Quito to Cotopaxi National Park: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
8h 45mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Head south to one of the worldâs highest active volcanoes. Spending the day solely at Cotopaxi National Park lets you appreciate the volcanoâs majestic slopes, Limpiopungo Lagoon, and paramo landscapes.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Quito whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverâs local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĂŠ here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youâll love sharing later. This isnât a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Expect 2 hours each way through the Avenue of Volcanoes. A private driver from Quito ensures you explore the national park and active volcano at your own pace.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Cotopaxi National Park should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$58
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$174
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Quito
You choose the pickup spot. Cotopaxi National Park
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 5 hours - admission not included
Admire one of the highest volcanoes in the world and catch glimpses of majestic wild horses, Andean foxes, and the huge Andean Condor, the national bird of Ecuador.
What to see
- Limpiopungo Lagoon, a hotbed for Andean birdlife, including whimsical humming birds and the occasional Andean condor
- Botanical Gardens near the park's entrance, the perfect place to get acquainted with the area's native plantlife
What to do
- Hikes around the iconic, near-perfectly conical Cotopaxi Volcano
What to bring
- Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of food and water for any hikes
Take note
- Consider booking a guided trek for the best experience in the park
- Keep in mind the park's high altitude (at its lower levels, it's about 2,000 feet higher than Quito) and be sure to pace yourself when exploring and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness
Back to Quito
Weâll take you back to your starting point.Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
A guide is not required for the main park areas, including Limpiopungo Lagoon and the road to the parking lot below the refuge. Hiring a certified guide is strongly recommended, however, if you plan to hike up to the Jose Rivas Refuge or beyond, as conditions, altitude, and route finding become more demanding. Guides also enrich the visit with geological and cultural context.
Cotopaxi rises to 19,347 feet (5,897 m), making it one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Even at lower park elevations around 12,000 feet, visitors often feel the thin air. Altitude sickness symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Move slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and consider light meals before and during the visit. Hiking near the refuge requires extra caution.
Cotopaxi National Park lies about 50 miles (80 km) south of Quito, with a drive of roughly 2 hours each way along the famous Avenue of Volcanoes. With a 5-hour stop in the park, the full round trip totals around 8 hours and 45 minutes. The route climbs steadily into the highlands, offering striking views of multiple snowcapped peaks.
Yes, with sensible planning. Most travelers can enjoy the lower paramo, lagoon walks, and visitor center without issue. Higher hikes near the refuge are more strenuous due to altitude and steep volcanic ash slopes. Young children, older travelers, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should stick to the lower areas, take frequent breaks, and stay well hydrated throughout the day.
The park is centered on the iconic, near-perfectly conical Cotopaxi Volcano, surrounded by rolling paramo grasslands. Highlights include Limpiopungo Lagoon for birdwatching, hikes to the Jose Rivas Refuge at 15,748 feet, the Botanical Gardens near the entrance, and chances to spot wild horses, Andean foxes, deer, and the mighty Andean condor, Ecuador's national bird.
The Avenue of Volcanoes is one of the most scenic drives in South America, lined with peaks like Pasochoa, Ruminahui, Sincholagua, and on clear days even Antisana and Chimborazo. Travelers can ask their driver about quick stops at viewpoints, traditional highland villages, or local food stalls serving fresh empanadas and hot canelazo on the return drive to Quito.
Layered clothing is essential since weather changes rapidly at altitude. Wear thermal base layers, a fleece or sweater, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and insulating pants. Sturdy hiking boots, warm socks, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses with strong UV protection are key. Even on sunny days, conditions can turn very cold and windy quickly, so always overpack on warm layers.
The drier months from June through September and December through January offer the clearest views of the volcano and the most reliable hiking conditions. Mornings, especially before 11:00 AM, usually bring the best visibility before clouds gather around the peak. The volcano is shy and often hidden, so plan flexibly and savor the paramo scenery if the summit stays covered.
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