3-Day Cotopaxi National Park Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Cotopaxi National Park tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCotopaxi National Park travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Quito Itinerary, incl. Historic Center and Middle of the World

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Quito & Gentle Acclimation

    Your airport transfer will take 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Since Quito's thin air can be challenging, spend the afternoon resting or walking slowly around La Mariscal neighborhood. Stop by the cafes in La Floresta to sample Ecuadorian coffee while you adjust. A helpful tip: Most hotels offer coca tea which can ease altitude symptoms.

    
  • Day 2

    Middle of the World & Pululahua Crater

    Get to the Equatorial Monument when it opens at 9AM to avoid crowds and heat. The drive takes about 30 minutes from central Quito and offers interesting views along the way. Bring a raw egg to try the famous balancing trick on the equator line. After seeing the Ethnographic Museum, take a quick 15-minute drive to see Pululahua Crater. Visit before noon since clouds often block the view of this unique inhabited volcanic crater later in the day.

    
  • Day 3

    Old Town & Departure

    If your flight schedule allows, spend your final morning in Quito's UNESCO-listed historic center. San Francisco Church opens at 7AM and visiting early lets you see local worshippers before tourist groups arrive. Plan to leave for the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. Quito traffic can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours (7-9AM and 4-7PM).

    

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• 3 Day Quito Itinerary, incl. Old Town and Middle of the World

  Your Cotopaxi adventure starts with arrival on Day 1, continues with cultural tours and equator visits on Day 2, and concludes after breakfast on Day 3, with options to extend your stay for volcanic excursions.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Acclimatization in Quito

    Your journey begins at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport about 45 minutes from the city center. Quito sits at 9,350 feet so take it easy on your first day to adjust to the altitude. Stay hydrated and skip alcohol for now. Book your stay in either the historic center or La Mariscal district. Both areas offer convenient access to restaurants and attractions. A helpful tip: Request a lower floor room since climbing stairs can be tough while adjusting to the altitude.

    
  • Day 2

    UNESCO Heritage Sites & Equator Experiences

    Start your morning in Quito's Old Town UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit La Compañía church when it opens at 9:30 AM to see South America's most impressive baroque architecture with its interior covered in 7 tons of gold leaf. Next stop is the Church of San Francisco, the oldest colonial church in Quito. In the afternoon head to the Intiñan Museum at the equator line. You can try interesting experiments like balancing eggs on nails and watching water drain differently across hemispheres. Be sure to wear sunscreen. The equatorial sun is strong at this altitude even on cloudy days.

    
  • Day 3

    Departure or Optional Extensions

    If your departure time allows take an early morning walk through local markets. Looking to explore more? Popular day trips from Quito include the Otavalo Market ($70-100) Cotopaxi Volcano or the Mindo Cloud Forest. Planning to visit the Galapagos? Most flights leave in the morning so plan accordingly.

    

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• 3 Days Cotopaxi Volcano Trek, incl. Quito and Cotopaxi National Park

  

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  • Day 1

    Quito to Chilcapamba Lodge (3,487m)

    Your adventure starts with an early morning drive from Quito to the trailhead at 3,000m elevation. Make sure to pack warm layers since morning temperatures in the Andes can be near freezing. The moderate uphill trek takes you past traditional Andean houses before entering the valley between Sincholagua and Pasochoa peaks. You'll walk alongside the Pita River with its impressive waterfalls cutting through native Andean forest. Plan to reach Chilcapamba Lodge before the 6pm sunset to properly adjust to the altitude.

    
  • Day 2

    Chilcapamba to Tambopaxi Lodge (3,700m)

    Start your day with breakfast before a 20-minute drive east to Pita River Canyon. Today's 5-6 hour trek begins here. The path takes you through Andean forest and along the river where you can spot ancient lava flows from previous Cotopaxi eruptions. The landscape becomes increasingly volcanic as you get closer to Tambopaxi Lodge. Hiking poles are a must for navigating the loose volcanic terrain. At 3,700m elevation remember to stay hydrated and try some coca tea to help with altitude adjustment.

    
  • Day 3

    Tambopaxi to Rumiñahui Base (4,000m) to Quito

    Your final 4-5 hour hike explores the base areas of Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui volcanoes. Get an early start to see the peaks in morning light and avoid afternoon cloud cover. The trail takes you past Limpiopungo Lake where you can spot Andean waterfowl and caracaras. Good waterproof boots are essential since the páramo ground can be wet even during dry season. The trek finishes at Rumiñahui's base at 4,000m before heading back to Quito where you'll arrive around 4pm.

    

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