Local Tours — Cuscungo Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi National Park

Hiking day tour

A high-altitude adventure through volcanic landscapes, Andean wildlife and local history.

Duration: 5–6 hours
Highest point: 5,000 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best season: All year

Route & highlights

01José Rivas Base CampHike · 1 hour

Ascend to approximately 4,860 metres and experience the high-altitude landscape below the glacier.

02Glacier viewpointHike · 1 hour

Continue towards 5,000 metres for views across Cotopaxi’s glacial terrain, subject to conditions.

03Limpiopungo LagoonHike · 1 hour

Walk beside the high-Andean lagoon with opportunities for photography and bird watching.

04Mariscal Sucre MuseumCulture & history

Visit the museum and learn more about the history connected to the region.

05Nature observationFlexible stop

Time for photography, nature hiking and observation of Andean wildlife.

Quilotoa Lagoon

Quilotoa day trip

Volcanic scenery, indigenous culture, colourful art and unforgettable Andean viewpoints.

Duration: 8–9 hours
Hiking: 2–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Best season: All year

Route & highlights

01Tigua painters’ villageArt & culture

Meet the region’s distinctive painting tradition and see colourful local artwork.

02Zumbahua villageSaturday market

Visit the indigenous village and, on Saturdays, experience its traditional market.

03Toachi CanyonViewpoint

Pause at the canyon for dramatic views and photographs of the Andean landscape.

04Quilotoa LagoonHike · 2–4 hours

Explore the volcanic crater lagoon on foot, with hiking time adapted to the group.

05Local handicraftsFree time

Enjoy time for photography and browsing locally made crafts before returning.

Central Valley of Ecuador

Three-day adventure

Horseback riding, Quilotoa hiking, and a complete hiking-and-biking day inside Cotopaxi National Park.

Duration: 3 days
Group size: 2–3 people
Stay: 2 nights
Transport: Private 4×4

Three-day itinerary

01Horseback riding in the páramoStarts · 10:00

Ride through the high-Andean páramo for two or three hours. Traditional El Chagra clothing—the dress of Ecuadorian cowboys and cowgirls—is provided.

02Quilotoa crater lakeHike · 3 hours

Hike down toward the green lagoon inside the prehistoric crater, photograph Toachi Canyon and meet local indigenous communities. On Saturdays, the route can include Zumbahua’s colourful market.

03Cotopaxi hiking & biking07:30–14:30

After breakfast, travel to Cotopaxi National Park. Hike from the 4,400-metre parking area to José Rivas Base Camp at 4,860 metres, then bike downhill toward Limpiopungo Lagoon before lunch.

+Additional transfersOptional

Reference prices published by Cuscungo: Quito Airport one way $75; Baños one way $100; add $60 for two-way transportation.

Explore the Ecuadorian Andes.

Hiking day tour

Quilotoa day trip

Three-day adventure

Talk to the Cuscungo team.