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THE 10 BEST Cotopaxi Province Tours & Excursions

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1. Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities

2. Cotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances

3. Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito with Entrances

4. Cotopaxi & Quilotoa With Optional Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off

5. Quilotoa Full Day Tour - All included with Quito pick up & drop off

6. Quilotoa's crater Lagoon Private Tour

7. 3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños

8. Cotopaxi volcano horseback ride and hike

9. COTOPAXI Full Day Tour - horseback ride & hike-NO TOURISTY way in

10. Quilotoa and Volcanoes Avenue Day Trip from Quito with Entrances

11. Full Day Quilotoa Lake Tour

12. Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour All in One - 1 Day

13. Cotopaxi & Baños 3Day/2Night - All included tours

14. Elevate: A Day's Odyssey to Cotopaxi's Majestic Heights!

15. From the Andes to the Amazon 3D- 2N Quilotoa- Baños- Pastaza River - Cotopaxi

16. Full-Day Tour Cotopaxi National Park - All included from Quito

17. Cotopaxi Horseback Riding Tour

18. Cotopaxi National Reserve Bike and Hike Day-Trip

19. Cotopaxi Hike and Bike

20. Cotopaxi Tour - Hike to the Glacial of Cotopaxi

21. 3-Day Private Tour to Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon & Baños

22. The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights

23. Horseback Riding Tour in Cotopaxi

24. Quito to Cuenca 4 or 5-Day Tour with Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños and Chimborazo

25. 6 Days: Quito, Otavalo, Amazon, Tungurahua, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi...

26. Andes & Amazon, the Triangle Route 5 Days / 4 Nights (PRIVATE Trip from Quito)

27. Cotopaxi Full Day Tour - All included - Guided hike and National Park entrance

28. Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, small groups

29. Cotopaxi Tour

30. Cotopaxi and Banos Tour - Full Day from Quito

What travelers are saying.

• Cotopaxi Full-Day from Quito Including Entrances
• Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities
• Cotopaxi & Quilotoa With Optional Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off
• Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito with Entrances
• Quilotoa and Volcanoes Avenue Day Trip from Quito with Entrances
• Tierra Zero Tours
• Tour Operador Earth Volcano
• Expediciones mahil
• Jaguar Expeditions
• Quilotoa Org

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Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

1 days, cotopaxi national park to cotopaxi national park.

Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates for preventative maintenance on the runway: May 11, 18, June 1, July 6, 13, 20, September 7, 14, and 21, 2024 between the hours of 2am and 12pm. The airport will also be closed on June 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2024 between the hours of 2am and 2pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double-check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Explore Cotopaxi National Park with a full-day excursion. Admire the Cotopaxi volcano and the stunning plateau on which it sits — you might even see wild horses grazing! All ages are welcome to hike the glacier, and experienced cyclists can opt to bike.

Cotopaxi National Park to Cotopaxi National Park

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Day Tours

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Trees planted for this trip: 1

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Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Places visited

Day 1 cotopaxi national park.

Duration: 10 hours

Meeting point: 7:30am at Hotel Hilton Colon (secondary lobby). Address: Av. Juan León Mera between Patria Avenue and 18 de Septiembre Street. Please meet your guide in the secondary lobby of the hotel.

Finish Point: Hotel Hilton Colon. Expected finish time is 17:30.

Itinerary: Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador's most spectacular highlights. This full-day tour gives you the opportunity to explore this protected area on foot and by bike. The Cotopaxi National Park is situated in a stunning paramo plateau, where wild horses graze on the extensive plains at the foot of the volcano and gather to drink at the Limpiopungo lagoon which reflects the white peaks of nearby Volcan Rumiñahui. Trek through the National Park you will discover pumice, ash, stone and other volcanic debris amid the tiny páramos plants.

Hiking is for ages 14+ but mountain biking is reserved for confident cyclists with experience in downhill. The hike will take around 3 hours to complete and then the biking activity to Limpiopungo Lagoon will start and this takes around an hour.

Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers.

Packing essentials: Warm clothing, Waterproof jacket, Gloves, Scarf, Hat, Hiking boots or trekking shoes, Sunglasses, Sunblock, Extra snacks and water.

Meals included:

What's included.

• Full day excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
• Local guide
• Mountain bike with helmet
• All safety equipment

Transportation

Private van

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Professional English Speaking Local Guide

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Browse through the best climbing programs we have in Ecuador

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Enjoy nature in the most biodiverse country on the planet

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Top Treks and Hikes in Ecuador

Trekking to Altar Volcano

Highest Elevation: 4480 m./ 14,698 ft. Difficulty: Demanding Duration: 2 Days Tour From: -/- USD

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Ecuador - an Unforgettable Experience!

Cotopaxi Travel 2023 & 2024 🗻. The Andes of Ecuador is every adventure seeker´s paradise. Ecuador is known for its high peaks,⛏ easy accessibility, unique cultural heritage, and diverse cuisine including cuy (guinea pig), found mostly in the mountainous regions.Cotopaxi Travel has programs designed for all levels of climbers, mountaineers, and trekkers 🕵‍. We offer guided, high-altitude ascents accompanied by acclimatization programs, accommodation in villages rich with culture, traditional Ecuadorian meals, and an unforgettable experience!

cotopaxi volcano - View from the summit

Cotopaxi Travel company

Cotopaxi Travel is 100% locally owned and operated. We offer only expert, licensed Ecuadorian guides for all of our climbs, and a low climber-to-guide ratio to ensure safety and a higher chance of summit success. All of our guides are knowledgeable, professional, and trained to provide a customized experience for our climbers. Ultimately, we strive to teach you the necessary skills to become a self-reliant alpine climber!

What People Say about this Trip

Senior Vice President-Investment Officer in Wells Fargo Advisors

Dallas,Texas

Our experience with Cotopaxi Travel was amazing. We (my 16 yo son and I) spent a week with Fernando as our guide and did 3 acclimatization hikes and a successful Cotopaxi climb. Communication was easy, and the trip was planned perfectly. Fernando read and understood our strengths and weaknesses after the first few hikes and used that insight to guide us up the mountain. We stayed most nights at the El Chaupi hostel, and it was very comfortable, a great experience. If you have this opportunity, definitely do it! His family is lovely and the meals were delicious. Was an unforgettable experience and we truly appreciate Cotopaxi Travel and Fernando for the guidance and hospitality

Vice President Morgan Stanley

Basalt,Colorado

Definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Both the acclimatization process in the Pasochoa, Corazón and Iliniza Norte volcanoes, as well as the rest days in the Quilotoa Lagoon and in Baños with special treatment at Don Fernando's house in El Chaupi, served as motivation to reach the summits of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. An adventure that I will always remember with great pride and affection. I am very grateful to Don Fernando, Don Wily and the other guides who made this dream possible.

Business man  Investment Professional, Co-Managing Partner

Utah,Draper

Very good experience overall with a very professional and experienced guide. I m not going to lie: it’s a hard hike and the way down is pretty intense as well but this is all part of the experience. I recommend it for every hiker in a good physical shape.

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Cotopaxi National Park & ​​Baños Town Tour

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What's Next?

• Our travel specialist will contact you to better understand your specific interests and vacation preferences.
• She or He will elaborate the best option, using their expertise and insights to craft unique itinerary and activity proposals.
• After your itinerary is refined to perfection, book it with your travel specialist, who will then confirm all services and coordinate all logistics.
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Tour Details

The explorer Alexander Von Humboldt named the Avenue of the volcanoes; Cotopaxi Volcano (National Park) and Tungurahua Volcano (Baños Town) are part of this Andean spine.

If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, a Cotopaxi National Park & Baños Town tour in Ecuador is an excellent choice. It combines breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural experiences, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And you’ll have a knowledgeable guide on hand, so you can make the most of your experience.

About Cotopaxi National Park Ecuador & Baños Town

In this adventure, we will stop over the Cotopaxi volcano, which is part of the avenue of the volcanoes. Stay in a typical Hacienda of the Andes and Baños the Agua Santa, a vibrant town surrounded by incredible sceneries and located in the foothills of the Tungurahua Volcano.

Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in Ecuador. It is home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. The park is dotted with lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and glistening lakes, which creates a postcard-worthy backdrop for your journey.

The park also boasts stunning panoramic views of the Andean mountain range, and visitors may even spot some local wildlife roaming around. So keep an eye out for llamas and Andean foxes when exploring.

You’ll also visit the charming town of Baños in the central Andean region of Ecuador. It is renowned for its vibrant culture and hot springs. Travelers enjoy relaxing in the soothing waters as their everyday worries melt away. In fact, it is believed to have therapeutic properties that can heal various ailments.

This picturesque town is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, thermal springs, and cascading waterfalls that’ll leave you awestruck. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll be delighted to know that Baños is also famous for its adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities. From white river rafting and canoeing to mountain biking and waterfall hikes, it is an ideal destination for adventure seekers.

Baños is located at the foot of the majestic Tungurahua volcano, which stands at a staggering 16,480 ft (5,023 meters). Visiting Tungurahua volcano is a wonderful adventure. Every moment is filled with excitement and you’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views.

Baños is also renowned for its vibrant and colorful festivals, which occur throughout the year. During these fun festivals, the town comes alive with dancing, music, and feasting, providing visitors with an unforgettable cultural experience.

Exploring Cotopaxi National Park & Baños Town offers a unique blend of nature and cultural immersion. So put on your hiking boots and prepare yourself for a memorable journey through some of Ecuador’s most magnificent landscapes.

Cotopaxi National Park & Baños Town Tour Inclusions

It includes:.

• Private transportation with an English speaking guide
• Meals according to itinerary
• Accommodation double or triple room (Hacienda)

Cotopaxi National Park & Baños Town Tour Exclusions

It does not include:.

• Any entrance fees
• Personal expenses
• Extra soft drinks or alcoholic drinks
• Any service not specified in the itinerary

What to Bring

• Hiking shoes
• Light clothing
• Bottle of water
• Memory device for Pic's

For more information on the latest prices, please send us an inquiry for a custom quote

Cotopaxi National Park & Baños Town Tour Itinerary

Baños town & cotopaxi national park tour: day 1.

Early in the morning, we will depart through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to visit Cotopaxi National Park. We will have a short hike in the National Park and your guide will explain about the flora and fauna in the area.

The park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers. There are a variety of hiking trails, and you’ll be filled with wonder and awe throughout the entire journey. The trails range from easy to advanced skill levels, and each provides breathtaking vistas of the park’s landscapes.

As you trek through the park, you’ll see lush vegetation, exotic wildlife, and pristine lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, Andean fox, pumas, wild horses, the rare Andean speckled bear, and other animals roaming around.

The scenery is so beautiful; you’ll feel like you’re walking in a postcard. From the towering mountains to the shimmering lakes and everything in between, there’s so much to see and discover in the park. And the adventure doesn’t stop there!

After visiting this magnificent part of Ecuador, we will continue Diving for Lunch in a typical Hacienda in the Andes. PM Free afternoon and activities (Optional Activities Horseback riding), dinner and overnight. (L-D)

Visiting Cotopaxi National Park & Baños Town: Day 2

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to the south part of the Andes and arrive at Baños town the Gate to the Rain Forest. We will start our tour by visiting the impressive Agoyan hydroelectric Dam, and visit one of the most amazing visitor sites of Baños, El Pailón del Diablo well known as The Devil’s Cauldron, an impressive waterfall with a drop of approximately 80 meters (260 feet).

Lunch and we will return to the city of Quito. (B-L)

B= Breakfast   L=Lunch    D=Dinner

You may also be interested in : Three Days Andes & Baños Adventure

Cotopaxi National Park & Baños Town Tour Pictures

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A Guide to Visiting Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

One of the most popular things to do in mainland Ecuador is visiting Cotopaxi National Park. It is the second largest national park in the country and also home to the second highest peak: Cotopaxi volcano.

In this guide we’ll detail all the things you can do in the national park and give you some useful tips on when to visit, how long to go for, where to stay and how to get there so you can have the best experience possible.

If you’d like to see our Cotopaxi National Park adventures, then check out our dedicated  Cotopaxi video  on our  YouTube Channel.  For more Ecuador videos check out our  Ecuador Playlist.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

About Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park (Parque Nacional Cotopaxi) is located to the south of Ecuador’s capital city, Quito . This 333.9 sq km (128.9 sq mi) nature reserve extends into the provinces of Cotopaxi, Pichincha and Napo. It’s the second largest national park in Ecuador after Yasuni National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

The national park’s main attraction is without doubt Cotopaxi volcano, the second highest peak in Ecuador at 5,897 m (19,347 ft). In Quechua, ‘Cotopaxi’ translates to “neck of the moon” , which possibly comes from the volcano’s crescent moon shaped crater.

What’s unique about Cotopaxi volcano is that it has a nearly symmetrical cone shape. Plus, it’s also one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Since the 16th century, the stratovolcano has erupted over 50 times. The most recent eruption happened in 2015. Although it wasn’t a major eruption, the surrounding area had to be evacuated and was on high alert for a few months.

There are also some dormant volcanoes next to Cotopaxi, such as Ruminawi and Sincholagua volcanoes, which form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

• How to Spend 3 Weeks in Ecuador
• 7 Best Day Trips and Multi-Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador

Best Things to Do in Cotopaxi National Park

1. hike up to josé rivas refuge on cotopaxi volcano.

Located on the north face of Cotopaxi at 4,864 m (15,958 ft) above sea level is Refugio José Rivas. It’s a popular hiking option amongst visitors. If you join a guided day tour, you’ll normally get driven all the way up to the car park (4,600 m / 15,091 ft).

From the car park, you’ll climb up the volcanic slopes for about 2 km with an elevation gain of just over 200 m. Depending on the weather conditions, it can be an easy to moderate hike. Of course, the altitude can slow you down even on a clear day. The hike will obviously be more uncomfortable in high winds and with poor visibility.

Once you’re at the refuge, you’ll normally have a little rest, eat some lunch or get some hot chocolate. Having a warm cuppa on the side of a volcano is really rewarding!

You can also get a novelty ‘passport’ stamp at the refuge. If you want one, then make sure to bring a notebook or travel journal and don’t stamp your original passport. This can make it invalid, since it’s not an official border stamp.

Some day tours will include a hike up to the glacier first, followed by a little rest at the refuge before the optional mountain biking down the volcano. This tour can cost around $35-40 USD.

2. Hike Up to Cotopaxi Glacier

One of the best and most popular hikes in Cotopaxi National Park has to be the route up to Cotopaxi Glacier. If you’re on a tour, you’ll start your hike from the car park located at approximately 4,600 m (15,091 ft). From there you can take the slightly longer switchback route or the more direct but steeper route towards José Rivas Refuge.

Once you reach the refuge, you’ll need to ascend another 100 m to reach the glacier. From this point onwards you’d need special gear to go any further, but being at around 5,000m (16,400 ft) above sea level on one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world is pretty impressive already!

A guided hike up to Cotopaxi glacier can cost around $35-40 USD per person.

3. Mountain Bike Down Cotopaxi

A very popular activity in Cotopaxi National Park is to rent a mountain bike and cycle down Cotopaxi Volcano. Depending on your tour, you’d normally hike up to the glacier and/or the refuge first and then cycle down the volcano from the car park located at 4,600 m (15,091 ft) afterwards.

It’s good to know that the bikes aren’t the greatest – which was confirmed for us by a couple who mountain bike regularly in the Alps. We initially thought that our bottom halves would hurt the most afterwards, but in reality our arms were impacted the most thanks to the constant shaking. Regardless, it was still an experience we’ll never forget. After all, how often do you get the chance to cycle down an active volcano?

We had to pay an extra $10 USD per person for bike rental in the park. This cost might be included in your tour, but it’s worth checking when booking.

4. Summit Cotopaxi Volcano

If you have a lot of hiking / mountaineering experience and want to challenge yourself, then you can consider summiting Cotopaxi Volcano. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted because you’ll be climbing up to 5,897 m (19,347 ft). For reference, Everest South Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5,364 m (17,598 ft).

The climb normally takes place over two days to help you to acclimatise better. We wouldn’t recommend going with anyone offering a one day summit, as it would be way too quick.

You would start your journey in the afternoon on day one with a 1-2 hour hike up to Refugio José Rivas  (4,864 m / 15,958 ft). You’ll have dinner here, get advice on glacier hiking and have a few hours of rest before you start your summit attempt around midnight. After a short trek up to the glacier, you’ll start the hardest part of the climb. The aim is to reach the summit for sunrise which would be a truly unforgettable experience from that high up. We would love to return and attempt to summit Cotopaxi volcano in the future!

Summitting the volcano can cost around $300 USD per person.

5. Go Horseback Riding in Cotopaxi National Park

If you’re not keen on hiking up or mountain biking down Cotopaxi volcano, then you could consider a more relaxing activity, such as horseback riding. It’ll give you the chance to see more of the national park surrounding Cotopaxi and the other volcanoes.

Your guide will select the right horse for you and, depending on your riding experience, you can always challenge yourself with some galloping or just enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace.

Depending on the type of tour you book, horseback riding can cost around $40 USD per person.

6. Climb Pasochoa Volcano

If you’re staying in Cotopaxi National Park for a few days, then consider adding another volcano hike to your itinerary. There are plenty of volcanoes to choose from, but the two most popular ones are Pasochoa and Rumiñahui.

Pasochoa is 4,200 m (13,779 ft) above sea level, which makes it a great acclimatisation hike, especially if you want to hike up to Cotopaxi glacier or even summit the volcano. There are a few routes up Pasochoa, and it takes around 3-4 hours to reach the summit. The way down will be much faster and could only take around 2.5-3 hours.

It’s a beautiful hike to do in Cotopaxi National Park and if you have a clear day you can even see the Pasochoa Forest Reserve which is located inside the crater rim.

Top Tip. If you stay at the Secret Garden Cotopaxi hostel then your hike to Pasochoa volcano is included in your tour package.

7. Summit Rumiñahui Volcano

Rumiñahui volcano is another popular but more challenging hike in Cotopaxi National Park. It has an altitude of 4,721 m (15,488 ft), so about 500 metres higher than Pasochoa. The volcano has three triangular summits. Most people attempt the central summit, called Rumiñahui Central, at 4,630 m (15,190 ft) above sea level.

The trail starts at the shores of Lake Limpiopungo about 3,850 m (12,630 ft) above sea level. It is definitely a more challenging hike than Pasochoa with some scrambling towards the top. It takes a good 3-4 hours to reach the summit and about 2-3 hours to descend.

A guided hike would cost between $40-50 per person.

8. Enjoy the Views from Lake Limpiopungo

The beautiful Lake Limpiopungo is located on the slopes of the inactive Rumiñahui volcano. Most hikers attempting to summit Rumiñahui start their hike from this lagoon.

If you’re visiting on a clear day, you get some postcard perfect views of Cotopaxi volcano in the background. If you’re not planning on climbing the volcano, you can just walk around the lake and enjoy the flora and fauna.

9. Enchanted Forest and Waterfall Trek

If you’re staying at the Secret Garden Cotopaxi Hostel, then you can join their daily enchanted forest and waterfall trek. This activity is offered for free for their guests, which is fantastic.

You’ll have to put on some wellies and be prepared to cross the river a few times as you make your way through the beautiful forest just behind the hostel. It’s a very fun but short hike with the reward of a beautiful waterfall at the end. If you’re brave enough, you can even jump into the freezing cold pool in front of the waterfall.

Best Time to Visit Cotopaxi National Park

Ideally, you’d want to time your visit to Cotopaxi National Park during the nicer and slightly warmer months. You definitely wouldn’t want to visit in the rainiest and snowiest months of the year and miss your chance to see Cotopaxi volcano.

The worst months are March to May followed by September to November. You may also want to avoid some of the busiest months to visit Cotopaxi which are December and January, but some sources suggest that the national park is quite busy all the way up until May.

Therefore, the best time to visit Cotopaxi National Park is between June and September for a quieter visit. Of course, you could still experience all four seasons in one day, and the evenings are still going to be cold. However, at least you’d be giving yourself the best chance for blue skies.

For reference, we visited Cotopaxi National Park at the end of May and we didn’t have any issues booking our trip pretty last minute. Plus, the weather conditions were pretty great too and we managed to see Cotopaxi without any cloud cover quite a few times. Although it was still pretty cold and some groups had much worse weather conditions during their visit just a few days before us.

How Long to Stay in Cotopaxi National Park

Day trips from Quito and other locations are very popular for those short on time. It’s a great way to see the national park and you should consider a visit even if you can’t stay for longer.

However, if you’re just planning your Ecuador itinerary, we highly recommend staying for a few nights in Cotopaxi National Park. That way, you’ll have the chance to see and experience more of the national park’s attractions. You can climb other volcanoes, such as Rumiñahui or Pasochoa. Plus, you’ll have more chance of seeing Cotopaxi without any cloud cover, which normally happens early in the morning and later in the evening.

Where to Stay in Cotopaxi National Park

There are quite a few accommodation options in and around Cotopaxi National Park depending on your interests and budget. Below are a few hostel and lodge (hacienda) options you can check out:

• Secret Garden Cotopaxi   (book it via  Secret Garden Quito ): We stayed here and have a detailed guide of what you can expect from your stay. It’s the perfect place for backpackers, couples, and solo travellers. Their package offer is very good value for money.
• Hosteria Tambopaxi Lodge :  This lodge is located pretty close to Cotopaxi volcano, so you can enjoy some fantastic views from here on a clear day. It’s a good option for families and couples. They also offer a ton of activities including horseback riding.
• Hacienda El Porvenir : Set in a traditional Andean house, it’s another great place to stay when visiting Cotopaxi National Park. Again, it’s perfect for families or couples. They also offer activities for an additional cost.

How to Get to Cotopaxi National Park

There are two main entrances to Cotopaxi National Park:

• North Entrance: located near Machachi.
• South Entrance: located near the village of Lasso.

The southern entrance is where most tours will enter the park from, since it’s just off the Panamerican Highway. If you’re on a day tour , you don’t even need to worry about your transport to the national park.

If you’re staying at certain accommodations such as the Secret Garden Hostel, Tambopaxi Lodge, Hacienda el Porvenir or Chilcabamba, then you’ll need to enter through the north entrance.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you can reach these entrances with public buses or private transport arranged by your hostel or lodge. For reference, our transport from Quito to the Secret Garden Hostel was included in our package deal. However, we had to pay extra for our transport to Baños after our stay.

Public buses between Machachi and Quito or Baños only cost a few dollars per person. We recommend asking your accommodation about the best ways to get there when booking.

Tips For Visiting Cotopaxi National Park

Make sure to acclimatise. Quito is already at 2,800 m (9,350 ft) above sea level, so staying there for a few days will help you acclimatise. Cotopaxi National Park is at least another 1,000 m (3,280 ft) higher than Quito, and you’ll be at nearly 5000 m (16,400 ft) if you plan on hiking up to Cotopaxi glacier. Altitude sickness is no joke, so acclimatising and being prepared is very important. This is another reason why we recommend staying a few nights in the park.

Dress warm. At such high elevation, the weather is normally cold and unpredictable. Make sure to dress appropriately for the activities you do to avoid getting cold. If you’re staying for a few nights, then your accommodation will likely have a cozy fireplace and some warm ponchos you can wear in the evenings. However, if you’re only there for a day, then you have to come prepared.

Go early. For the best chance to see Cotopaxi volcano without cloud cover, you need to arrive early in the morning. Sometimes it also clears in the evening, so by staying at least one night in the park, you’ll give yourself the best chance to admire this stunning volcano.

Have cash. We recommend having enough cash to cover any additional costs. We had to pay a percentage of our hostel stay in cash on site and also had to pay for any extra tours or drinks and snacks that weren’t included in our package deal.

Bring food. This really depends on how you visit Cotopaxi National Park, where you’re staying and what’s included in your package. Some day tours might not include lunch, and there aren’t many places to get food within the park. Luckily, our hostel included all meals and some snacks during our stay which was fantastic. So it’s always a good idea to read the ‘what’s included’ section before booking any trips.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Cotopaxi National Park

Visiting Cotopaxi National Park and staying there for a few nights was one of the many highlights of our Ecuador trip. The hike up to Cotopaxi glacier, then mountain biking down the side of the volcano, was definitely the climax of our trip to the national park. We also got incredibly lucky with the weather and visibility, although it was still very cold at that altitude.

Staying in the national park for a few nights was a fantastic idea as we managed to do a lot more than just Cotopaxi volcano. Climbing Pasochoa volcano and going on some other activities arranged by the Secret Garden Cotopaxi Hostel allowed us to see more of this beautiful part of the country.

Have you ever been to Cotopaxi National Park before? If so, what was your experience? If not, would you want to add the national park to your Ecuador itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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Thank you so much Karan!

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Cotopaxi - Quilotoa

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Hacienda La Cienega

Full itinerary, day 1: cotopaxi national park, day 2: quilotoa lagoon.

• 1 Breakfast

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Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

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• 1 Night Accommodations
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Cotopaxi Day Trip

Pick up at several hotels located in the 3 main areas of the city of Quito: 

• La Carolina Park, Plaza Foch, Plaza Grande Pickups are between 07h00 a 08h00 am
• End of the tour between 7 pm approximately, depending on the traffic on the roads.

The Cotopaxi volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. It is located in the area called ¨Avenida de los Volcanes¨, on our one-day tour you will be able to see this almost perfect snow-capped cone of 5,897 meters above sea level, the second highest volcano from Ecuador.

Full Day Trip to Cotopaxi

• We will make the pick-ups at several hotels located in the 3 main areas of Quito.
• If you want to be picked up from another point further away, we can do it with an additional payment, you have to write to us and we will coordinate your boarding.
• Pick ups are always reconfirmed until the night before the tour departure, if one day before the departure of the tour, if you have yet to receive the confirmation, you can write to WhatsApp at 0983359-796 .

Machachi town stop

• We begin our journey south along the Pan-American highway, we will make the first stop in Machachi where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast (Breakfast not included), there are several options that you can buy, as well as snacks and drinks for the road, since lunch it will be late in the afternoon.
• At this stop you can also use the bathrooms and the ATM. It is preferable to carry cash to make the payment in restaurants and craft shops since most do not accept payment by credit card.

Cotopaxi National Park

• We continue our trip to the Cotopaxi National Park, along the way you will be able to observe landscapes of the Andean paramo, upon arrival at the park the guide will register and we will be ready to enjoy this incredible place.

Limpiopungo lagoon

• The first stop is in the Limpiopungo lagoon, it is located at 3,800 meters above sea level and covers approximately 200 hectares. Around the lagoon there are a large number of reed plants, as well as native medicinal plants. You can also see Andean gulls flying around the lagoon, ducks, curiquingues and other birds.

Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center

• We will visit the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center located at 4,810 masl, it has several exhibition rooms, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria. Here you will find an exhibition of photographs and information about the Cotopaxi volcano.

Volcano parking

• We will go up to the parking lot at 4,500 masl to begin our walk to the José Rivas refuge. In the parking lot it is very common to see moorland foxes and Curiquingues.

Trek to José Rivas Refuge 4.864 masl

• At this stop our adventure begins walking in the second highest volcano in Ecuador, the walk up and down can last between two hours and two and a half hours depending on your physical condition and weather conditions, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the path and beautiful scenery.
• Finally we will arrive at the José Rivas Refuge, where you will be able to enjoy an incredible view and depending on the season you will be able to observe the snow up close. The refuge has bathrooms, coffee shop services, we recommend you to have a coca tea so you don’t suffer from the altitude, you will also have food options, remember to bring cash since they do not accept other forms of payment.
• In this place you can also stamp your passport with the official Cotopaxi stamp so that you always remember that you made this hike to the second highest volcano in Ecuador.

Stop for lunch (late lunch)

• Finally we will make a stop for lunch (Lunch not included) at a farm near Cotopaxi, with various options from tourist menus to typical dishes, we recommend you try the rich potato locro for the cold.

Return to Quito

• Return to Quito for disembarkation in the same boarding places.
• Note: The order of the visits may vary according to weather conditions.

It includes

• Private touristic transportation
• Pickups and drop off from some hotels in Quito
• Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• Entrance to the National Park
• Visit to Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center
• Guided walk at Limpiopungo lake
• Hike to the first refuge José Rivas at 15.744 ft

Not included

Recommendations.

• Wear warm clothes, walking shoes, face mask, glasses, water, cap, gloves, scarf.
• If you wish to have a stamp in your passport when visiting Cotopaxi, bring the original passport, otherwise bring a copy or photo of the passport.
• Shared tour Price per person Departures on specific dates $49
• Small groups $ 59 / person (4+ passengers) $ 60 / person (3 passengers) $ 85 / person (2 pasengers) $155 / person (1 passenger) Departures every day $155

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2 Day Tour (1 Night In Cotopaxi) Cotopaxi And Quilotoa

Price from: $149

5 Activities

2 Destinations

Hotel/Hostel Pick-up & Drop-off

This is a 2 day short tour from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and a truly majestic sight. This tour will give you the chance to explore the incredible Cotopaxi National Park and it’s astonishing view. The second day, you will travel a couple more hours to visit the Quilotoa Lagoon, an unbelievable turquoise-colored lake located in the caldera of an active volcano. Lake Quilotoa is a place that must be seen to be believed! This short tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa makes for a great 2-day escape from Quito.

Highlights:

• Visit Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll be able to see amazing panoramic views of the famous Cotopaxi Volcano. ( Cotopaxi ).
• If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to spot some of the park’s majestic native wildlife. Species that call the park home include wolves, rabbits, bears and condors. ( Cotopaxi )
• Embark on a guided exploration of the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a stunning glacial lake in the shadow of the Cotopaxi Volcano. ( Cotopaxi )
• Visit the José Rivas Refuge, the most popular base camp for mountaineers planning to climb the volcano. ( Cotopaxi )
• Enjoy free use of the luxurious spa area at the Chuquiragua Lodge , including both a jacuzzi and sauna. Massages are also available at a small extra cost. If you wish to avail yourself of these facilities you must advise the receptionist upon your arrival to enable them to prepare the water. ( Cotopaxi )
• Toachi Canyon is a small, gorgeous canyon that is missed by many travelers. We’ll get off the beaten track and make a brief stop here to take some photos and appreciate an exquisite view of the Ecuadorian countryside. ( Toachi Canyon )
• Once we’ve arrived at the Quilotoa Lagoon, we will visit the Shalala Mirador lookout point for some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen. ( Quilotoa )
• Take a guided hike down to the shore of the beautiful crystal-blue Quilotoa Lagoon. ( Quilotoa )
• Your guide will bring you to some nearby artisan workshops and museums where you will be able to learn about the local culture and treat yourself to a handmade souvenir. ( Quilotoa )
• On the return trip, we will visit the Quilotoa Mirador for another beautiful view of the lake. ( Quilotoa )

What this tour offers:

• 2 unforgettable destinations
• Quilotoa - An extraordinary water-filled volcanic crater nestled among Ecuador’s central highlands
• Cotopaxi - home to Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most famous sights
• 5 Incredible Activities
• Cotopaxi National Park - Explore the areas of this amazing park like Limpiopungo Lagoon & José Rivas Refuge
• Toachi Canyon View Point - Small, gorgeous canyon that is missed by many travelers
• Quilotoa Lagoon - Hike down to the shore, where you can see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close
• Quilotoa Shalala View Point - Catch some of the most breathtaking views
• 1 night in Cotopaxi
• Daily departures
• Hotel/hostel pickups & dropoffs
• Safety and comfort guaranteed

What you’ll experience

Tour Itinerary & What's Included

Day 1: quito - cotopaxi.

07:15am - 07:50am

Direct pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Cotopaxi (exact time will depend on which neighborhood you are located in).

Arrive at the Chuquiragua Lodge and catch your first views of the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the country's most famous sights.

09:00am - 09:30am

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with generous portions to keep you energized for a full day of exploring Cotopaxi National Park.

Enter Cotopaxi National Park and visit interpretation center.

10:30am – 11:30am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Limpiopungo Lagoon – A stunning setting in which to admire the local landscape and nature, with Cotopaxi looming overhead as the perfect backdrop.

11:30am - 2:00pm

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 basecamp 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

Return to the Chuquiragua Lodge for an afternoon lunch surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.

Night in Cotopaxi

Night in Cotopaxi. Enjoy the amazing view of the volcano while in town. You can book accommodation with any of our partners at the time of your booking or you're free to book your own accommodation.

Day 2: Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Quito

Depart Chuquiragua Lodge to begin the trip to Quilotoa.

Toachi River Canyon lookout point – we stop at the canyons deepest point, at 100 meters deep, and allow you to take in the view and learn a little about the canyon

Shalala lookout point – enjoy the stunning views of the Quilotoa volcano lake from one of the best viewpoints

Guided Quilotoa Lagoon hike – walk down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon and get to see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close.

Free time to explore at the lake.

Lunch at a local restaurant

Free time to explore the Quilotoa community.

Depart Quilotoa and begin the trip back to Quito.

Direct drop-off at your hotel/hostel in Quito.

What’s Included

• Pick-up from hostel/hotel in Quito
• All taxes and entrance fees
• Transport to Cotopaxi National Park
• Guided tour of the park
• Free access to the Spa
• Transport to Quilotoa Lagoon
• Guided tour of the lake
• Visit to local museums
• Transport back to Quito

Not Included

• Evening meals
• Accommodation can be added-on when purchasing your ticket

Important Info & Notes

Departure Days

Time of Departure

Pick-up Location

All hostels and hotels in Quito (direct pick-up)

Minimum Time Needed

2 Days / 1 Night

$149 Includes transport, tours and guide on board. Accommodation add-ons available. *Meals not included.

Travelling between any of the dates mentioned below? Click the tab for the corresponding important information.

24, 24 & 31 DEC + 1 JAN - CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS BREAK

We will be taking a short break at the end of December for Christmas and New Year. We do this to give our bus drivers and guides time to spend with their families during these special holidays. As a business, we know this may disappoint some travelers, but we care about our employees the same way we care about our passengers and want to give them a well-deserved rest.

NO BUS ON: 24, 24 & 31 DEC & 1 JAN

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you check the bus timetables for each pass as not all routes have daily departures.

9 & 10 AUGUST 2024: ECUADORIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Biggest public holidays of the year. Due to high demand, we will not be able to assist with room upgrades during this period.

28 - 31 MARCH 2024: EASTER WEEKEND

Easter weekend holidays: Due to high demand, we will not be able to assist with room upgrades during this period.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Accommodation Information

On this tour, you spend 1 night in Cotopaxi. You are free to stay anywhere you wish, giving you total flexibility for your tour.

However, when booking this tour, you CAN add on accommodation through our local hostel/hotel partners, from just $10 per person depending on the type of hotel and room (full list of options below)

Note that these are exclusive prices for Hop passengers, and better than those offered through platforms such as booking.com or even directly with the hotel.

IMPORTANT: Accommodation reservations are subject to confirmation. Should your room type not be available, we will notify you within 48hours to offer alternatives. (For last minute bookers this can be coordinated directly with your onboard guide.)

See below our listed recommendations for the destinations on your tour.

Hotel Chuquiragua Lodge Unique

Shared room

Traveling alone or on a budget? Or just looking to meet other travelers? Choose the shared room option for your trip and connect with other like-minded hopsters.

6-bed shared room

From $20 per person

Private room

Traveling as a couple or group? Or do you just want your own room for the tour? Select a private room with bathroom when booking to add that little bit of privacy to your trip.

Double/twin, Triple and Quadruple rooms available

From $67 per room

Info About Our Luxury Buses

Ecuador hop – #1 bus company in ecuador.

As well as an unbeatable safety record, Ecuador Hop is also famous for its punctuality and comfort. In South America, where things often run later than scheduled, we are very proud to say we achieve a 98.5% on-time arrival for each trip.

If comparing Ecuador Hop to other bus companies, make sure you check their safety record, past accidents, as well as their Tripadvisor page (if they even bother to have one) as often you will find there is a reason why some bus companies have “cheaper” prices than Ecuador Hop.

Features Of Our Buses

Short Distance Buses

• Modern bus models: We use only up-to-date, well-maintained and high-quality buses to ensure top safety standards and comfort (this is not always a guarantee in Ecuador).
• Climate control: We make sure the temperature is comfortable for everyone on board.
• Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality buses will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
• GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
• USB ports available: Charge your mobile phone or tablet on board the bus!

Bus Safety Controls

• Large team of drivers: Our drivers are not overworked/tired as is often the case on other buses.
• Tour guide onboard: Our tour guide does regular checks on the drivers.
• Seatbelts: We have a seatbelt for every passenger and ask our passengers to wear them at all times.
• 24 hour GPS monitoring: Every bus is monitored from a secure point via GPS…we always know where the bus is and if it is taking any unscheduled stops.
• Constant contact: The drivers and the guide communicate continuously by telephone with the Ecuador Hop office.
• No tight deadlines: Our drivers are under NO pressure to arrive at a certain time, no need for increased speed or unnecessary risks.

Climb Cotopaxi

IMPORTANT NOTICE: COTOPAXI IS NOW OPEN FOR CLIMBING SINCE FEBRUARY 2024

Ask us about the alternatives to this package, Chimborazo is still open for Mountaineering, find out more here

Cotopaxi Volcano expedition. This is the second-highest mountain in Ecuador and its 5,897m (19,347ft) summit makes it one of the largest active volcanoes in the world.

This expedition is also the most popular climb in Ecuador because of its stunning views of the crater at the summit and because backpackers with no mountain climbing experience can attempt the climb.

We regret to inform you that Cotopaxi National Park is closed until further notice because of recent volcanic activity.

Is Cotopaxi Open for Climbing?

For safety reasons, there is a maximum of two people per mountain guide by law. If you are climbing solo it will be only yourself and the ASEGUIM certified  mountain guide.

How much does it cost to climb Cotopaxi?

• If Alone $560 – 1 climber /  1 guide
• If 2 people $325 – 2 climbers / 1 Guide

How long does it take to climb Cotopaxi? – Climb Starts from the Jose Rivas mountain refuge, at midnight, we need at least 4 days in order to make all the paperwork and reservations effective in order to book, the actual climb takes 2 days time, and the attack to the summit 7 hours, we start from 4860 m.

Routes to summit Cotopaxi:

Cotopaxi is a none technical climb, however by law you can only reach its peak with the help of a certified Mountain Guide.

there are 2 main routes from Jose Rivas refuge, the Yanasacha route, and the Heart breaker, these routes are chosen by the guides the day of the climb, as they measure the best and safest way to reach the summit.

Training for Cotopaxi:

Cotopaxi is a reachable 5900 m Climb, your chances to reach the summit, can be enhanced if you take this tips into mind .

If you are at sea level training on long runs or walks will give you the endurance you need to reach the summit to the crater successfully.

• Climb Cotopaxi Acclimatization:

Are you traveling alone and looking for companions to Climb Cotopaxi? Check out our available dates and open tours here

Training for Chimborazo. 

Climbing Cotopaxi and Chimborazo takes about 5-6 days, definitely climbing Cotopaxi will allow the climber to be well prepared for Chimborazo´s summit – at 6310 m.

Pricing for Cotopaxi and Chimborazo 6 day package

• $1175 if there are 2 climbers
• $1450 solo private climb

Climb Cotopaxi on a budget.

If you are looking for the $180 deal shown in the “lonely planet” guidebook, be aware that these rates are outdated by 15 years.

High regulations to the tour operators and mountain guides as well as the county economy have pushed costs a lot higher, the best option we have for a budget traveler is to join one of our existing groups and dates, and maximize the sharing costs of the trip, such as transportation and guides, which is what costs the most, also having a climbing partner can bring down the cost to less than $280 per person if you are traveling alone? and if you are you looking for Companions to share costs, you can join one of our existing groups, and save some cash, more info here

Would you like to know more?

Please send us an email: 

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• Accomodation

Expedition starts on request with 1 or 2 climbers

• ALL Equipment: snow boots, crampons, ice axe, etc
• Climbing Insurance
• Warm clothing suitable for climbing the mountain
• Transportation to and from Mount Chimborazo
• Entrance permits to the Chimborazo National Park
• Accommodation in the Refugio (Base Camp)
• Dinner in the Refugio before the climb
• Snacks and Drinks during the climbAll breakfasts, lunches and dinners & dining
• Travel insurance and other emergencies.
• Extra snacks and water
• small back pack to carry snacks to the summit

Pick up and transfer from Riobamba or Latacunga Gear check Entrance ad registration in Cotopaxi National park Jose Rivas refuge – Dinner at 5 pm midnight start Climb

Summit by 6-8 am – Return to Refuge Breakfast Transfer out to Latacunga or Riobamba

• The CS Ecuador Climbing Experience™
• The CS Ecuador Climbing School™
• The CS Ecuador Express Climbs™
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Mountain climbing tours in Ecuador

CLIMB COTOPAXI SUMMIT

The 11-Day Andes Experience

Cotopaxi Glacier School

What our customers are saying.

Very good experience overall with a very professional and experienced guide. I’m not going to lie: it’s a hard hike and the way down is pretty intense as well but this is all part of the experience. I recommend it […]

Definitely one of the best experiences of my life. Both the acclimatization process in the Pasochoa, Corazón and Iliniza Norte volcanoes, as well as the rest days in the Quilotoa Lagoon and in Baños with special treatment at Don Fernando’s […]

Our experience with Cotopaxi Summit was amazing. We (my 16 yo son and I) spent a week with Fernando as our guide and did 3 acclimatization hikes and a successful Cotopaxi climb. Communication was easy, and the trip was planned […]

WHY TRAVEL WITH US

Choosing to travel with Cotopaxi Summit means you choose a one-of-a-kind mountaineering experience. Our focus is to provide our clients with a safe and exciting trip.

Travel responsibly

Cotopaxi Summit is founded by Andean born mountaineers and works exclusively with local guides.

Travel safely

All our guides are ASEGUIM/UIAGM/IFMGA certified and we only use the best gear.

Travel exclusively

We offer unique & authentic experiences, that can be tailored to your wishes.

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