Cotopaxi Volcano Tour

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Tim V.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Quito

Dutch (Native), English

9 hours

Private tour (only you and Tim V.)

Up to 4 people

Join us for an unforgettable day trip to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world (5,897 meters)! We’ll drive through stunning Andean landscapes, spot wild horses and llamas, and visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon. For the adventurous, we hike up to the refuge at 4,864 meters for breathtaking views. Don’t forget warm clothes, a good camera, and your sense of adventure!

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel (in Quito)

- We meet at your hotel for the pick-up.

10:00 AM

Entrance to Cotopaxi national park

10:30 AM

Limpiopungo Lagoon

Enjoy a peaceful walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at 3,800 meters in Cotopaxi National Park. This easy, flat trail offers stunning views of Cotopaxi Volcano, native birds like Andean gulls and carunculated caracaras, and beautiful high-altitude landscapes. A perfect way to experience the paramo ecosystem without a strenuous hike!

12:00 PM

Hiking

Challenge yourself with a short but steep hike from the parking lot (4,600 m) up to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters on Cotopaxi Volcano. The trail is rocky and can be windy, but the reward is spectacular views and the thrill of walking on one of the highest active volcanoes in the world!

02:30 PM

Enjoy the scenery

At the refuge, we take a well-deserved break to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and, on clear days, spot other volcanoes like Rumiñahui and Sincholagua in the distance. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the high Andean paramo and stand face to face with the majestic Cotopaxi.

After taking in the views and catching our breath, we descend to the parking area, where our vehicle awaits. From there, we begin our scenic drive back to Quito, passing through the vast landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, with a chance to reflect on an unforgettable day in the Ecuadorian highlands.

05:00 PM

Drop-off in Quito

We arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon, full of memories from an unforgettable day in the Andes.

Ending Point

At your hotel (in Quito)

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Private guiding

Entrance to Cotopaxi

Private transportation in Suzuki SZ 2.4

Gasoline / toll / parking fee

What‘s not included

Lunch ( 6-8 dollar)

Tour Important Information

This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Make sure to bring warm clothes, sunglasses, sun cream.

Important message from the supplier

In july i am not available

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Tim V.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide 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.