Quilotoa & Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is one of the largest and most beautiful active volcanoes in the world due to its perfect conical shape. This colossus emerges from the eastern part of the Andes mountain range and is located just 60 km south east of Quito.

Touring the Cotopaxi National Park, we will visit the lagoon near the volcano, which offers a unique panoramic view of the entire place, and then ascend to the José Rivas refuge at 4,864 meters high (15,960 ft), which is very close to the snow that covers the volcano.

Upon descending we will continue with the exclusive visit of a traditional ranch where we will learn about the customs and traditions of the colonial era while enjoying the beautiful landscapes offered by the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Here we can also enjoy a traditional drink and lunch on the skirts of the Cotopaxi. (The cost of lunch is not included in the quote)

Additionally, we will be able to get to know the surroundings of the ranch with a wonderful horseback ride where we will observe first-hand the beauty of the Andean region and its flora and fauna. (The cost of the horseback ride is not included in the quote) 

We will aso cross the Andean valley surrounded by snow-capped and still active volcanoes, to discover the sacred lagoon of the Quilotoa crater.

This volcanic lake is located inside the crater formed thousands of years ago when the caldera collapsed. The beautiful turquoise color of the water is due to several different minerals that interact below the surface.

 We will then continue passing through the small Andean towns of Tigua and Zumbahua before reaching Quilotoa, one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador.