Cotopaxi Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Cotopaxi, Ecuador with a Local Guide
Popular Cotopaxi Tour Guides
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Andrea V.
Hi there! I’m a tour guide and explorer based in the Central Andes of Ecuador. Over the years, I’ve explored mountains, trails, and hidden routes connecting the Andes with the Coast and the Amazon—by 4x4, bike, public transport, and even on foot. Living here has given me the chance to build a real connection with local communities, nature, and the culture that makes this region so special. I also bring nearly 15 years of experience working on cultural projects, museums, and heritage spaces in Quito and across Ecuador, which adds depth and context to every tour. Alongside classic destinations like Otavalo, Mitad del Mundo, Quilotoa, Papallacta, and Mindo, I love creating experiences with a fresh perspective—taking you beyond the usual spots into beautiful, lesser-known places. For me, traveling is about truly experiencing a place, not just visiting it.
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Gustavo T.
Hello friends, my name is Gustavo, you can call me GUS. I am from Quito. I am a Certified National Tour Guide around 10 years, I have been part of this industry from 2006 when I started in a hotel. I am very passionate when I talk about my country, with my profession I have been able to discover many interesting and beautiful locations in Ecuador, I have had the opportunity to learn more about culture, costumes, music. I have lived all my life in Quito but in the last 10 years I have visited many places in my country that is why everywhere I go I feel in home nevertheless I love my city. I invite you to visit Ecuador. We have the Galapagos Island and I am sure you have heard about it, but Ecuador has more than that, we have Quito , the First Heritage of the Humanity, the Andes with many active volcanoes, the Cloud Forest, Coastal Region and one of the most fabulous places which is known as Amazonia where the nature is amazing. Ecuador is waiting for you now , you will be able to visit many things through your cell phone or computer but you have to come to discovered this amazing country any day to surprise yourselves.
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Vivian V.
Hi, I’m Vivian and would love to tour you. I am the 4th licensed guide in Ecuador history, 54 years old and have toured for 32 years well over 8,000 travelers with nothing but highest reviews, over 4,000 positive comments letters on file. I am Ecuador’s longest serving, licensed guide and a commercially trained and licensed safe driver, never an accident, never a client hurt on tour. I am one of four elected, unpaid officers running our National Tour Guide Association. I tour all of Ecuador with specialties in and around the Quito, Mindo, Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Banos areas as well as the Amazon. I used to be a tour leader for the Galapagos. I tour from one to fifty clients. I can change/adjust your tours right “on the fly” as we go along, am that flexible; my tours are not set in concrete. I am a U.S. Citizen as well as native Ecuadorian, part Andes indian. The guide you choose will be the difference in your day and trip. I have a happy disposition and many say I was like being with a, highly knowledgeable on Ecuador, friend. See on this site my excellent standard tours; I also can make Custom Tours for you. My average response time to letters is less than three hours, often immediate if not out on tour.
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Tim V.
I’m Tim, a passionate tour guide originally from the Netherlands, and I’ve been living and working in Ecuador since 2010. What started as a love for travel and adventure turned into a full-time career helping others explore one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. With over a decade of experience, I offer both private and group tours across Ecuador – from the snow-capped Andes to the tropical Amazon rainforest, and from the highland markets to the Pacific beaches. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day adventure or a short getaway, I design each trip to match your interests and pace. I’m based in Quito and offer personalized day tours to stunning locations nearby, including: • Mindo – a lush cloud forest full of birds, waterfalls, and adventure activities • Cotopaxi – home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and amazing hiking • Otavalo – famous for its indigenous market, Andean culture, and beautiful lakes As your personal driver and guide, I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly – from transportation and timing to local tips and hidden gems you won’t find in a guidebook. I speak fluent Dutch, English, and Spanish, and I enjoy sharing both well-known sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences with travelers from all over the world.
Popular Cotopaxi Private Cars
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Cotopaxi BikeTour Downcountry .
Cotopaxi Volcano is a must-visit destination for mountain biking in Ecuador. This imposing snow-capped cone offers incredible slopes for XC-DC riding. We drive up in a 4x4 to 4,500 meters (14,764 ft). We do an optional trek to the Rivas Refuge (4,864 m / 15,951 ft) and then return to the parking area to start a downhill ride on a single track trail down to Limpiopungo Lagoon (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). Let’s experience the transition to different types of terrain, and then into páramo vegetation.
Cotopaxi BikeTour Downcountry .
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Cotopaxi to admire the power of the nature.
Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in Ecuador It is located at two hours from the city of Quito. It is within the same name National Park. To be in 4500 meters above sea level means We can have rain, snow, wind or sun in a variation of 5 minutes. I always suggest you to walk like a baby step by step because it helps to acclimate our body . To be in mountains is a great experience you will feel the power of the nature.
Cotopaxi to admire the power of the nature.
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Cotopaxi Volcano Full Day Tour
I'll take you to the second most visited National Park in Ecuador to hike, climb, or simply admire the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, the second highest most active volcano on the planet. Learn about its latest explosions, and the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.
Cotopaxi Volcano Full Day Tour
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Quilotoa, the emerald lake in a crater with enjoyable walking
Ecuador is the second country with the most volcanoes in South America. One of those volcanoes has formed a beautiful emerald lake inside. The indigenous community shows its culture mainly in its clothing and food. Another interesting thing is the Quichua language, which is the dominant language on the site. On the way, impressive landscapes will surround us. During the entire journey the weather will be changing. The local people farming and cultivating is a unique attraction
Quilotoa, the emerald lake in a crater with enjoyable walking
Cotopaxi Tour Reviews
Albert F.
“Cotopaxi all day”
Fantastic guide. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. We especially appreciated his flexibility and willingness to customize our tour. His English is excellent and he was able to answer all questions we asked of him. We highly recommend him.
Nadja C.
“Amazing Tour ”
I spent 2 days with Andrea and truly enjoyed her company. She has so much knowledge about her country‘s history, Fauna and Geology, I was amazed. She asked about my wellbeing due to the altitude and was very flexible with adjusting the itinerary to make this ‘my’ trip. Since I am planning to return to Ecuador, I will definitely book with Andrea again.
Andrea V.
Dear Nadja :) Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure sharing these days with you. I’m really happy you enjoyed the experience, and I’d love to welcome you back to Ecuador anytime. Gute Reise und bis bald!
Andrea P.
“Exceptional Guide, Incredible Trip”
We had an incredible experience exploring Ecuador with Andrea as our guide. Over the course of our tour to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and Baños, she truly made the entire journey unforgettable. Andrea is extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and attentive—she provided valuable insights about each destination that we would have never discovered on our own. Her explanations added so much depth and context, making the experience far more meaningful and complete. She also did a great job tailoring the pace and flow of the trip, ensuring we had enough time to fully enjoy each stop while keeping everything smooth and well-organized. A special thanks as well to Pablo, our driver, who was fantastic throughout the trip. He was friendly, professional, and shared interesting information along the way, making the long drives enjoyable and comfortable. Together, Andrea and Pablo make an outstanding team. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore Ecuador in a more enriching and personalized way. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip!
Andrea V.
Thank you so much for this amazing review! It was truly a pleasure to share this journey with you through Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon, and Baños City. I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed every part of the experience! Also, a big thank you from Pablo as well we’re glad the drives felt comfortable and enjoyable along the way. Hope to see you again on another adventure in Ecuador You’re always welcome!
Cotopaxi Private Tour Guide
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Book a Cotopaxi Private Car Tour
Tour Cotopaxi by car or van, or hire a private guide / driver. See reviews and all car tour details.
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