Day 1

The Andean landscape in Ecuador is even more spectacular when explored by bike. We will provide you with the best equipment required to get to Cotopaxi National Park. Besides getting to see the highest active volcano at 5,897 metres (19,347 feet), we will also experience Limpiopungo Lagoon, and learn the reason why Cotopaxi means "Moon’s Throne". Inside the National Park, we will hike Rinconada or the camping zone to Limpiopungo lake. This is mainly a hiking trip combined with an optional downhill biking activity. After, you’ll have lunch at the farm hotel.

We will spend the night at the farm hotel “PapaGayo Hacienda”.

Day 2

On the second day, you’ll be picked up from the hotel at 8.30am following breakfast. This cultural tour will begin with a visit to a local indigenous market, either Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujili (Sundays).

We’ll then head to the lagoon. The drive to Laguna Quilotoa – an amazing emerald lagoon inside a volcano crater at the height of 3.800m – passes beautiful views of the Andean mountains, the ancient canyon of Zumbahua, and many indigenous towns and farmlands. Before lunch, we will visit a local aboriginal home, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the inhabitants. The tour includes a steep hike down to the lagoon’s shore. After lunch, we’ll return to the hotel, before you’re taken back to “Q Restaurant”; expected arrival approx. 6.30pm.

D1 06:45

Meet at “Q Restaurant” Plaza Foch

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D1 08:00

Arrive at PapaGayo to pick-up other clients, leave for Cotopaxi

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D1 09:00

Enter to Cotopaxi National Park

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D1 10:00

Visit the museum and learn about the area, volcanoes, animals, etc

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D1 11:00

Arrive to Laguna Limpiopungo, and begin walking around the lagoon

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D1 12:00

Equipment and bikes check and short briefing – begin mountain biking

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D1 13:00

Arrive to the south control entrance via bike. After a short rest, depart Cotopaxi National Park

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D1 15:30

Arrive at PapaGayo for lunch and coffee/tea

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D1 18:00

Enjoy your night at PapaGayo Hacienda

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D2 08:30

Pick-up from PapaGayo Hacienda, and leave for the lagoon

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D2 09:30

Explore Saquisili/Pujili (Thursday/Sunday) and visit a native family

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D2 10:30

Depart to Laguna Quilotoa

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D2 13:00

Begin descent to the Laguna

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D2 14:00

Explore the Laguna's shore

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D2 14:30

Begin ascent to the Laguna’s viewpoint/ rent mules (optional)

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D2 15:30

Lunch

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D2 16:30

Return to PapaGayo

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D2 18:30

Return to "Q Restaurant"

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- 2 days of activities
- 1 night in a farm lodge
- Meals: breakfast and lunch
- Transportation to and from Quito

- Quilotoa entrance fee $2 USD per person
- Mules at Quilotoa $8 USD per person
- Meals: dinner
- Extra meals or drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses

- 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
- Extra: For this tour, you can rent a professional, high-quality bike for an additional cost, starting from $45 USD per person

Note: It is important that you have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

Changes: It is FREE to change the tour date before 5:00 pm (Quito time) 7 days before the tour begins.

Cancellations: If you cancel before 5:00 pm (Quito time) 30 days before the tour begins, a 10% administration fee will apply. After this time, there is a 100% cancellation fee.

Please email bookings@findlocaltrips.com to cancel this tour or make any changes.

1. 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.

2. What time zone is used in Quito?

   Local time in Quito is GMT -5.

3. 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.