Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Tour: 2 Days in the Andes

Duration: 2-Day

From: $280 per person

Destinations: Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon

Description

Experience the Best of Ecuador’s Andes: From the Majestic Cotopaxi Volcano to the Breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon in Just 2 Days

Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Tour takes you on an unforgettable 2 days adventure through the heart of Ecuador’s Andes.

Discover the breathtaking Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and admire its snow-capped peak rising above vast highland plains.

Continue your journey to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, a volcanic crater filled with turquoise waters that reflect the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy a scenic hike along the crater rim or descend to the lagoon’s edge for a closer view of this natural wonder. The panoramic landscapes and the changing colors of the water make Quilotoa one of Ecuador’s most photographed destinations.

Along the way, explore traditional Andean villages, meet local artisans, and learn about the culture and traditions of the Ecuadorian highlands.

Inclusions

✔ Private Transportation

✔ Lunch

✔ Bilingual guide

✔ Accommodation x1 night

✔ Breakfast 2nd day

❌ Alcoholic beverages

❌ Personal expenses

❌ Tips

Highlights

Visit the majestic Cotopaxi National Park and enjoy sweeping Andean high-altitude landscapes.
Hike near the volcano and explore points like the Limpiopungo Lagoon or ascend to a mountain refuge for an unforgettable view.
Visit the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake with brilliant turquoise waters.
Immerse yourself in Andean culture

Itinerary

Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park

Begin your journey through the Ecuadorian highlands to Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano and the stunning Andean landscapes that surround it.

Visit the La Mariscal Interpretation Center to learn about the park’s geology and wildlife, then hike up to the José Rivas Refuge, breathing in the pure mountain air and admiring spectacular panoramic views.

Finish the day with a peaceful walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, where Cotopaxi reflects beautifully on the water, and enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch before relaxing at your comfortable lodging.

Day 2: Quilotoa Lagoon

After breakfast, continue your journey through the Andean highlands toward the magnificent Quilotoa Volcano. Along the way, visit an indigenous family, explore a local art gallery, and admire the dramatic scenery of the Toachi Canyon.

Upon arrival, take in the breathtaking views from the Quilotoa viewpoint, where the turquoise lagoon shimmers inside the volcanic crater, one of Ecuador’s most stunning natural sights.

If you wish, descend to the lagoon or enjoy a walk along the crater rim, surrounded by peaceful Andean landscapes. Afterward, savor a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Quito in the afternoon.

Price 2026

Group Size	Private Tour	Small Group	Shared Tour
Price Based 1 Passenger	$650	Check availability	Check availability
Price based in 2 Passenger / Price per Person	$365	Check availability	Check availability
Price based in 3 Passengers/ Price per Person	$320	Check availability	Check availability
Price based in 4 + Passengers/ Price per Person	$280	Check availability	Check availability

GALLERY

The best photos of our guests

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour

What level of physical activity is required?

The tour involves moderate physical activity, especially during the hike to the José Rivas Refuge in Cotopaxi and the descent to Quilotoa Lagoon. Participants should be in good health and used to walking at high altitudes.

Can the tour operate in any weather?

Yes, the tour operates year-round, but weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. In case of rain or fog, the guide may adjust the itinerary for safety reasons.

Is altitude sickness common during the tour?

Since Cotopaxi and Quilotoa are located above 3,000 meters (9,800 ft), you may feel mild altitude effects. We suggest staying hydrated, walking slowly, and avoiding alcohol before the trip.

What to bring on the Tour Cotopaxi on Horseback

Warm clothing: gloves, scarf, hat, waterproof clothing.

Comfortable walking shoes (trekking shoes).

Sunglasses, insect repellent, and sunscreen (even if it's cold).

Snacks and a water bottle.

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.