2 Days Trek
Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Lake
Coined by Alexander Von Humboldt (1769 -1859) the expression "Avenue of the Volcanoes". This name that perfectly describes the landscape that crosses the Andean highlands of Ecuador in which a succession of extinct and active volcanoes, many of them of eternal snows, are all together and forming a natural corridor of wonderful landscapes. When contemplating them, it is easy to understand why the pre-Columbian people saw them as gods and spirits.
The Cotopaxi National Park has a protected surface of 82.515 acres (33.393 h), which is suitable for hiking, bird watching and for the acknowledgment of the moorland.
Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 3-kilometre (2 mi)-wide caldera was formed by the collapse of this dacite volcano following a catastrophic eruption about 800 years ago. The caldera has since accumulated a 250 m (820 ft) deep crater lake, which has a greenish color as a result of dissolved minerals. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor and hot springs occur on the eastern flank of the volcano.
PRICES PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
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2-3 people
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4-6 people
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7-10 people
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11-15 people
- 1
QUITO - COTOPAXI – QUILOTOA - QUITO (2 DAYS | 1 NIGHT)
DAY 1 – QUITO – COTOPAXI
Departure from Quito to travel along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” up to the Cotopaxi National Park. After crossing the controls at the entrance of the national park, we will make our first stop at the interpretation center. Explanation about the Avenue of the Volcanoes and of the flora and fauna of the national park. From here we can make a short, but very interesting walk that will show us much of the flora from the 11.482 ft / 3,500 m from this ecosystem of the highlands of Ecuador called moorland. There are great possibilities to see some of the animals that hide in these beautiful forests as deer the so-called Andean wolf, rabbits. Then by car we will arrive to Limpiopungo lake (3,800 m | 12.467 ft), a wide valley surrounded by majestic volcanoes. Acknowledgment of the flora, we will do some birdwatching while walking around the lake (1-hour approx.). Lunch is not included.
At the end of the day, we’ll take the route to one of the beautiful haciendas that are in this region where we are going to sleep. Accommodation
DAY 2 – COTOPAXI – QUILOTOA – QUITO
BREAKFAST. We will leave early in the morning to take the route towards the west. The road crosses a high point at 4,000 m | 13.123 ft height, what will give us on the way panoramic views with a composition of the wonderful landscapes in special the patch-work designed by the agriculture in the mountains. Hard work of our indigenous communities that inhabit these highlands. Multiple stops, we can’t avoid it, landscape asks us to take pictures at every step! On the way we will stop to visit the naïf art workshop. Simple paintings but full of color, which capture stories, legends and traditions. Lunch is not included
We will continue to Quilotoa crater lake, which will surprise us with its color, its reflections of clouds, sky and the sun. We will reach the viewpoint at 400 m | 1.312 ft, there is a difference of level between the veiw point and the lake, so looking down we will see this beautiful lake. If we have enough energies we will walk downhill and to come back we can do it by foot or get a mule ride. (supplement of US$ 10 per mule - to pay directly to the owners of the animals). Arrival to the viewpoint and return to Quito.
QUITO
Pick up: Early in the morning
Drop off: Afternoon
NOTE: Our team will contact you to set the specific time and location.
- Professional guide english/spanish (other languages upon request)
- Entries and fees
- Private transportation
- 1 night accommodation
- Breakfast
NOTE: Driver/guide up to 4 guests. From 5 guest onwards private transportation driver + guide
- Available upon request (extra fees)
- Personal snacks
- Services not specified
- Meals
- Other trekking or climbing equipment
- Gratuities
- Taxes
This is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision:
- Hat, Bandana or Buff
- Wicking T-shirt & Underwear
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Insulating fleece jacket, vest, pants
- Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof)
- Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Gloves or mittens
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses (UV Protection)
- Small Backpack
- First-aid supplies
- Snacks (energy bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Plastic Bags (trash)
- Water
- Camera
- Cash
If you cancel at least 30 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel at least 15 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 14 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
Last minute bookings are non refundable.
- Cash (Offices – Quito)
- Wire Transfer
- Bank Deposit
- Credit Cards
NOTE: Some credit cards may charge 4 - 8% fee