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Book Your Cotopaxi Volcano Adventure from La Colmena, Quito
More than a decade of excellence on TripAdvisor - join CarpeDM Adventures for an unforgettable ascent of an active 5,897 m volcano from Quito, with seamless transfers and local expertise: you’ll meet at 7:20 am just outside the CarpeDM Operations / Go F.A.R Office and at 7:30 am at the Hilton Colón Hotel, then transfer at 7:45 am toward Cotopaxi National Park with a stop to pick up snacks and breakfast; enter the park at 9:30 am and at 10:00 am your guide will brief you at the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre about the area’s volcanoes, vegetation, and wildlife before continuing to the 4,600 m car park at 10:30 am to begin the hike to basecamp, reaching the refuge at 4,864 m around 12:30 pm and, weather permitting, the glacier at 5,000 m by 1:00 pm, then arriving at Limpiopungo lake at 2:00 pm for stunning highland scenery followed by a included lunch at a traditional local restaurant at 3:00 pm and a return to Quito by 4:00 pm - ready to book? Message us on WhatsApp at +593.98.534.1575 to start your adventure.
About this activity in La Colmena
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Climb toward the summit area of Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador’s highest active volcanoes, for a true high-altitude adventure near Quito.
- Guided full-day itinerary that includes park entry, interpretive briefing at Mariscal Sucre Centre and a hike up to the high glacier and refuge.
- Transport from central Quito and a traditional local lunch included - ideal if you want a seamless day trip from La Colmena, Quito.
- Small-group guiding and staged schedule that balances interpretation, trekking time and scenic stops such as Limpiopungo lake.
Important Information
- Full-day experience: departures from Quito in the morning with return to the city in the late afternoon (approx. 7:20–16:00 schedule).
- You’ll travel by vehicle to Cotopaxi National Park, enter the park around mid-morning and visit the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre before the hike.
- This activity reaches high elevations (up to the glacier and refuge around 4,864–5,000 m); plan for altitude and allow time to acclimatize before the trip.
- Lunch at a traditional local restaurant is included; bring extra snacks, water and personal layers for cold, windy conditions on the volcano.
- For bookings or questions, contact the operator directly on WhatsApp at +593985341575 for real-time assistance and pickup coordination.
Meeting Point
7:20 am - Just outside the CarpeDM Operations / Go F.A.R Office; 7:30 am - Hilton Colón Hotel (Quito); 7:45 am - departure for Cotopaxi (stop en route for breakfast/snacks)
Includes
- Transport is included for your activity in La Colmena, Quito, so you can arrive and depart without worrying about local logistics.
- A guided experience is provided - your guide will lead the activity and share local insights about the area.
- Lunch is included, giving you a convenient meal during the experience in the region.
Excludes
- Additional snacks and beverages are not included, so plan to bring extras if you want more than the provided lunch.
- Tips for your guide or driver are not included and are at your discretion.
- Breakfast is not included, so arrange your own morning meal before the activity if needed.
Other
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries; please consider your health before booking in La Colmena, Quito.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health; prioritize your safety and consult a medical professional if unsure.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate safely in this experience.
- What to bring: warm clothing to layer for variable temperatures in the area.
- What to bring: a waterproof jacket to stay dry in unexpected weather here.
- What to bring: gloves, scarf, and a hat to protect against cooler conditions.
- What to bring: hiking boots or trekking shoes for comfortable footing on local terrain.
- What to bring: sunglasses and sunscreen to protect from sun exposure during outdoor parts of the activity.
- What to bring: extra snacks and water beyond the included lunch for added energy.
- What to bring: face masks and hand sanitizer to support personal hygiene throughout the experience.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Had a great time on the Cotopaxi day tour with Felipe. He prepared us well for the day and was very knowledgeable. I recommend this tour for anyone wanting to see the national park.
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Summary:
My boyfriend and I took this trip after hearing other travelers rave about it, and I’m so glad we joined!! We got to stop for all of the snacks and coco tea we needed, and our guide Felipe perfect. He was excellent at guiding everyone through the ascent and translating whenever needed during the trip. We even got lunch and met some local animals along the way. Thank you!!
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Summary:
Great review. Phillipe was a great host. Hike is very manageable and takes it nice and easy whilst everyone is still acclimatising
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Know more about La Colmena
You’ll start with morning pickups in Quito and head to Cotopaxi National Park, entering the park around 09:30. The guide explains the area and wildlife at the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre, then you’ll drive to the 4,600 m car park and hike to basecamp, reaching the refuge at 4,864 m and the glacier area near 5,000 m (conditions permitting). The trip finishes at Limpiopungo lake with lunch at a traditional local restaurant before returning to Quito in the afternoon.
Pickups begin just outside the CarpeDM Operations / Go F.A.R Office at 7:20 am, followed by Hilton Colón Hotel at 7:30 am, with transfer to Cotopaxi National Park departing around 7:45 am.
The tour includes transport, a guide, and lunch at a traditional local restaurant. Breakfast is not included, so plan accordingly during the morning pickup stops.
The excursion reaches high altitude-basecamp at 4,864 m and glacier areas near 5,000 m-so you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.
Bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves, scarf and hat, hiking boots or trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra snacks and water, plus a face mask and hand sanitizer. Proper layered gear helps you handle the cold and variable mountain conditions at high altitude.
You can start your booking or ask questions via WhatsApp at +593.98.534.1575 to arrange your Cotopaxi volcano adventure with CarpeDM Adventures.
