Visit the largest active volcano in the world!
Leaving Quito towards the south you cross the “Avenue of Volcanoes” and you arrive at the Cotopaxi National Park. Visit to the reserve and Lake Limpiopungo. For favorable climate, climbing the volcano to the glaciers. After a day in the mountains, a typical hot meal in a Hacienda in the region will please you. Afternoon, return to Quito.

The Cotopaxi National Park is a site that you cannot miss when visiting Ecuador, this pristine area is one of the most visited national parks in the country after the Galapagos. Dare and experience a unique adventure, like mountain biking down one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

Departure from Quito, early in the morning, and, after heading south for 1.5 hours, on the Pan-American Highway, we arrive at the entrance to the Cotopaxi National Park. We drive through the pine forest to arrive at the Park Museum. After visiting the museum, we will head to Lake Limpiopungo, at 3,800 m, where we will begin a hike around this magnificent lake, while observing birds.

We will mountain bike on dirt roads, through volcanic ash and tundras for approximately 30 km, to the North Gate of the Park. With any luck we might see a Condor or Caracara bird.
After lunch, we will continue the cycling adventure to end the trip on the outskirts of the national park.

HORSE RIDE IN THE COTOPAXI REGION – 1 DAY

Life in the Andean highlands can be fascinating and the cowboys, known as Chagras, of these regions play an important role in daily Andean life. They are in charge of livestock, among other tasks, in the Haciendas.

Ride and dress like a “Chagra”, cowboy, for a day, and ride your horse down the hills, and enjoy the spectacular views of the surroundings of Cotopaxi National Park. Departure from Quito, early in the morning, and enjoy a day of adventure in one of the most beautiful haciendas, “El Porvenir”, full of history and tradition. Guests can choose between riding around Cotopaxi for two hours or a full day. The horses we are going to use are called “criollos parameros”. They adapted to the harsh conditions of the Andean páramo, losing weight in the process, but gaining strength and endurance to endure the harsh environment.

Day 1: Visit to the Cotopaxi Volcano

In the morning we head south, through the “Avenue of Volcanoes” towards Cotopaxi National Park. We will visit the surrounding areas, called, “paramos” (Highlands). On arrival, we will visit the Limpiopungo valley. With favorable weather, we can spot the perfect cone shape of the volcano. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a local lunch at a nearby Colonial Hacienda, and afterward we will continue to Zumbahua, where Lake Quilotoa is located. Night in the region.

Day 2: Visit to Quilotoa Lake

After breakfast we will visit the lake “Quilotoa”, which is the most beautiful lakes in Ecuador. The 3 kilometers of the lake were formed by the collapse of its rock walls following an eruption around 800 years ago, and now it has become a wonderful lake. There, you have the choice of activities such as the descent on foot, 400 m below, to arrive at the foot of the lake (It is a little difficult, but it is worth it. You can rent donkeys, if you do not feel in shape to return to the starting point, at the very top of the mountain). It is also possible to rent kayaks on the lake, or simply relax on the edge of the volcano. In the afternoon, return to Quito.