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Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa are two of Ecuador's most famous and stunning natural attractions, both located in the Andes Mountains. They offer visitors unique experiences and breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes. Here's a comparison of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa: Cotopaxi: Volcano: Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. It reaches an elevation of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. National Park: Cotopaxi is part of the Cotopaxi National Park, which covers a vast area surrounding the volcano. The park is a protected area known for its diverse ecosystems and outdoor activities. Outdoor Activities: Cotopaxi National Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Climbing to the summit of Cotopaxi is a popular challenge for experienced mountaineers. Scenery: The landscape around Cotopaxi is characterized by highland grasslands, paramo ecosystems, and glaciers. The volcano's iconic snow-capped peak is a symbol of Ecuador's natural beauty. Access: Cotopaxi is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Quito, making it relatively accessible from the capital city. Quilotoa: Lake and Caldera: Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano. The Quilotoa Crater Lake is a stunning emerald green color, attracting visitors from all over the world. Location: Quilotoa is located in the Cotopaxi Province, around 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Quito. It is part of the Quilotoa Loop, a popular trekking route through the Andean highlands. Hiking and Trekking: The Quilotoa Loop offers trekkers a chance to explore rural Andean villages and experience the local culture. Hiking down to the Quilotoa Lake and back up is a challenging but rewarding experience. Scenery: Quilotoa's surroundings are characterized by rugged landscapes, traditional villages, and the striking emerald-colored lake within the caldera. Cultural Experience: The Quilotoa region is home to indigenous communities, offering visitors opportunities for cultural immersion and interaction with locals. Both Cotopaxi and Quilotoa offer travelers unique experiences and stunning vistas of Ecuador's volcanic landscapes. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone interested in local culture, visiting both attractions will provide an unforgettable journey through the Andean highlands.

Depart by bus from through the Panamerican Highway admiring the diverse ecosystems of the route, as a clear sign of the majesty of the Andes. Continue to the Cotopaxi National Park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano. Visit the Museum Park, the Limpiopungo Lagoon and and through an interesting hike will reach the forest of chuquirahuas to 4200 meters. (if the weather permits). See the Quilotoa Volcano. With a stunning turquoise lagoon in its crater, it's one of the most beautiful landscapes of Ecuador. Take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent view of the volcano (if weather conditions allow) and enjoy time for lunch at your own expense.

Visit Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains. The park is home to the active Cotopaxi volcano that towers 19,642 feet above sea level. When you reach the park your naturalist guide will show you the exceptional variety of flora and fauna. Hike to the Limpiopungo lagoon, located on the slopes of the volcano. Stop at the lagoon for a short rest to take in the landscapes and the spectacular views of the volcano. Continue the hike to the Jose Ribas shelter and experience the environment at almost 16,000 feet above sea level.

Explore Baños, the adventure capital of Ecuador. Get to know stunning places such as Cotopaxi Volcano as well as the Quilotoa Lagoon - an unbelievable turquoise lake in the caldera of an active volcano. Once in Baños, enjoy a number of wonderful activities set against a beautiful backdrop of waterfalls and tropical greenery. This short tour makes for a great escape from Quito. Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Baños Get picked up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Baños. You will stop along the way for a quick breakfast before arriving in Cotopaxi. Observe the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the country's most famous sights. Visit the Toachi River Canyon lookout point with some free time to enjoy the amazing landscape of Quilotoa Crater Lake. Depart for Baños and visit the famous "Swing at the End of the World" at La Casa del Árbol. Take in an amazing view of the gorgeous mountain landscapes. Enjoy a free evening to explore some of the local attractions. Feel free to visit the nearby thermal baths which gave Baños its name and go for a relaxing dip in these healing pools. Stay overnight in Baños.  Day 2: Baños - Quito Spend the morning exploring Baños at your leisure. Then, get picked up at Juan Montalvo Park to begin the day's activities. Ride a cable car over the Pastaza River and experience 360-degree views of waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes. Visit the stunning Devil's Cauldron (Pailón del Diablo) Waterfall. Return to Baños for free time. Around 4:30 pm, get ready to get back to Quito, arriving around 7:30 pm for drop off at your hotel/hostel.

The day will start with an early pick up from your hotel/hostel within our pick up areas in Quito, the bus will go straight to Chuquiragua Lodge, where you will catch your first views of the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Later, you will enter the Cotopaxi National Park, you will visit the interpretation center, the José Rivas Refuge, the main base camp for the volcano. To finish the tour at the National Park you will visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a stunning glacial lake in the shadow of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Enjoy an afternoon lunch surrounded by gorgeous landscapes at the Chuquiragua Lodge. After lunch, travel by bus back to Quito, you will be dropped at your hotel/hostel.

Ecuador, a country known for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offers a wealth of experiences for travelers. Among its many natural wonders, Cotopaxi National Park stands out as a must-visit destination. Situated just a short drive from the capital city of Quito, Cotopaxi beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what makes the Cotopaxi Tour from Quito so special. Cotopaxi National Park: Cotopaxi´s Active Volcano Home Cotopaxi National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty. At its heart lies Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, reaching an astonishing 19,347 feet (5,897 meters) above sea level. Its perfectly conical shape is awe-inspiring, and its frequent eruptions have sculpted the surrounding landscape over centuries. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of this majestic volcano, which is often shrouded in a mystical veil of clouds.

Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi Your day starts with an early pick up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Baños. You will stop along the way for a quick breakfast before arriving in Cotopaxi. Around 9:00 am, you will visit the interpretation center and around 10:00 am, you will visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon. At 12:30 am, start the hike up to the José Rivas Refuge, enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna as we trek through the Andean paramo up to the famous landmark, Jose Rivas Refuge, located at 4864m. This refuge still functions as the active base camp for mountaineers planning to climb to the very peak of the volcano. We continue to a scenic lookout point to take in some unbelievable panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano before beginning the descent. You will spend the night in Cotopaxi. Day 2: Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Quito Around 8:15 am, you will depart for Quilotoa. We will stop at the Toachi River Canyon lookout point, and allow you to take in the view and learn a little about the canyon. Enjoy the stunning views of the Quilotoa volcano lake from one of the best viewpoints. Around 12:00 pm, you will start the guided hike to the Quilotoa Lagoon, walk down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon and get to see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close. You will then have free time to explore around and have lunch, before departing back to Quito at 4:30 pm. You will arrive in Quito around 7:30 pm, we will drop you off at your hotel/hostel.

Embark on a thrilling journey from the heart of Quito to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Cotopaxi volcano, a majestic peak that soars to an astounding altitude of 5,897 meters. This adventure promises to be an unforgettable day, packed with natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. The Cotopaxi Volcano: Your adventure begins in Quito, a city nestled high in the Andes, where you'll set off on a remarkable journey to the Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is the second-highest active volcano in Ecuador and stands as a testament to the raw power of nature. As you approach the volcano, you'll be captivated by its commanding presence, its snow-capped peak piercing the sky. Upon entering Cotopaxi National Park, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush, high-altitude vegetation. The park is a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna, some of which are uniquely adapted to thrive in this challenging environment. Keep your camera ready as you may encounter majestic condors soaring gracefully in the clear blue skies, or maybe a curious llama grazing amidst the rugged terrain. Your adventure at Cotopaxi continues with the option to hike or explore the lower slopes of the volcano, allowing you to immerse yourself in its natural wonder and connect with the untamed beauty of the Andes. Feel the crisp mountain air invigorate your spirit as you take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with the vast expanse of the Andean highlands stretching out before you. Papallacta Hot Springs: After a morning of exploration, it's time to reward yourself with relaxation. Bid farewell to the Cotopaxi volcano as you embark on a scenic drive to the serene haven of Papallacta hot springs. Nestled within the lush Andean cloud forest, these natural thermal baths offer a soothing and rejuvenating experience like no other. As you arrive at Papallacta, the soothing embrace of the thermal waters beckons. Slip into the warm pools and let the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters work their magic on your body and soul. As you soak, surrounded by lush greenery and the cool mountain air, you'll feel any tension melt away. Papallacta hot springs offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day. Whether you choose to indulge in a spa treatment, take a leisurely walk through the cloud forest, or simply bask in the serenity of the surroundings, this is a moment to savor. As the day draws to a close, you'll return to Quito, feeling refreshed, reenergized, and filled with memories of your unforgettable journey to Cotopaxi and Papallacta. This adventure is a testament to Ecuador's natural splendor, where the power of the Andes and the soothing embrace of hot springs combine to create an experience like no other.

Explore the Cotopaxi National Park on a day trip and horseback ride. Enjoy a comfortable ride from Quito, learn about the fascinating Chagra culture, and enjoy a traditional canelazo welcome drink. The “Chagra” culture is the product of miscegenation between the Andean Indians and Spanish settlers. This mestizo culture was the one that contributed more to the economic and social development of the countryside in the Sierra region, based on cattle breeding, like bulls for bullfighting. And, of course, here you have the opportunity to experience during a day trip the joy, adrenaline, and nostalgia that our Chagras live day by day while they are working in the high mountains of the Andes! Begin your tour in Quito and head southeast to El Pedregal, which sits between the Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi volcanoes. After a 1.5-hour drive, disembark at a traditional hacienda or farm. Sip on a traditional canelazo drink and try on a traditional Chagra outfit. Head outside to find your horse and embark on a 2.5-hour horseback ride through the stunning countryside. Return to the hacienda, say goodbye to your horse, and drive to the Cotopaxi National Park. Visit the looming Cotopaxi Volcano, standing at 19,347 feet high. Marvel at the ancient dried lava flows, mountains, lakes, and wild horses. Watch as the plants, flowers, and trees change as you gain altitude. After your visit to the national park, return to your Quito hotel at around 5:00 P.M.

After leaving Quito, we will go to Cotopaxi National Park in a private car if you wish. When we arrive at the main entrance, we will begin our walk towards the Limpiopungo Lagoon, this beautiful water formation reflects the Cotopaxi volcano, perfect for great photographs, if the weather permits, we will also see a great variety of birds. Then, we will go to Baños, capital of adventure sports in the province of Tungurahua. We will do many activities such as visits to waterfalls on Tarabita, city tour through the baths center, and if you are more adventurous you can do zip-lining, our lunch will be in a local restaurant with delicious Ecuadorian seasoning. We will continue visiting the Manto de la Novia Waterfall and El Pailón del Diablo, the latter named the highest waterfall in Baños. We will finish with a spectacular view from the Tree House, where the famous swing "at the end of the world" is located, swing on a cliff with an incredible view of the Tungurahua volcano.