Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon Hike from Quito
Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon Hike from Quito
Let’s cut to the chase here: if you’re ever in Quito and you don’t take a day trip out to Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon, you’re sort of missing the boat. This is one of those rare combos that gives you snow-capped volcano drama and a neon-blue crater lake all in the same glorious day. Lace up those hiking boots, charge your phone for photos, and get ready to say “Whoa” at least twelve times.
First Stop: Cotopaxi, the Volcano That Thinks It’s a Supermodel
You will leave Quito early in the morning, likely right as the city is just starting to wake up, and before you know it, you’re rolling through the high-altitude Andean landscapes that seem as though they were designed for a fantasy movie And then—wham!—Cotopaxi appears.
Standing 5,897 meters (19,347 ft) high, Cotopaxi is a leading active volcano in the world. And goodness gracious, it loves being center stage. On clear days, it looms like a snowy guardian over the plains. Your guide might take you up to the Jose Rivas Refuge, around 4,800 meters—which is high enough to make your lungs question their life choices. But hey, the views? So worth it.
If you’re lucky, you can spot some feral horses, foxes, or even the elusive Andean condor. It’s such a South American safari… minus the warmth.
Road Trip Vibes and Mountain Switchbacks
After Cotopaxi, it’s time to roll on to Quilotoa, and trust me, this isn’t just some boring shuttle ride. You’ll wind through charming villages, pass llamas just casually hanging out like it’s no big deal, and maybe even stop at a local market where you can try fresh cheese or buy an alpaca sweater you’ll definitely wear once and love forever.
Quilotoa: A Lagoon with Main Character Energy
Now comes the star of the show: Quilotoa Lagoon. This jaw-dropping, turquoise-blue crater lake sits inside a collapsed volcano at 3,914 meters (12,841 ft). Scientists call it a caldera; you’ll call it straight-up magic.
You can hike down to the lagoon’s edge—about a 30-minute zigzag descent—and if you’re feeling fancy, rent a kayak or just sit there trying to process how real this place is. The hike back up? Let’s just say it earns you bragging rights and a huge appetite.
Need a plan B? You can hire a mule to do the heavy lifting (literally), and trust me, nobody will judge you.
A Day You’ll Talk About Forever
By the time you return to Quito at nightfall, you’ll be dusty, perhaps a bit sunburned, and flat-out buzzing with high-altitude elation. This isn’t sightseeing, and it isn’t hiking—it’s a whole-on choose-your-own-adventure day in the middle of the Andes.
Cotopaxi and Quilotoa in one day? Wild. But unforgettable. And yes, your Instagram is about to blow up.
Pro tip: Pack layers (it’s chilly up there), bring snacks (mountain hunger is real), and don’t forget water—because nothing kills the vibe like altitude-induced dehydration. Now go hike it like you mean it!
