Cotopaxi Volcano & Limpiopungo Lake

Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring landscapes. Nearby, Limpiopungo Lake offers a serene hiking experience with stunning vistas. This tour combines adventure and culture, featuring a guided lake exploration, a visit to a local handicraft market, and a taste of traditional coca leaf tea. Explore Ecuador’s natural beauty and rich heritage as you embark on an unforgettable journey. What secrets will this destination unveil?

Good To Know

• The tour offers a scenic drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, featuring 8 to 12 mountains, and a guided hike around Laguna de Limpiopungo at 3,845 meters.
• Visitors can enjoy a stop at the Cotopaxi National Park entrance for a local handicraft market and coca leaf tea tasting.
• The tour is designed for comfort and organization, with private transportation, bottled water, and a delicious lunch included.
• The Cotopaxi Volcano, standing at 5,897 meters, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
• The tour is available daily from January 6, 2020, to September 15, 2025, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Destination Overview

Cotopaxi Volcano and Limpiopungo Lake are located in the Cotopaxi National Park, situated just south of Quito, Ecuador.

The volcano, standing at 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Limpiopungo Lake, at an elevation of 3,845 meters (12,600 feet), offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The tour provides an opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty, with a guided hike around the lake. The tour also includes a stop at a handicraft market and coca leaf tea tasting at the park entrance.

With its breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences, this tour offers a comprehensive Ecuadorian adventure.

Inclusions and Services

The private tour includes a range of services to ensure a comfortable and engaging experience.

Travelers will be provided with private transportation, bottled water, and a delicious lunch. Gratuities for the experienced, certified guides are also included.

The tour duration begins at the pickup location, the Hilton Colon Quito, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Visitors can enjoy this tour year-round, as it operates daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM between January 6, 2020, and September 15, 2025.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Direct meeting point or pickup is available for this tour.

Pickup location is at the Hilton Colon Quito, located at Av. Río Amazonas 1914 Y in Quito, Ecuador.

The tour duration includes the activity ending back at the meeting point.

The tour operates year-round, with opening hours from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, 7 days a week, from January 6, 2020 to September 15, 2025.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where participants can view 8 to 12 mountains and volcanoes surrounding Quito. The first stop is at the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, where visitors can browse a handicraft market and enjoy a coca leaf tea. The main highlight is the hike around the picturesque Laguna de Limpiopungo, located at an elevation of 3,845 m.a.s.l. (12,600 feet). This one-hour trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Itinerary Highlight	Duration
Drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes	–
Stop at Cotopaxi National Park entrance	–
Handicraft market and coca leaf tea	–
Hike around Laguna de Limpiopungo	1 hour
Return to meeting point	–

Traveler Information

Moderate fitness level is recommended for this tour, as the Laguna de Limpiopungo hike requires trekking at an elevation of 3,845 m.a.s.l. (12,600 feet).

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

However, the private tour allows only your group to participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the start of the tour for free, and the lowest price is guaranteed, making this an accessible option for various travelers.

Pricing and Availability

The tour is priced from $105.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the size of your group. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour also comes with a lowest price guarantee.

Group Size	Price per Person
1-2 people	$120.00
3-5 people	$105.00
6+ people	$95.00

Availability for this tour is from January 6, 2020 to September 15, 2025, with daily tours running from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Customer Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the excellent guides, breathtaking views, and well-organized tours offered by this experience.

Travelers commend the guides for their professionalism, in-depth knowledge, and fluent English.

The tour includes visits to historical sites, opportunities to sample local cuisine, and experiences surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

Overall, customers have praised the exceptional quality of the tour, with all reviews awarding the maximum 5-star rating.

The consistent 5.0 average rating across 8 reviews underscores the consistently high levels of satisfaction among past participants.

Tour Experience

Travelers embark on a captivating journey through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where they witness the grandeur of 8 to 12 majestic mountains and volcanoes surrounding Quito.

Upon entering Cotopaxi National Park, they stop at the entrance for a local handicraft market and coca leaf tea.

The tour then leads them on a scenic hike around the Laguna de Limpiopungo, situated at an impressive elevation of 3,845 meters (12,600 feet) above sea level.

Throughout the experience, travelers are accompanied by experienced, certified guides who provide insightful commentary and ensure a well-organized, comfortable tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Cotopaxi Volcano?

The best time to visit Cotopaxi Volcano is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. This is when the weather is typically clearer, making the volcano’s majestic views more visible.

Can I Rent Equipment for the Hike at the Park Entrance?

Based on the information provided, it doesn’t seem that rental equipment is available at the park entrance. The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, and lunch, but doesn’t mention any rental gear for the hike around Limpiopungo Lake.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Food Allowed on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any specific restrictions on the types of food allowed. Bottled water is provided, and a lunch is included in the tour package. Travelers can bring their own snacks or food if desired.

How Steep Is the Hike Around Limpiopungo Lake?

The hike around Limpiopungo Lake is moderate in difficulty, with a gradual incline. It typically takes about an hour to complete the 1-mile loop trail at an elevation of 12,600 feet.

Can I Take a Drone for Aerial Photography During the Tour?

The tour operator does not permit the use of drones during the tour. Drones are generally prohibited within Cotopaxi National Park. Visitors are advised to check with the tour provider for the latest policies regarding aerial photography equipment.

The Sum Up

Cotopaxi Volcano and Limpiopungo Lake offer an unparalleled adventure in Ecuador’s stunning highlands. From the awe-inspiring landscapes of the volcano to the serene beauty of the lake, this tour provides an immersive experience showcasing the country’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Travelers can expect a well-rounded exploration, complete with a guided hike, a visit to a local market, and a taste of traditional coca leaf tea.