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Cotopaxi Volcano (Refuge) Trekking

Expedition Overview

One hour far from Quito, at the high altitude in the highway to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, we can enjoy one of the most satisfactory treks, hide on the beautiful Andean Paramo, with lagoons everywhere and with the most incredible views.

1 day FROM $133

Itinerary

Just south of Quito towers the highest active volcano of the world. The Cotopaxi is surrounded by its National Park, home to abundant plant life, a rich fauna and Inca ruins. Leaving Quito on the Panamericana South, we reach the Park entrance and begin our visit at the natural history museum before continuing up Cotopaxi. We will ascend the mountain as high as possible to the parking lot for 4500 meters. From here, a short 45-minutes walk takes us up to the refuge. Coming down again from the «refugio», we will drive across the páramo to Limpiopungo Lake. On a short walk around the lake we can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

We will arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon.

Food & Accommodation

Lunch.

What to Expect

Accommodation: Hotel - Campside
Location: ecuador - quito
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Trip Type: Land Tours, Adventure
Activity: Trekking, Hiking, Climbing
Activity List
1
.- Limpiopungo Lagoon
2
.- Jose Ribas Refuge
3
.- Cotopaxi National Park
Additional options
What is the food like?

On this day of adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such potato soup, corn, fresh vegetables with plenty of local fresh tropical fruits. Lunch usually consists of nice picnic self-service in the mountains and local restaurants that serve traditional soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.

Pre-Post Trip Accommodation

Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night

Transfers

Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person

What´s Included

✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation

Comfortable land transportation

Activities

Activities: Hiking to Jose Ribas Refuge in Cotopaxi National Park

Meals

1 lunch

Gear

Hiking sticks

Guides

Certified & specialized English-speaking adventure leader

Equipment

Hiking sticks

🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Flights

International flights

Accommodation

Single/ Double room pre & post night

Airport transfers

international flights

Insurance

Travel & health insurance (mandatory)

Meals

Not described in the itinerary

Tips

For guides and drivers

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Cotopaxi Volcano (Refuge) Trekking

Trip Type: Adventure
Location: Day Tours
Service Level: Tourist

One hour far from Quito, at the high altitude in the highway to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, we can enjoy one of the most satisfactory treks, hide on the beautiful Andean Paramo, with lagoons everywhere and with the most incredible views.

Just south of Quito towers the highest active volcano of the world. The Cotopaxi is surrounded by its National Park, home to abundant plant life, a rich fauna and Inca ruins. Leaving Quito on the Panamericana South, we reach the Park entrance and begin our visit at the natural history museum before continuing up Cotopaxi. We will ascend the mountain as high as possible to the parking lot for 4500 meters. From here, a short 45-minutes walk takes us up to the refuge. Coming down again from the «refugio», we will drive across the páramo to Limpiopungo Lake. On a short walk around the lake we can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

We will arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon.

Food & Accommodation

Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel - Campside
Location: ecuador - quito
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Trip Type: Land Tours, Adventure
Activity: Trekking, Hiking, Climbing
Activity List
1
.- Limpiopungo Lagoon
2
.- Jose Ribas Refuge
3
.- Cotopaxi National Park
Additional options
What is the food like?

On this day of adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such potato soup, corn, fresh vegetables with plenty of local fresh tropical fruits. Lunch usually consists of nice picnic self-service in the mountains and local restaurants that serve traditional soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.

Pre-Post Trip Accommodation

Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night

Transfers

Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person

✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation

Comfortable land transportation

Activities

Activities: Hiking to Jose Ribas Refuge in Cotopaxi National Park

Meals

1 lunch

Gear

Hiking sticks

Guides

Certified & specialized English-speaking adventure leader

Equipment

Hiking sticks

🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Flights

International flights

Accommodation

Single/ Double room pre & post night

Airport transfers

international flights

Insurance

Travel & health insurance (mandatory)

Meals

Not described in the itinerary

Tips

For guides and drivers

What to bring?

What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Pair hiking pants/track pants
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Flashlight
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
Credit or debit card
Sun hat or cap
Waterproof sweater and pants
Spare clothing (including socks and shoes)

What is the minimum age for this trip?

8 years old as a minimum age.

What is the currency?

US American Dollars

What Travel Insurance do you recommend?

World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000

What vaccinations do I need?

For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.

What’s the weather like?

Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.

Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).

What Do I Do about drinking water?

The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.

How much should I tip?

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service

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