Cotopaxi volcano day tour

Contemplate the highest active volcano in Ecuador. The snow-capped volcano tops out 5894 meters or 19 337 feet above sea level. Cotopaxi National Park is the most-visited tourist attraction in Ecuador Mainland. Discover more than one volcano in this singular complex full of biological diversity. Take a walk on volcanic sand trails and feel the fresh air of the Andes. Have a delicious hot soup after the entertaining hike at the volcano refuge. Play with the cold thick snow near the glacier. Visit a lagoon inhabited by at least 8 species of birds, some of them are migratory. Wildlife can be seen crossing from the entrance to the refuge of the volcano.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Machachi, Machachi, Pichincha Province

Departure from the city of Quito to head south east of the Andean region. Look at the mountain chain that surrounds the Pan-American highway, many of these elevations were powerful active volcanoes that with the passage of time their boiler went out. After several minutes driving, we will cross villages or small towns that survive from working in the fields and still retain their ancestral activities.

Stop At: Romerillos, Machachi, Ecuador

An Andean viewpoint will be our first stop to photograph several volcanoes that year after year are been visiting by foreigners and locals. By volcanoes we observe different potato or cow farms.

Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Adventure starts with a coca or wayusa tea. This Andean beverage was drunk by Incas and reduces certain discomforts caused by effects of the altitude. Then, the vehicle will take us from the lower area of the grassland to the parking lot that is located at 4500 meters / 14765 feet above sea level. From this place, we ascend to the refuge by the zigzag-path to get in 4864 meters / 15960 feet above sea level. The hiking up takes an hour or so. However, this depends on your physical conditions. Once in the refuge, we just relax and enjoy a magnificent view of the volcanic complex known as the avenue of the volcanoes. After this, we do hiking down to the parking lot in order to take the car. On the way back, we stop in the Limpio Pungo Lagoon to admire some Andean birds and take more photos. Finally, we return to Quito.