:
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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: 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.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At:
Once in the refuge (4,800 m/15,748 ft), we just relax and enjoy a magnificent volcanic view so call the avenue of the volcanoes. Also, you can take amazing pictures and stamp your passport that will certify that you were in the highest active volcano in Ecuador.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Laguna de Limpiopungo
After the succulent lunch, we will visit the Limpopungo Lagoon (3,900 m/12,795 ft), the lagoon is fed by waters of the stone-faced volcan. The lagoon is located next to the fearsome Cotopaxi volcano. It is possible to make a one-hour walk around the edge of the lagoon. Exploring the lagoon, can encounter several species of birds including the Carunculated Caracara, Andean Lapwing, Andean Gulls, Andean Coots, Andean Teals, Great Yellow Legs (march), Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Baird's Sandpiper (July and August), Solitary Sandpiper (November and February).
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Quito
Finally, we drive back to the city of Quito to drop you off at the same meeting point.
Duration: 2 hour
