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Spend the night in Cotopaxi
This is a 2 day short tour from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon with an overnight stay at Cotopaxi. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest volcanoes in the world and a truly majestic sight. This tour will give you the chance to explore the incredible Cotopaxi National Park before staying overnight at a scenic lodge in the foothills of the volcano. The second day, you will travel a couple more hours to visit the Quilotoa Lagoon, an unbelievable turquoise-colored lake.
All year round
Full day
Hotel and hostel pickup
Hotel and hostel drop off
ECUADOR HOP
6:30 am
Day 1
We arrive at the Chuquiragua Lodge to visit Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll be able to see panoramic views of the famous Cotopaxi Volcano. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to spot some of the park’s native wildlife. Species that call the park home include wolves, rabbits, bears and condors. There we will have breakfast. After that, you will be taking a guided hike to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a stunning glacial lake in the shadow of the Cotopaxi Volcano and you can visit the José Rivas Refuge, the most popular base camp for mountaineers planning to climb the volcano. Hike to the surface of an enormous glacier located near the volcano.
Return to the Chuquiragua Lodge for an afternoon lunch surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and enjoy free use of the spa area at the Chuquiragua Lodge, including both a jacuzzi and sauna. Massages are also available at an extra cost.
Day 2
We start the day at 8 am departing Chuquiragua Lodge to begin the trip to Quilotoa. After arriving at the Quilotoa Lagoon, we will visit the Quilotoa Mirador lookout point for a beautiful view of the lake. Take a guided hike down to the shore of the beautiful crystal-blue Quilotoa Lagoon. Visit some nearby museums where you will be able to learn more about the local culture.
The lunch will be in a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have the chance to visit the incredible Shalala Mirador for some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen.
Around 6 pm we depart Quilotoa and begin the trip back to Quito. We drop-off at your hotel/hostel in Quito.
DAY 1 / 05:30 - 06:30am
Direct pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Quito
DAY 1 / 07:45am
Arrive at the Chuquiragua Lodge and catch your first views of the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano
DAY 1 / 08:15am
Enjoy a delicious breakfast
DAY 1 / 09:00am
Enter Cotopaxi National Park and visit interpretation center
DAY 1 / 10:00am
Hike to the Limpiopungo Lagoon
DAY 1 / 12:30pm
Visit the José Rivas Refuge, the main base camp for the volcano
DAY 1 / 03:30pm
Return to the Chuquiragua Lodge for an afternoon lunch
DAY 1 / 6:00pm
Free Evening at Chuquiragua Lodge
DAY 2 / 08:15am
Depart Chuquiragua Lodge to begin the trip to Quilotoa.
DAY 2 / 10:30am
Visit to the Toachi River Canyon lookout point.
DAY 2 / 10:45am
Visit to the Shalala lookout point with some free time to enjoy the landscape.
DAY 2 / 12:00pm
Guided hike down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon, where you can see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close.
DAY 2 / 1:00pm
Free time to explore at the lake.
DAY 2 / 2:30pm
Lunch at a local restaurant (included with pass)
DAY 2 / 03:30pm
Free time to explore the Quilotoa community.
DAY 2 / 04:30pm
Depart Quilotoa and begin the trip back to Quito
DAY 2 / 08:30pm
Direct drop-off at your hotel/hostel in Quito.
- Pick-up from hostel/hotel in Quito.
- All taxes and entrance fees.
- Transport to Cotopaxi National Park.
- Guided tour of the park.
- Free access to the Spa.
- Transport to Quilotoa Lagoon.
- Guided tour of the lake.
- Visit local museums.
- Transport back to Quito.
- Meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Accommodation can be added-on when purchasing your ticket
- Warm clothing (including a change of clothes), gloves, a scarf, a hat, hiking shoes/boots, long socks, cotton pants/trousers, and a waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- Hiking shoes/boots
- A camera
CHANGES: Changes to the time and date of this tour are free until 6:00pm (Quito time) 2 days before the tour begins. After this time there is a 100% change fee.
CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel before 6:00pm (Quito time) 7 days before the tour begins, there is a 20% administration fee. Within 7 days of the departure, 40% of the ticket price. Within 3 days of the departure, 60% of the ticket price. Within 24 hours of departure, a no show, or after departure 100% cancellation fee.
Please email bookings@findlocaltrips.com to cancel this tour or make any changes.
I can’t find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations as I’m making my booking. What should I select?
This operator only offers pick-ups and drop-offs from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the central area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation.
What should I bring to the tour?
Because Cotopaxi’s weather is unpredictable, we recommend bringing: - Warm clothing, gloves, sunglasses, hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and cotton pants/trousers. Also take a bottle of water, energy drinks & snacks, walking sticks (optional), cash for personal expenses and tips, and a camera/video camera.
What kind of weather can we find in Quito?
The warmest month is January. From February to April and October, it can be hot and humid but also rainy. The coolest month is May, and the wettest month is April. The average year-round temperature varies from 10°C to 20°C.
What time zone is used in Quito?
Local time in Quito is GMT -5.
Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?
Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us, you are 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation and have live spaces and availability for each tour. If you have any queries, you are in the hands of our team of 20 local experts here on the ground, who speak perfect Spanish and English. We guarantee quick responses to any questions or queries. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours... We are the experts at reservations, organization, and assistance with your plans for these tours.
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