Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park
4.5
About
Named for the highest active volcano in the world (5,897 meters), this national park is dedicated to protecting llama and other animals such as bears, wolves, puma and deer.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Cotopaxi National Park
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
1 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
661 reviews
Excellent
467
Very good
149
Average
25
Poor
6
Terrible
14
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
virginiaLB
Elliniko, Greece22 contributions
Nov 2020
I don’t recommend visiting the park during Covid- I don’t know what it’s like prior to covid. The rules are inconsistent and the Park Rangers make it very difficult for tourist. The first problem, they would not let us into the park with our own taxi, even though we had a letter from our lodge saying we were staying in the park. We had to change to one of their drivers and were charged an unreasonable amount for the ride. Second problem, we were in a car arranged with our lodge to explore the park when a ranger stopped us again. He would not let our driver take us anywhere, he forced us to turn around even though two tourist were already in the car during a pandemic where tourism is dead in this country. Our lodge knew nothing of this nor did we read anything about this online. The ranger also informed us we could not even hike around on our own through the endless marked trails, even though there was a bike race of 20+ bikers entering the park in their own cars and biking. The bottom line is the park is running a monopoly and making it very difficult for tourist to enjoy on their own and nothing is listed online with the rules. It is an inconsistent mess. The lodge is amazing, and it’s no fault of theres.
Written 20 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astrid W
Bogota, Colombia134 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
What a beautiful and quiet place. It’s about 1.5 hours away from Quito. You hace to pay and register at the entrance and you need to drive for a while before reaching a lake and even longer before getting to the Refugio which is the highest spot they’ll let you get in when the volcano is active. It can be cold, so wear a jacket and some more. The views are awesome, nature is great here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see the volcano quite clearly.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boots1967
Lexington, KY45 contributions
Jul 2021
We hired a driver/tour guide to take us between Quito and Banos and he arranged for a Naturalist so that my husband could walk to the refuge (I sustained a knee injury in Banos and had to stay in the car, unfortunately). You can't enter the park without a naturalist. The area driving into the park is beautiful - mountains, flowers, interesting terrain. We saw two foxes and a hawk. The photos from my husband's walk were phenomenal and some of the best from our vacation. We were lucky and got to see the top of Cotopaxi the day we were there.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
galadiel67
Chiavari, Italy3,080 contributions
Jul 2023
We arrived at the park on a bus from Quito to Latacunga. Left on the road, we reached the overpass where the park guides' off-road vehicles are located. We hired our guide who, for 50 Dollars (3 pax), accompanied us throughout the long visit to the park. He tells us that the pueblito, the gateway to Cotopaxi, where he was born, now has much less water because the large American forestry company that has purchased a vast area between the town and the park, uses it for the cultivation of two different pine species. but the company also provides jobs and therefore...
The visit starts from the refuge - ticket office, where coca "reinforcements" are also sold for those who, like us, want to reach the 4,800 m of the Carlos Rivas refuge, continues through the park gates. The first stop is the Limpiolungo lagoon and then you get to the car park where the path to Carlos Rivas starts and where the guides stop waiting for customers.
The climb, short but very tiring due to the altitude, takes place on the black and gray debris of the Cotopaxi volcano, the warrior of the pantheon of primitive Ecuadorians. During the walk the weather changed at least 4 times: first cloudy, then it snowed, then we enjoyed a glimpse of sunshine, then it rained... In any case it was really cold.
The arrival at the refuge is, for a normal tourist, an epic moment! Chocolate bread is a well-deserved award.
Returning to the car park, the visit continues with a stop at the visitor center near the botanical garden. The visitor centre, with signs and educational displays, is truly interesting and fun.
The hours pass quickly, captured by that unique, barren and powerful environment.
On the way back the Cotopaxi greeted us: a beautiful rainbow accompanied us towards the exit and grateful greetings to our guide.
The visit starts from the refuge - ticket office, where coca "reinforcements" are also sold for those who, like us, want to reach the 4,800 m of the Carlos Rivas refuge, continues through the park gates. The first stop is the Limpiolungo lagoon and then you get to the car park where the path to Carlos Rivas starts and where the guides stop waiting for customers.
The climb, short but very tiring due to the altitude, takes place on the black and gray debris of the Cotopaxi volcano, the warrior of the pantheon of primitive Ecuadorians. During the walk the weather changed at least 4 times: first cloudy, then it snowed, then we enjoyed a glimpse of sunshine, then it rained... In any case it was really cold.
The arrival at the refuge is, for a normal tourist, an epic moment! Chocolate bread is a well-deserved award.
Returning to the car park, the visit continues with a stop at the visitor center near the botanical garden. The visitor centre, with signs and educational displays, is truly interesting and fun.
The hours pass quickly, captured by that unique, barren and powerful environment.
On the way back the Cotopaxi greeted us: a beautiful rainbow accompanied us towards the exit and grateful greetings to our guide.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samburux
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We had a challenging yet exhilarating hike up Cotopaxi volcano. Our guide Giovanny Tapia from Happy Gringo was fabulous as was our local Indigenous guide who I know by his Spanish name - Segundo. Segundo guided my husband and two teenagers up the windy path, while Giovanny kept a slower pace with me. The views were second to none. We all reached our goal to get to the refuge- hiking from the parking lot at about 4,600 meters to the refuge at about 4,865 meters. My oldest son and husband went on with Segundo to the glacier at about 5,000 meters while my younger son and I descended with Giovanny. This was an amazing experience! Thank you Giovanny and Seguno!
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricio L
1 contribution
Dec 2022
The place is very beautiful, and the Cotopaxi looks incredible. It was a great experience to go. The only bad thing is that you need to walk to get to the top, and that leaves you exhausted.
If you want to go to Cotopaxi I recommend you go with warm clothes and with boots because the ground is slippery.
If you want to go to Cotopaxi I recommend you go with warm clothes and with boots because the ground is slippery.
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarAway798605
Mumbai, India21 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Nice but overrated. It is a long way from Quito and when we reached Cotopaxi was clothed in clouds and we could see little. The clouds did part and the mountain is indeed a marvellous sight. We met a local whowas amazingly knowledgeable about the herbs and plants. If you can manage the time and permits I presume the trek up the volcano will be wellworth the effort. However beware, food and refreshments are limited.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric Z
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Cotopaxi National Park is an impressive natural wonder located in Ecuador.
Cotopaxi National Park is one of the highest volcanoes in the world.
The park is home to a wide range of ecosystems including high altitude grasslands, forests and wildlife such as Andean condors and llamas.
My recommendations for visiting the park would be to drink plenty of water and take it easy as the weather in the park can be unpredictable with heavy rains, hail and strong winds. I recommend wearing waterproof clothing.
In short, Cotopaxi National Park is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
Cotopaxi National Park is one of the highest volcanoes in the world.
The park is home to a wide range of ecosystems including high altitude grasslands, forests and wildlife such as Andean condors and llamas.
My recommendations for visiting the park would be to drink plenty of water and take it easy as the weather in the park can be unpredictable with heavy rains, hail and strong winds. I recommend wearing waterproof clothing.
In short, Cotopaxi National Park is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
giovannaBorneo
Lugano, Switzerland818 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Cotopaxi volcano of 5,872 m high, is the second highest mountain in Ecuador after the 6310 m of Chimborazo and is one of the most famous attractions of Ecuador, is located in the Sierra region, not far from Quito, is also one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Andes. If you have time do this excursion you will not regret it, between the famous Cotopaxy, the Limpiopungo lagoon and the 3 peaks of the Ruminahui volcano the landscape is really beautiful.
You arrive by car at about 4000m and with a little luck you can see it free from the clouds, it happens to see wild horses, cows, foxes and quiet deer grazing. When we were there there there was a cold wind and several clouds, we were able to see for a few minutes free its perfect snowy cone, beautiful. If you are prepared and in good physical shape you can tackle the climb to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m. and climb it with guides. Otherwise settle for a tour of the Limpiopungo Lagoon
You arrive by car at about 4000m and with a little luck you can see it free from the clouds, it happens to see wild horses, cows, foxes and quiet deer grazing. When we were there there there was a cold wind and several clouds, we were able to see for a few minutes free its perfect snowy cone, beautiful. If you are prepared and in good physical shape you can tackle the climb to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m. and climb it with guides. Otherwise settle for a tour of the Limpiopungo Lagoon
Automatically translated
Written 8 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kzoojarjar
Kalamazoo, MI24 contributions
Dec 2021
Don't go with a dog. We were told that we could not come in because we brought our dog. They was a shady person renting dog cages so small that the dogs could not move. There were three other cars with dogs that had the same problem. Why have a huge national park and not let dogs in? I tried to tie my dog up on a tree ( I brought its bed and had lots of water and food, but was told that my dog was going to hurt the tree. No real attempt to help. No empathy for the fact I just drove over an hour from my house to get there. As normal in Ecuador there was really bad customer service.
Written 27 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose j
Quito, Ecuador
Buenas noches quisiera saber si puedo ingresar al parque Cotopaxi con moto.
Written 17 August 2020
Marina Timofeeva
Moscow, Russia
Hello! How much is the entrance to the national park of Cotopaxi. Is it possible to stand there in tents? And on which site can you learn the rules of conduct in it? Thanks.
Written 20 January 2020
Marina Timofeeva
Moscow, Russia
Hello! How much is the entrance to the national park of Cotopaxi. Is it possible to stand there in tents? And on which site can you learn the rules of conduct in it? Thanks.
Written 20 January 2020
Hola buenas. Quiero saber si hay un lugar para dejar una mochila grande el la base de Cotopaxi (lo más pronto posible desde bajando el bus de Quito en el desvío para la montaña)? Igual, es verdad que extranjeros tienen que ir acompañado con guía? Gracias por su ayuda.
Written 14 January 2020
Hey, we are planning to back pack with my boyfriend to Ecuador does any one know if we can get the the cotopaxi by Uber? Or does it have to be a tour? And do you buy the tour in any hotel in Quito?
Written 29 November 2019
One option to consider is a company called Wanderbus Ecuador. They do a circle around the country hitting all the likely tourist spots. It is a Hop On Hop Off set up and we went right to the gate at Cotopaxi. You could hop off there for as long as you wanted to hike, then hop back on to see more of the country or maybe go back to Quito. In comparison to hiring a car and driver, this may be a more economical plan.
Written 29 November 2019
Hi!
What is the estimated time to hike to refugee, enjoy the view and hike back to the car?
Kind regards
Written 27 April 2019
Hi There! It depends on how well you acclimatized to the altitude and your overall stamina. 1 hour perhaps. Beware of altitude sickness specially if you just arrived from sea level. Good on you for wanting to do it, it's absolutely worth it!
Written 30 April 2019
Hola. quiero ascender al los volcanes cotopaxi y Chimborazo, según leo el mejor tiempo es entre noviembre y diciembre, pero por algunas cuestiones yo no puedo viajar en esa fecha, por lo que quisiera saber si es buena idea intentar ascenderlos en el mes de julio y si existe algún riesgo al hacerlo. Gracias por sus respuestas.
Written 20 November 2018
I am planning a trip to Ecuador with my husband. I am wanting to summit Cotopaxi as part of our itinerary.
Since we are going to be going to other places, I don’t want to be toting around all the winter clothes that will be needed to summit.
Is there somewhere where we could rent coats, pants, gloves, etc. in addition to the technical gear - boots, crampons, etc.
Thanks!
Written 4 November 2018
Hallo,
Is het mogelijk om in het Cotopaxi park met de huurwagen rond te rijden?
Alvast bedankt voor de reacties.
Mvg Sammy,
Written 27 June 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 47
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing