Latacunga Canton

Hot springs

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 pickup 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 view of the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Later, you will enter the Cotopaxi National Park, visit the interpretation center, and visit 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 at the Chuquiragua Lodge surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. After lunch, travel by bus back to Quito, where you will be dropped off at your hotel/hostel.

Our adventure starts leaving Quito from your accommodation and on the way we will observe the great amount of volcanoes located in the Andes Mountains, such as Cayambe Volcano, Antisana Volcano, Pasochoa Volcano and many more. The Panamericana will be our way to Cotopaxi National Park, and we will make a stop at the Romerillos Viewpoint to see the Corazón Volcano and the Illinizas Volcanoes, as well as to take pictures with ALPACAS. At the entry to Cotopaxi National Park, we will have the opportunity to acclimatize with the famous Coca Tea and observe the handicrafts and ponchos. We will enter the Cotopaxi National Park, where we will be able to take many pictures with the Volcano at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, on the way it will be possible to see the Spectacled Bear, the Condor, wild horses, deer and many native birds. We continue to the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a lagoon located in the middle of three volcanoes to observe the nature of the National Park and hike to take some excellent pictures. Then we return to the city of Quito. The Cotopaxi volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the second highest in Ecuador, second only to Chimborazo. It is an almost perfect snow-capped cone and is, together with the Galapagos, the greatest symbol of the natural geography of the country. Due to its beauty and characteristics, the Cotopaxi volcano is one of the most visited places in continental Ecuador, and the possibility of reaching its summit represents a longed-for dream for countless mountaineers from all over the world.

Embark on a unique experience with our full day tour to Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Volcano, two of the most impressive destinations in Ecuador. This tour is the perfect opportunity to explore the majesty of nature, and live an adventure that will remain engraved in your memory. The day starts early, when a tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Quito. As you head towards Cotopaxi National Park, you will enjoy the Andean landscape that changes with every kilometer. As you drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, you will admire green valleys and picturesque villages, with the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano dominating the horizon. This imposing volcano, one of the highest in the world, is a symbol of Ecuador's natural beauty. Upon arrival at Cotopaxi National Park, you will have the opportunity to take a gentle hike along the trails surrounding the volcano. Breathe the fresh mountain air while discovering the unique flora and fauna of the region. Your tour guide will share stories about the indigenous culture and geology of the area, giving you a deeper insight into this spectacular environment. You will also be able to admire the Limpiopungo Lagoon, bird species and the impressive glacier of the volcano, weather permitting. You will then continue on to the Quilotoa crater, where you will find an impressive turquoise lake that will leave you in awe. Upon arrival, you will have time to admire the panoramic view from the lookout point, where you can capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera. The calmness of the lake and the majesty of the cliffs will invite you to reflect and enjoy the moment. If you are feeling adventurous, you can choose to descend to the bottom of the crater through a trail that takes you to the edge of the lagoon. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and you will enjoy even closer views of the lake and its surroundings. At the end of the day, you will return to Quito with a heart full of new experiences and unforgettable memories. This tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa not only offers you the opportunity to experience two of Ecuador's most emblematic landscapes, but also connects you with culture and nature in a unique way. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this adventure. Experience the grandeur of Cotopaxi and the beauty of Quilotoa in a full day that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for an experience that will change your life!

Visit the spectacular Cotopaxi volcano, the second highest volcano in Ecuador. See the beautiful lagoon of Limpiopungo. Go downhill with bicycles as part of this tour, with bicycles included, or go with a car. Depart from Quito and travel on the Pan-American Highway south, crossing a part of the Andes and the town of Machachi. Pass the livestock and agriculture to the skirts of the Pasochoa and Rumiñahui to the right and to the left the Corazon hill with the wonderful ilinizas. Make a first technical stop to acclimatize, have breakfast, and take photographs. Continue to the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. Meet people from the around communities who will be waiting for you with handicrafts and mountain clothes. Hike the Cotopaxi volcano up to the "José Rivas refuge." Take a 30-minute break to rest and have a hot drink or soup. Hike back to the parking lot and continue by bicycle downhill, approximately 30-40 minutes. Arrive at the beautiful Limpiopungo lagoon, where you will have a few minutes to rest and take photos.

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.

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.