3-Day Cotopaxi National Park Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Cotopaxi National Park itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaCotopaxi National Park travel expert at TourRadar
- 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).
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.
- 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.
3 Day Ecuador Mountain Biking Itinerary, incl. Quito and Cotopaxi National Park
The majestic Cotopaxi reveals itself over three days, from its restored forests to high-altitude trails. Each day brings new natural wonders and landscapes, with nights spent in welcoming haciendas.
- Day 1
Quito to Hacienda El Porvenir
Leave Quito around 7 AM to beat the morning traffic on the Pan-American Highway. The drive south to Hacienda El Porvenir takes about 1.5 hours. You'll get fitted for your bike and go through a safety briefing before hitting the private hacienda trails at 3,600m elevation. Take it easy at first and drink plenty of water while you adjust to the altitude. The single-track trails through native restoration forests make a perfect introduction to the terrain. One rider shared: "Braved the wind and rain for a bike ride... Condors, ibis, caracara, peregrine falcons, and smiles all around."
- Day 2
Cotopaxi National Park to El Tambo
Get ready for the biggest ride of the trip: 42km at around 3,800m elevation. The morning usually starts near freezing but warms up significantly so pack your layers accordingly. You'll ride across Cotopaxi's eastern road and pass Inca ruins and high-altitude lakes. The best part is an exclusive 18km trail leading to El Tambo hacienda in the El Condor Bio-reserve. Make sure to use the knee and elbow protection provided especially on rocky sections. Your reward at the end of the day? A cozy fireplace and hot shower at the remote El Tambo lodge.
- Day 3
El Tambo to Quito
Start your final day with a challenging 20km uphill stretch from El Tambo. Once you reach El Encañonado the riding gets easier with mostly downhill sections along El Canal's water system. You'll get great views of the volcanoes and pass by Limpiopungo Lake before heading back to Hacienda El Porvenir. Plan for about 7 hours on the bike today. The trails can get muddy after rain so pack extra socks and riding clothes. The support vehicle follows along the whole time if you need a break. You'll usually get back to Quito around 5 PM.
