How Do You Visit Cotopaxi National Park From Quito?
There are five ways to visit Cotopaxi National Park from Quito and each one will benefit a different type of traveller.
🚍 How: Day tour, public bus, or rental car
⏱️ Travel time: 1.5–2 hours
💰 Cost: From $5 (bus) to $60–$100 (tours)
Most visitors opt for a guided tour for convenience but overnight stays are also a great way to experience the park.
Here’s a quick summary of all 5 ways:
| Cost | What's Included? | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Cotopaxi Tour From Quito |
$60-90 |
• Guided tour around Limpiopungo lagoon • Hike to Jose Ribas Shelter • Breakfast and lunch • Transport to and from Quito |
Full day (10 hours) |
|
2. Two Night Stay At Secret Garden Cotopaxi |
$95 (plus extra for any tours or alcohol) |
• Waterfall hike • Pasachoa hike • 3 meals and unlimited snacks/coffee/tea each day • Accommodation |
3 days/2 nights |
|
3. Self-Guided Trip from Quito |
$5 max for public transport to and from Quito $20-30 for a tour guide in the park or free if you hitchhike |
If you pay for a tour guide you will get taken to the lagoon and can complete the shelter trek |
10 hours or 1 day/1night if you decide to stay over |
|
4. Overnight Stay In A Lodge |
$60 for one night accommodation + extra for meals and tours |
• Breakfast • Accommodation |
2 days/1 night |
|
5. Rent a Car |
$50-100 depending on rental agency and insurance |
Self-guided so up to you! |
Just one full day or 2 days/1 night |
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1. How To Book A Paid Tour From Quito To Cotopaxi
- Cost: $60-90
- Timing: 7AM – 5PM
- Duration: 10 hours
One of the simplest ways to visit Cotopaxi National Park is with a paid tour. Whilst it’s a slightly more expensive option, it’s also a lot easier than trying to get there by yourself on public transport.
Tours will pick you up from your hotel or hostel in Quito or from a specific location in the city centre and on the way to Cotopaxi, there will be a brief stop somewhere for breakfast.
Once you reach the park, the first stop is a visit to the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Centre, where your guide will discuss the various aspects of the park such as its history, nature, and geology.
After that you will walk to Limpiopungo Lagoon, one of the most popular locations in the park sat on the slopes of the volcano. It’s here that you will get some of the best views of the volcano.
The tour below is highly rated on Get Your Guide and a reasonable price.
How Difficult Is The Cotopaxi Glacier Hike?
- Elevation: 4500m to 4800m
- Timing: 3-4 hours total (1-2 hours climbing up, 1 hour round trip to the glacier and a time to stop at the refuge)
Some guided tours will also include a hike to Cotopaxi Glacier.
The hike to Jose Ribas Shelter and the edge of the Cotopaxi glacier is short but tough, and in my opinion one of the best hikes in Ecuador.
You will start out driving towards Cotopaxi Volcano, winding your way up its slopes until you reach the parking area. The parking spot is at 4500m elevation and 300 meters down from the shelter.
From the parking spot, you will trek up to the shelter at 4800m. The incline is steep, and the path is loose gravel and rocks.
To hike should take anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on how fit you are.
2. How To Stay At Secret Garden Hostel Cotopaxi?
- Cost: $95 minimum (extra activities and alcohol cost extra)
- Duration: Three days, two nights minimum
Staying at Secret Garden Cotopaxi Hostel is one of the best ways of visiting Cotopaxi National Park, especially if you are a wanting to experience an amazing and unique stay and meet other travellers.
At Secret Garden you will have your every need met: transportation to the park, access to great tour services, and amazing accommodation all slap bang in the middle of Cotopaxi National Park. It’s one of the best hostels in Ecuador and probably South America.
Secret Garden is situated right in the middle of the national park, directly opposite Cotopaxi volcano.
Every day you will wake up to incredible views of the volcano and you get to see it at multiple points throughout the day from sunrise to sunset.
Read my full review of Cotopaxi Secret Garden to get a better idea of why this hostel is so great:
What's The Accommodation Like At Secret Garden Cotopaxi?
The hostel is beautiful. You may have come across one of the photos from the hostel on Instagram as it often goes viral. Honestly, every time we look back over our photos, we want to be back there sitting in the hammock watching clouds swirl around Cotopaxi’s snow-capped peak.
Check out their YouTube drone video for a tour of the grounds:
How Much Does It Cost To Stay At Secret Garden Cotopaxi?
All stays are offered as a package tour that includes all your food and two free treks.
The 3 days/2 nights in an 8-12 bed dorm costs $110 and includes:
- all food: breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well snacks and drinks (unlimited bananas, banana bread, tea, and coffee)
- a short 2-hour waterfall trek
- a full-day trek to the summit of Pasachoa mountain.
- transport from Quito on your first day
- transport to Machachi or back to Quito on your final day
Secret Garden also have private rooms. If you are a couple, then you have the option of staying in one of the more unique accommodation options such as the hobbit holes for $310 per couple or the hill house with a private bathroom and fireplace for $360 per couple.
Check out my full budget breakdown for travellers in Ecuador if you need more tips on saving money whilst travelling:
What Activities Are Offered At Secret Garden Cotopaxi?
On top of the amazing location and food, Secret Garden also run their own private tour company from the hostel so that you can pay extra for tours such as horse-riding or visiting Cotopaxi Glacier if you wish.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the free treks you receive with the package as well as the paid tours:
Waterfall Hike (Free)
This is a two-hour guided trek up through the beautiful cloud forest behind the hostel.
This is an easy trek and depending on the weather, you have the option of swimming in the refreshingly cold waterfall pools. A great way to start your stay at Secret Garden and to get to know the other travellers who have just arrived at the hostel.
Pasachoa Hike (Free)
Pasachoa is an extinct volcano sat in the fields behind the hostel.
The trek starts at the base of the cloud forest with around an hour spent climbing up a steep incline to get out of the forest. Once out of the forest, the trail flattens onto beautiful tall grasslands for an hour or so.
The last 30-45 minutes of this trek are the toughest but when you reach the top at 4200m, you won’t be disappointed with the panoramic views of the park. If it’s a clear day, you’ll get an incredible view of Cotopaxi volcano as well.
The trek is roughly a 4-5-hour return trip and includes a private guide from the hostel and lunch/snacks are provided.
Cotopaxi Glacier Hike ($35)
The is the exact same hike that I outlined in more detail above.
This is probably the cheapest glacier tour around and you can also pay an extra $5 to come back down on mountain bikes!
Other Paid Activities
Three extra activities are also run by the hostel that you can pay for:
- Horse-riding
- Ruminahui Trek
- Cotopaxi Summit
Or if you are feeling brave, they can also arrange the complete Cotopaxi summit tour which requires 2 days in total.
You can read their guides here for more information:
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Maeve & Martin – 6 Weeks In South America
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Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
3. How To Visit Cotopaxi National Park Self-Guided?
There are a couple of ways to do a self-guided visit to Cotopaxi National Park:
- Take public transport to Cotopaxi and then book a local tour guide outside the park
- Take public transport to Cotopaxi then hitchhike into the park
You also need to decide if you want to return to Quito on the same day or stay somewhere closer like Machachi or Latacunga.
Cotopaxi National Park is one of many reasons for visiting Ecuador. For more great reasons, check out the post below:
How Do I Get To Cotopaxi From Quito Self Guided?
To get from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park you need to take the local bus. Buses leave from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe in the south of the city.
The bus takes about 1.5 hours and costs around $2.
There isn’t a ‘Cotopaxi Park’ bus stop so you will have to ask the driver to stop on the Panamerica (E35) at the Cotopaxi junction (A la Ingressa del Parque Nacional Cotopaxi – map here).
From here you have two options: hitchhike into the park or book a local guide.
How Do I Book A Local Guide In Cotopaxi?
You can easily find local guides where you get dropped off. Most will be waiting there for customers anyway.
The going rate should be around $20. If they ask for anything over $30 then walk away or haggle them down.
The tour guide will have a 4×4 and they will take you into the park, most likely following the same itinerary as the paid tours with a trip to Limpiopungo Lagoon, and then the hike to Jose Ribas Shelter and Cotopaxi Glacier.
How Do I Hitchhike In Cotopaxi National Park?
If you decide to hitchhike instead then just start walking along the road towards the park with your thumb out.
This is a fun and free option if you get picked up quickly, but you may be waiting for a long time.
If you do find a ride, then it might not take you exactly where you want to go either so you may need to hitch multiple rides. However, it’s a great chance to meet some locals and practice your Spanish.
You can hitchhike to the lagoon and then to the car park so you can trek up to the glacier. Again, getting back might be difficult if you can’t get a ride, so that’s something to consider.
4. How To Book An Overnight Stay In Cotopaxi National Park?
The fourth way to visit Cotopaxi National Park is to book a stay at one of the beautiful lodges inside the park.
There are several to choose from, all catering to different traveller needs from budget to luxury accommodation.
If you are staying at one of the lodges, you will have to organise your own transport to them. The best option is to follow the guide above to get to Machachi or the Cotopaxi junction from Quito, and then book a taxi or 4×4 transport into the park.
This option is probably best for flashpackers and travellers who want to treat themselves a bit, especially if you feel like Secret Garden Hostel isn’t for you and you would prefer your own private double room more like a hotel.
However, this will also be the most expensive option with most rooms costing over $75 a night.
What Are The Best Places To Stay At In Cotopaxi National Park?
Hacienda El Porvenir
This lodge is located on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano and is an ideal spot to explore Cotopaxi Volcano and its surroundings.
El Porvenir is a working ranch that is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, conservation, and ecotourism. They offer private tours on their website, but they recommend booking in advance (up to 1 month) to be safe. Tours include exploring the park, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Prices for rooms can be anywhere between $100-200 depending on the time of year and demand.
Chilcabamba Lodge
Chilcabamba is a cosy and charming lodge.
Rooms are equipped with a wood-burning stove to keep you warm at night, along with cosy ponchos and thick duvets to keep off the mountain chill. They offer walks to the Pita River, trips into Cotopaxi National Park, and treks up Pasachoa and Rumiñahui.
Single rooms start from $66 a night, doubles from $81
Cuello De Luna
This mountain lodge offers standard and superior rooms with private bathrooms and fireplaces. They also offer a few dorm beds with shared facilities and camping and RV ground, so this is the best budget option on the list.
They serve tasty and delicious food with locally grown vegetables and regional products. And like the rest, they will arrange your trips in the park, including climbing, hiking, and trekking.
Rooms start from $60 a night.
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the hefty price tag!
Jerry & Maria – 5 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
5. How To Rent A Car And Drive To Cotopaxi National Park
Renting a car to visit Cotopaxi National Park is a convenient option for travelers seeking flexibility and adventure.
The drive from Quito to Cotopaxi takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, following the Pan-American Highway (E35) south.
Roads are generally in good condition, though the final stretch into the park can be rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle such as a 4×4, especially during rainy months.
Steps To Rent A Car In Quito
Choose a rental company: Reliable providers include Localiza, Avis, Budget, and Europcar. I use Discover Cars to find the best deals first.
Book in advance: For the best rates, book online ahead of time.
Pick a suitable vehicle: A 4×4 or SUV is recommended for Cotopaxi due to gravel roads inside the park.
Bring necessary documents: Your driver’s license (an international permit is often recommended), passport, and a credit card for the deposit.
Driving Directions to Cotopaxi From Quito
Take the E35 (Pan-American Highway) south from Quito.
Look for the Cotopaxi National Park entrance sign near Machachi.
From the main highway, it’s about 15-20 km on unpaved roads to the park’s control point.
Important Tips for Driving to Cotopaxi:
Fuel up in Quito or Machachi; there are no gas stations near the park.
Park entry fee: Free for visitors but you must register at the entrance.
The road to the Cotopaxi refuge and parking lot is steep — check weather conditions beforehand.
Cell service is limited inside the park, so download offline maps.
Cotopaxi National Park FAQs
How Far Is Cotopaxi From Quito?
Cotopaxi National Park is approximately 50 km (31 miles) away from Quito. The journey takes around an hour and a half on public transport.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Cotopaxi From Quito?
Visiting by yourself without a guide can cost as little as $30. Public transport there and back will cost a maximum of $4 and once you get to the park you can book a local guide for around $20.
Single-day tours from Quito to Cotopaxi cost between $60-90.
A two-night stay at Secret Garden Cotopaxi Hostel situated in the park costs $95 and includes your food and two free activities.
A stay at one of the other lodges in the park will be more expensive and can cost around $100 or more for a night stay without any tours or food included.
What Is The Biggest Attraction Of Cotopaxi National Park?
The biggest attraction in Cotopaxi National Park is Cotopaxi Volcano.
This huge strato-volcano is like something out of a picture book, with its perfect cone shape covered in a snow-capped peak swirling with clouds. Most tourists and backpackers come to see the volcano in all its glory and take photos. It can be especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset when it is lit up by the sun.
The second-biggest attraction is the park itself which is covered in beautiful Andean flora and fauna. The flowing long grass of the plains around the volcano is a beautiful yellow colour and you will see herds of wild llamas and alpacas everywhere.
There are also other natural sights like Limpiopungo Lagoon which is a perfect stop for pictures.
How High Is Cotopaxi National Park?
The summit of Cotopaxi volcano, which you can book a guided overnight trek to is 5897 m high.
Cotopaxi refuge and glacier, which is the highest point you can trek to without a guide is at 4800m.
The flatter parts of the Cotopaxi National Park where most of the lodges are located are around 3500m high.
Is It Worth Visiting Cotopaxi National Park?
You won’t regret visiting Cotopaxi National Park. It is one of the most popular attractions in Ecuador and well worth a visit, especially as it’s so close to Quito.
The flora and fauna of the park are beautiful and the panoramic views of all the mountains and volcanoes in the park are insane.
The best views are of Cotopaxi Volcano, and if it’s a clear day you will be able to see this perfectly cone-shaped snow-capped volcano in all its glory.
When's The Best Time To Visit Cotopaxi National Park?
The best time to visit Cotopaxi National Park is during the dry season from June to September, when skies are clearer and there’s less rain, offering the best views of the volcano.
The shoulder months of December to February can also be good, with occasional clear days. The rainy season runs from March to May and October to November, bringing cloudy conditions and muddy trails.
Best months: June to September
Avoid: March–May (rainiest)
Tip: Mornings are usually clearer than afternoons year-round.
Visiting Cotopaxi National Park From Banos Or Latacunga
If you are travelling through Ecuador in the opposite direction from South to North, then you also have a couple of options for visiting Cotopaxi National Park.
You can book a tour from Banos. Alternatively, you can stay a bit closer to the park in the town of Latacunga (usually where you end up after the Quilotoa Loop) and book a tour from there.
To see the best itineraries and routes for Ecuador, check out our two most popular Ecuador posts below:
Tips For Visiting Cotopaxi National Park
- Arrive as early as possible to hopefully see the volcano completely uncovered by clouds. It’s more likely to be cloudier and raining in the afternoon. If you are travelling to Cotopaxi from Quito, try to leave at around 7AM so you get into the park for around 10AM.
- If you can, stay in the park for a couple of days. This means you will get more chances to see the volcano if there is bad weather one day.
- One of the best activities is the trek to Jose Ribas Refuge. On the drive to the trail, you will get great views of Cotopaxi volcano and then once you reach 4800m you will have even better views of the park. If you only have time for one, then do this. Riding back down on mountain bikes is also super fun.
- If you haven’t completed any treks in Ecuador yet or if you have issues with altitude, then don’t attempt the climb. 4800m is incredibly high and you will get ill. Stay down in the park and enjoy the beauty of the volcano from there.
- Most of the park is above 3000m in elevation. Make sure you have spent a couple of days in Quito first to acclimatise to the altitude.
- The easiest, cheapest, and best way to see the park is with Secret Garden Cotopaxi. Do it!
- Pack layers. The park will get cold at night so make sure you have packed jumpers and a warm coat so you can still sit outside and watch the sunset.
- There’s no internet in the park. Log off your devices and enjoy being away from civilisation for a couple of days!
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the hefty price tag!
Jerry & Maria – 5 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
