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Guides to visiting Cotopaxi

Practical, up-to-date guides for your day on the volcano: the hike to the refuge, what the summit climb takes, whether Cotopaxi is open right now, how the altitude feels, Cotopaxi or Quilotoa, and how to visit the park on your own.

Cotopaxi Refuge Hike 2026: Times, Tours & What to BringHow hard it is, the timings and which tours really go up.Read the guide →Climbing Cotopaxi 2026: Rules, Two-Day Plan & GearRules, the two-day plan, acclimatisation and gear.Read the guide →Is Cotopaxi Open 2026: Volcano Status, Eruptions & SafetyVolcano status, closures, past eruptions and where to check.Read the guide →Cotopaxi Altitude Sickness 2026: How to Feel Fine Up HighEach altitude, symptoms, coca tea, the cold and what to wear.Read the guide →Cotopaxi or Quilotoa 2026: Which Day Trip to ChooseVolcano or crater lake, the one-day combo and two-day plans.Read the guide →Visiting Cotopaxi Without a Tour 2026: Gates, Buses & StaysGates, buses, driving, hours, lodges and when a tour helps.Read the guide →

Tours

Popular Cotopaxi tours

Booked on GetYourGuide, with the refund terms shown on every option.

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Crater Lake in One Day Most booked ★ 4.110 hours687 reviews

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Crater Lake in One Day
Two volcanoesSnack includedNo refuge hike

The foot of Cotopaxi and a lagoon walk at Limpiopungo, then the long drive to the rim of Quilotoa. A sightseeing day: the refuge hike is not part of it.

What's included
  • Pickup and drop-off in central Quito
  • A native guide and an Andean welcome ceremony
  • Limpiopungo lagoon walk at the foot of the volcano
  • Quilotoa viewpoint and a walk on the crater rim
  • Empanadas and a warm drink with a lake view
  • Full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours ahead
Rated4.1687 reviews Check dates
Cotopaxi Day Trip with the Refuge Hike Refuge hike ★ 4.89 hours390 reviews

Cotopaxi Day Trip with the Refuge Hike
From QuitoRefuge 4,864 mBilingual guide

A naturalist guide, the visitor centre, Limpiopungo lagoon and the steep hike to the José Ribas refuge. Breakfast and lunch stops on the way, paid on the spot.

What's included
  • Transport from Quito and back
  • A bilingual guide, English and Spanish
  • Park visitor centre and Limpiopungo lagoon
  • Hike from the car park to the refuge at 4,864 m
  • Meals not included; stops for breakfast and lunch
  • Full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours ahead
Rated4.8390 reviews Check dates
Horseback Ride and Refuge Hike, Private Private ★ 5.09 hours23 reviews

Horseback Ride and Refuge Hike, Private
Private1.5 h on horsebackBeginners

A private day with a chagra cowboy guide: an hour and a half on horseback in the park, then the refuge hike or an easy lagoon walk instead.

What's included
  • Private transport with hotel pickup
  • A certified guide and a chagra horse guide
  • About 1.5 hours on horseback, no experience needed
  • Hike to the refuge, or the flat Limpiopungo trail
  • A taste of local food and llama feeding
  • Full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours ahead
Rated5.023 reviews Check dates

Book your spot before you go

A bilingual guide, Limpiopungo lagoon and the hike to the refuge at 4,864 m. Rated 4.8 from 390 reviews.

Check dates for the day trip with the refuge hike