Climbing Cotopaxi Tour | 2Day/1Night

Duration: 2- Days

From: $641 per person

Destinations: Cotopaxi National Park

Description

A plan full of adventure: Climbing Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Volcano is located in one of Ecuador’s most popular national parks, less than two hours from Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Cotopaxi Volcano rises on Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

It is also Ecuador’s most active volcano and one of the most beautiful mountains in the Andes. It is the second highest volcano in Ecuador at 19,347 feet.

Covered in a thick layer of snow and ice, Cotopaxi rises in the Ecuadorian highlands, in Cotopaxi National Park.
Want to learn more about Cotopaxi National Park, the most visited national park in Ecuador?

Note: The climb to the summit of Cotopaxi is not very technical, but it does require proper acclimatization.

Learn more about climbing Cotopaxi.

Don’t wait any longer and venture out to climbing Cotopaxi

Inclusions

✔ Mountain Guide

✔ Private Transportation from Quito

✔ lunch x2 days

✔ Breakfast x1 day

✔ Diner x 1 day

✔ Climbing Equipment

❌

Highlights

Day 1 - Cotopaxi National Park

Registration and entry to Cotopaxi National Park
Lunch Time
Hike to the "Jose Rivas" shelter (4800 m) (15,750 ft)
Take a Dinner
Rest in the Refuge

Day 2 - Climbing

Ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano
take breakfast in Jose Rivas Refuge
Descent to the parking lot

Itinerary

Day 1 - From Quito to Cotopaxi National Park

Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Quito or Cotopaxi and take you to El Rondador Restaurant, where your guide will be waiting to check the climbing equipment and enjoy lunch together.

After lunch, we will register our entrance at Cotopaxi National Park and continue the ascent to the parking area at 4,500 meters above sea level, where we will begin a hike of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach José Ribas Refuge, located at 4,864 meters above sea level, where the acclimatization process will begin.

At 5:00 p.m., we will enjoy dinner at the refuge. Later, around 7:00 p.m., we will rest in order to recover and properly prepare for the climb.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., we will begin the final preparations, carefully checking and organizing all high-mountain equipment before starting the summit attempt of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano.

Day 2 - Climbing Cotopaxi

Between 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., we will begin the ascent to the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano. The estimated climbing time to reach the summit is approximately 6 to 7 hours, while the descent will take around 3 to 4 hours.

Arrival at the summit of the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, at 5,897 meters above sea level, is expected between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., depending on weather conditions and the group’s pace.

After returning to the refuge, we will enjoy breakfast and then begin the return journey to your accommodation in Quito.

Price 2026

Group Size	Private Tour	Small Group	Shared Tour
Price for 1 Participant	$ 972	No available	No available
price from 2 Participants - Price per person	$ 641	No available	No available

GALLERY

The best photos of our guests

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cotopaxi Climbing Tour

🔸Can a beginner climb Cotopaxi?

Yes, a beginner can climb Cotopaxi, but it's recommended to do so with a certified guide and with proper acclimatization and physical conditioning. While the climb doesn't require extensive technical skills, the altitude, weather, and 6-hour trek are challenging.

🔸Is climbing Cotopaxi worth it ?

Yes, climbing Cotopaxi is a highly rewarding experience for many, offering a challenging yet achievable ascent to the summit of one of the world's highest active volcanoes. The summit rewards with stunning views of the crater and surrounding landscapes, making it a memorable and unforgettable adventure.

🔸How long is the climb up Cotopaxi?

The Cotopaxi climb typically takes about 6 to 8 hours of actual ascent. This includes a portion of the climb over volcanic rock/scree, followed by glacier climbing with crampons and ropes. The climb usually starts at midnight, and the summit is reached at sunrise. The descent typically takes around 2-3 hours.

🔸Is Cotopaxi harder than Kilimanjaro?

Yes, Cotopaxi is generally considered harder to climb than Kilimanjaro. Cotopaxi is a more challenging climb due to its steeper terrain, glacial sections, and the need for technical mountaineering skills like rope work, ice axes, and crampons. While Kilimanjaro is a physically demanding trek, it's primarily a hiking experience with some challenging sections.

What Travellers Say About Real Dreams

Verified reviews · Real Dream Tours

Great tour company. Amazing tour guides. Safe driver !

We had the BEST time with Real Dream tours. Our tour guide was Andrés and our driver maybe (Javier) was the ABSOLUTE BEST. We went to the hot springs. Got there safely. We hiked a beautiful trail. Andres took some photos of us and pretty much took care of everything when we arrived at the spa. Andres was also very knowledgeable about the country. Educated us on some fun facts. We were traveling as a family of 5. The company is great! They personalized everything for us. They can customize anything you need. Even dropped us off at the airport after our relaxing day. Such great people. highly recommended! Will use them again.

tktun20906

washington dc

June 11, 2025

Quilotoa -day trip

Quilotoa is a beautiful place it’s worth the long trip from Quito. I would totally recomend. The views are just stunning.

Also our tour guide was Pedro. 10/10

Carol

Puerto Rico

March 10, 2025

Vielen Dank Pedro!

Ich hatte eine tolle Zeit mit meinem Guide Pedro. Vom hoch gelegenen Cotopaxi, über die im perfekten Sonnenschein schimmernde Quilotoa Lagune, zum abenteuerlichen Banos und schliesslich in den abgelegenen Regenwald in der Itamandi Lodge, hat Pedro alles gegeben um meine Reise perfekt zu machen.

Martin

May 21, 2025

Great company-book with confidence.

Andres made the day! We have hired many many different guides in many many different countries and Andres was one of the best we have had. He perfectly split the difference between information and giving us our space. He was attentive to our 10 year old…especially important on such a very long day. Keeping the little one going made for a successful day for all of us.

He and the driver spotted a toucan along a road and halted everything, hustled us out of the car and made sure we all saw it and got pictures. Well done!

We combined this tour with visits to both equator exhibits and while this was no fault of the tour company (they had informed us of road closures and we were not upset) it took us much longer to get back than planned and we nearly ran out of time. We got the photos we wanted so no harm no foul, but we cut it very close. I’m thankful for the good driver we had!

maureenehess

Bogota, Colombia

June 20, 2025

Fantastic trip to local market and beautiful nature.

Very nice trip to a very nice market. This is South America's largest outdoor market. Also got to stop at the original center of the world, and taste very good biscuits 😁

Helge B

July 12, 2025

Otavala Market

Great trip to the Otavalo market. Andrés was a wonderful guide who shared so much history and stories about Equador and the area. A great day tour from Quoto.

Martedal

July 9, 2025

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Get in touch with us!

Looking for a personalized experience? Tell us your travel dates, group size, and interests, and our local experts will help you design the perfect tour in Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands. This request is completely free and without obligation — we’re happy to adapt the itinerary, pace, and activities to match your travel style.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 519 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sonja R 
 
 
 
 Verified The perfect day
I spent a glorious day with the dream team: Jimmy, the alert, cautious, and responsible driver, and Andres, the super kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic tour guide. The day exceeded my expectations: I saw and experienced everything I had heard about Cotopaxi and Banos - and then some. I learned a lot and felt extremely well taken care of. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see these two famous places in Ecuador in just one day. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be driven by Jimmy and guided by Andres.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Voyager212497 
 
 
 
 Verified Ecuador with Andres and Jimmy!!!!
Andres and Jimmy were awesome guides!!!! First time to Ecuador and loved every minute. Andres and Jimmy made the most of our day and introduced us to many local places. Just what we were looking for!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Angela C 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect Equador Tour!!
Our guide, Miriam was absolutely amazing!! She shared all of the unbelievable information about her country and let us decide what we wanted to do on the tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Stefano P 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful experience en la Sierra
Esperienza indimenticabile. La nostra guida Ayrton è sempre stato disponibile, attento sia alle nostre necessità che alla nostra sicurezza. Sin dal momento del pick up ci ha dato innumerevoli informazioni sui luoghi che stavamo visitato, facendoci immergere completamente nella cultura Ecuadoriana. Prezzo del tour non economico, ma ne vale la pena.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   sv 
 
 
 
 Verified parfait
camping parfait rien a dire sauf l'accès compliqué a la plage
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jacki R 
 
 
 
 Verified Cotapaxi tour
Andres was a wonderful, engaging, knowledgeable and very friendly tour guide. Both he and the driver, Diego, provided us with a highly memorable tour. This was our favorite tour out of our 4 days in Quito. A large part of it was due to Andres. We highly recommend Andres and Diego!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Victoria K 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience and company!
This tour was absolutely wonderful from the adventure to the company of Ayrton. This walk was intense but totally worth it, i will do the summit next year. I’m very happy with the tour, from the pick up until the drop off! Ayrton is very friendly, knowledgeable, and he knows how to take the best photos that’ll last a lifetime ☺️ I’m very pleased, thank you so much for a great experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tani Davis 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing views
Andrés was an excellent tour guide. His knowledge of the zone, the fun facts, the trivia questions and the cool attitude made this experience one of a kind! Ciro was an excellent driver and got us back and forth safe. Thank you! The tour was just enough to get good photos from both places, grab lunch and head back. If you want to take a longer experience on either place, probably book a full day per location.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   L C 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience
I did a tour/hike of Cotopaxi with guide Andres and driver Jimmy. The scenery was gorgeous! The hike was challenging just due to the altitude but worth it for the views and seeing the Refugio. Guide Andres had so much great information about the history, people, geography and animals in the area. He was friendly and helpful and answered any questions I had about the area. Highly recommend this tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maddy C 
 
 
 
 Verified Book it – you won't regret it!
Absolutely incredible experience – 10/10! I cannot recommend this tour enough! I booked a private day trip from Quito to Chimborazo, and it was truly one of the highlights of my nearly two months exploring Ecuador. I honestly can't believe more tourists don't visit Chimborazo — it is absolutely breathtaking, and such an amazing place to experience. I was picked up directly from my apartment, we stopped for breakfast, and then headed out toward Chimborazo. Irene was an absolutely FABULOUS guide — incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely passionate about Ecuador. I learned SO much from her throughout the day, and that is saying something, as I've already spent nearly two months exploring Ecuador! She shared so much fascinating information about the landscape, history, culture, and the area around Chimborazo. Jimmy was our driver and was equally wonderful. He has such a great sense of humor and was an excellent, very safe driver. He also came along on the hike with us, which was such a nice surprise! He also recommended a delicious restaurant for lunch. Irene and Jimmy were both so kind and made the entire day feel easy, fun, and comfortable. As a 22-year-old woman traveling alone, I also want to emphasize how truly safe and secure I felt the entire time. I was completely comfortable with both Irene and Jimmy, and they took such great care of me throughout the day. I never once felt worried or uncomfortable traveling so far from Quito on my own. And, the PHOTOS! Irene and Jimmy took FABULOUS pictures of me — genuinely better than anything I could have taken myself. They knew exactly where to stop and how to capture the scenery, and I came away with so many incredible photos and memories from the day. The hike itself was also amazing. I personally found it less difficult than hiking Cotopaxi, although the altitude is definitely challenging and should not be underestimated! The landscape is absolutely surreal, and being up there surrounded by that incredible scenery is an experience I will never forget. If you're considering doing this tour, book it! Especially if you're traveling alone, I could not recommend Irene and Jimmy more highly. They were knowledgeable, funny, kind, professional, and made the entire experience unforgettable. This was one of the best days I've had in Ecuador, and I am so grateful to them both! It's so worth it.