Cotopaxi & Quilotoa: Two Andean Gems – Day Tour from Quito

Explore Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon on a day trip from Quito. Visit the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center, walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and see the Toachi River Canyon.
Start Time: 07h00 – Pick up directly from your hotel in Quito.

Our journey begins heading south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The first stop will be at the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center in Cotopaxi National Park, where you will learn about the geological history, flora, fauna, and cultural importance of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano.

Next, we will take a short walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at 3,800 m.a.s.l., an ideal spot to observe Andean birds and enjoy the impressive panoramic view of Cotopaxi and the surrounding páramo landscapes.

After this experience, we will continue our trip towards the Quilotoa region.

The first visit will be to the House of Don Julián, a traditional Andean home where we will have an authentic encounter with the local community, learning about their customs, daily life, and animal raising.

We will then head to the Toachi River Canyon, a volcanic formation about 40 meters deep that offers unique landscapes shaped by the force of nature thousands of years ago.

Next, we will visit the Shalala Viewpoint, managed by the local community, where a glass platform suspended over the cliff provides one of the most spectacular views of Quilotoa Lagoon.

Finally, we will arrive at the Quilotoa Lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful volcanic lagoons in the world. Its emerald-green waters, surrounded by the Andes, offer an unforgettable landscape.
Here, we will have time for lunch at a community restaurant (not included in the tour), and those who wish may hike down to the shore of the lagoon (approx. 1h descent and 1h30 ascent). There is also the option to do kayaking in the lagoon (optional activity, not included).

Return Time: At approximately 17h00 we will depart back to Quito, arriving around 19h00.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.