Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Lagoon 2 Days 1 Night

Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Lagoon 2 Days 1 Night

Name: Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Lagoon 2 Days 1 Night
Address: Ecuador

Activities Nature & adventure Outdoor activities Outdoor sports Multi-day trips Tours Private tours Volcano tours National parks Jeep & 4WD tours Small group activities Hiking Photography tours

A tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa offers stunning landscapes: explore the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and the spectacular Quilotoa lagoon, with opportunities for hiking and photography.

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Highlights

Cotopaxi is one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world.
Quilotoa is a volcanic crater with a beautiful turquoise lagoon inside.
Both destinations are ideal for nature and adventure lovers.

Description

DAY 1: Quito – Cotopaxi – Limpiopungo Lagoon – Quilotoa – Kayaking Our tour begins at approximately 8:00 AM at the designated meeting point. We will head south along the Pan-American Highway to reach the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, surrounded by its National Park, home to abundant plant life, rich fauna, and Inca ruins. We will take a short walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, where we can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Next, we will proceed to Zumbahua, arriving at approximately 12:00 PM at the Toachi River Canyon. This canyon, about 40 meters (131 ft.) high with a 60-degree slope, was formed by pyroclastic flows from the Quilotoa volcano. The base of the canyon consists of pumice, lapilli, and volcanic bombs. These flows are estimated to be around 1800 years old. The Toachi River, the main hydrographic axis of the area, runs through the canyon's deep interior. At around 12:30 PM, we will arrive at Quilotoa Lagoon, located in the Zumbahua Parish, Pujilí Canton. It is one of the 15 most beautiful volcanic lakes in the world, known for its emerald green water, which varies in tone due to dissolved minerals. The water temperature is about 12 degrees Celsius (53,6 °F). We will check in at Hostal Runa Wasi, leave our luggage, and enjoy a delicious lunch. At approximately 2:30 PM, we will prepare to descend to the lagoon, a journey that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. At the lagoon, you will have the opportunity to go kayaking. The ascent back will take approximately 2 hours, or you can opt to rent a mule. Afterward, we can rest and enjoy a delicious dinner in the evening. Accommodation is provided. Included: accommodation at Hostal Runa Wasi (or similar) in a Standard Double Room, lunch, and dinner. Not included: breakfast. DAY 2: Quilotoa – Quito The next day, after a delicious breakfast, we will depart at 8:00 AM for a hike around Quilotoa Lagoon (approximately 6 hours, medium difficulty). The 2 km (1,243 miles) diameter lagoon is one of Ecuador's many jewels. While many tourists visit Quilotoa Lagoon, only a few hike around the crater rim, making it a perfect course for high-altitude cardiovascular training for those aiming to visit the top 10 volcanoes. After this activity, we will have lunch and then return to Quito at around 5:00 PM. Included: breakfast and lunch. Not included: dinner.

Includes

Comfortable transportation Certified English/Spanish-speaking guide Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee Toachi River Canyon entrance fee Quilotoa lagoon entrance fee Kayak 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches and 1 dinner Accommodation based on double occupancy, 1 night at RUNA WASI hostel (or similar) Trekking around Quilotoa lagoon