On this day trip to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Lagoon, you’ll head into the Ecuadorian highlands to discover one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and a stunning lagoon whose turquoise waters lie inside a volcanic crater. It’ll be a day full of Andean contrasts!
Day Trip Details
At the scheduled time, we'll pick you up in Quito and head south. If the sky is clear, during the journey we'll be able to see the silhouettes of Pasochoa, Corazón, and the Ilinizas, iconic peaks of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Our first major stop will be Cotopaxi National Park, the second most visited attraction in the country. We’ll begin by visiting the Interpretation Center, where the guide will reveal the secrets and history of the mighty Cotopaxi. Afterward, we’ll head to Limpiopungo Lagoon for a walk to observe birds and plants that have managed to adapt to the cold high-altitude climate.
We’ll continue our route southwest through the Indigenous community of Tigua, world-famous for its colorful paintings and Andean-themed handicrafts. Before reaching our final destination, we’ll stop in the community of Zumbahua to admire the scale of the Toachi River canyon from its viewpoint.
Finally, we’ll reach Quilotoa Volcano. From its main viewpoint, we’ll enjoy an impressive panoramic view of its turquoise lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful in the world due to its volcanic origin. If the weather allows, we’ll take a short walk to enjoy the best views of the crater.
After the visit, you’ll have free time to have lunch on your own and sample local cuisine before starting the return journey to Quito.
We’ll finish the day trip by returning to the starting point approximately 12 hours after pickup.
Pickup Info
This tour includes pickup at the following hotels in Quito. When booking, you’ll need to choose where you’d like to be picked up:
- Sheraton: at 6:30 am
- Dann Carlton: at 6:35 am
- J.W. Marriott: at 6:50 am
- NH Collection: at 6:55 am
- Río Amazonas: at 7:10 am
- Hilton Colón: at 7:10 am
- Patio Andaluz: at 7:25 am
