HomeToursEcuador ToursCotopaxi - Quilatoa

Cotopaxi - Quilatoa

Summary
Accommodations
Map
Custom Quote

$435

$25 single supplement

Starts and ends in Quito, Ecuador

Discover Quilatoa volcanic lake on an Ecuador trip|^|Brian Morgan

Dormant volcanoes seen in Cotopaxi National Park during an Ecuador tour|^|Sharma Shields

Travel Highlights

Cotopaxi National Park
Hacienda La Cienega
El Refugio
Quilatoa

Visit stunning Cotopaxi, the earth's highest active volcano on this two day extension to the breathtaking high plains and Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy a night at the enchanting 400 year old hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi before visiting Quilatoa, a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by volcanoes.

Day 1 Cotopaxi National Park
Day 2 Quilatoa Lagoon

Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.

La Cienega

Day 1 Cotopaxi National Park

Head south from Quito, along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", viewing the breathtaking high plains surrounding the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi - the earth's highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). This area provides excellent opportunities to spot the Andean Condor. After lunch in the Limpiopungo valley (12540ft/3800m), we'll ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m). From this point we'll hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano's refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m). A short walk from here will take us to the nearest glacier. Tonight we'll overnight in one of Ecuador's most famous haciendas, the 400 year old Hacienda La Cienega. This enchanting hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi has hosted many of Ecuador's former presidents as well as Alexander von Humboldt, founder of modern geography.

Day 2 Quilatoa Lagoon (B)

After breakfast this morning head south to Latacunga along the magnificent Central Valley, which is sheltered by two parallel mountain ranges. We'll visit Quilotoa, a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes. After lunch, we'll meet the famous Tigua painters. Their sheepskin paintings of traditional Andean village life have been highly regarded since before Incan times. This evening return to Quito.