Cotopaxi National Park Tours & Holidays
Cotopaxi National Park Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
An hour and a half south of Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, lies the dominant image of the Ecuadorian national psyche: the perfectly conical Cotopaxi Volcano, claiming to be the world's highest active volcano. For centuries, the native people of the area worshiped Cotopaxi as a god and there is evidence of platforms built to worship the mountain. Over the years, Cotopaxi's eruptions have caused unique geological formations throughout the park. Within the ...
An hour and a half south of Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, lies the dominant image of the Ecuadorian national psyche: the perfectly conical Cotopaxi Volcano, claiming to be the world's highest active volcano. For centuries, the native people of the area worshiped Cotopaxi as a god and there is evidence of platforms built to worship the mountain. Over the years, Cotopaxi's eruptions have caused unique geological formations throughout the park. Within the park boundaries there are several different eco-zones where a variety of plants and animals can be seen. Pumas, deer, wild horses, rabbits and marsupial mice are among the animals that have been sighted within the park. Herds of wild llamas are also common, as is the Andean condor with its immense wingspan.
Best experiences
Admire views of snow-capped Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is one of the most iconic volcanoes in the Andes. We’ll hike to the José Ribas Refuge at 4,800 m above sea level with views of the entire Andean range, Lake Llmpiopungo and the Cotopaxi and Antisana Volcanoes.
Summit the Pasochoa Volcano
Embark on a seven-hour hike to the summit of this extinct volcano and return down through the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge, one of the last remaining primary Andean forests home to pumas and unique birds and plant life.
Hike around the volcano’s rim
The mysterious and serene waters of the Quilotoa volcanic crater lake are the inspiration for this 1.7 km hike along the crater's rim with constant views of its sparkling aquamarine-colours and the breathtaking Andean vistas beyond.OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Hacienda El Porvenir, Cotopaxi National Park
On the gentle slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, in a truly privileged position, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot from which to explore the Cotopaxi National Park and to get to know the Andean way of…
San Agustin De Callo Hacienda, Cotopaxi National Park
Luxury, history and nature meet at the 16th century colonial hacienda of San Agustin de Callo; a charming property located one and a half hours south of Quito. This beautiful lodge is built on the site…