Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Visit one of the highest active volcanoes in the world!
Close to Quito is the second highest volcano in Ecuador - the 19,347 ft (5,897 m) high, active Cotopaxi.
In the early morning you head south on the Panamericana. You will visit the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon on the flank of Cotopaxi, where you can observe various birds, native plants and the surrounding volcanoes. Afterwards, you will visit the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center in the National Park, which has an exhibition of photos and information about the Cotopaxi volcano.
From the main trail, a dirt road climbs steeply south up the volcano. After a few switchbacks, you reach a parking lot at about 15,092 ft (4,600 m). From there, it is about an hour to an hour and a half's walk up to the Refugio José Ribas at 15,953 ft (4,864 m). On a clear day, you have a magnificent view from here. Fortify yourself with a hot chocolate and take in the breathtaking view.
On the way back to Quito, you make a stop at a farm near Cotopaxi. We recommend you to try the potato stew "Locro", a typical dish in the Andes, against the cold (meals not included in the tour price).
Subject to change. The order of stops may vary.