Quito: Cayambe Volcano & Glacier Day Trip with Guide

Explore Cayambe Volcano and Glacier on a day trip from Quito. Hike to the glacier, take in the stunning Andean landscapes, and enjoy a box lunch at the refuge or a stop at a countryside restaurant.
Begin your adventure with a comfortable transfer from your hotel in Quito. Travel along the Pan-American Highway while enjoying the beautiful Andean landscapes, agricultural areas, and small rural communities of Pichincha Province.

Arrive at the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve and enter Cayambe-Coca National Park, home to one of Ecuador’s most iconic snow-capped volcanoes. From there, begin the ascent along a dirt road surrounded by high-altitude páramo landscapes, featuring native vegetation such as pajonales, chuquiraguas, and frailejones.

Continue by vehicle to the Ruales-Oleas-Berge Refuge, located at approximately 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level. From the refuge, you can take an optional hike toward the glacier, depending on your physical fitness. Accompanied by a specialized guide, get close to the eternal ice of Cayambe and experience the unique opportunity to be near the only snow-capped volcano in the world crossed by the Equator.

Enjoy a box lunch at the refuge while taking in the spectacular surroundings. Alternatively, begin your descent and return journey, with the option of stopping at a countryside restaurant outside the park.

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.