Holiday in Cotopaxi
National park in Ecuador — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇨
Country
Ecuador
Type
National park
Best time to travel
June to September and December to January
Budget/day
70-120€: Hacienda, guided tours, mountain biking
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Quito (about 13-15h with a layover), then bus or transfer to Latacunga (2h) or directly to the park
Deals for Cotopaxi:
What makes Cotopaxi special as a destination?
Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world at 5,897 meters and the landmark of Ecuador. The national park of the same name on the high plateau of the Avenida de los Volcanes offers a surreal landscape of Páramo grassland, wild horses, and snow-capped peaks. Climbers can ascend to the José Ribas refuge at 4,864 meters or conquer the summit with a guide. Around the park, Haciendas, mountain biking trails, and the crystal-clear crater lake Laguna de Limpiopungo beckon.
What are the top highlights in Cotopaxi?
The top highlights in Cotopaxi include Ascent to the Refuge, Laguna de Limpiopungo, Mountain Bike Descent, Summit Climb.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Ascent to the Refuge
Hike to the Refugio José Ribas at 4,864m — breathtaking in every sense, with views of the glacier.
Laguna de Limpiopungo
Quiet crater lake at 3,800m with wild horses and Cotopaxi as a perfect backdrop.
Mountain Bike Descent
Fast descent from 4,500m through volcanic landscape and Páramo down to the valley.
Summit Climb
Challenging high-altitude tour starting at midnight over the glacier to the crater rim — for experienced climbers with a guide.
Hotels in Cotopaxi
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Reise-SIM für Cotopaxi
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Cotopaxi?
The best time to visit Cotopaxi is June to September and December to January. Cool and dry, 5-15°C at park altitude, sunny In winter: Cool and humid, 5-12°C, clouds at the summit often
Recommended travel time
June to September and December to January
Summer
Cool and dry, 5-15°C at park altitude, sunny
Winter
Cool and humid, 5-12°C, clouds at the summit often
How much does a holiday in Cotopaxi cost?
Budget travellers: 25-40€: Hostel in Latacunga, hiking independently, local buses/day, mid-range: 70-120€: Hacienda, guided tours, mountain biking/day, luxury: 200€+: Luxury hacienda, private summit tour with equipment/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25-40€: Hostel in Latacunga, hiking independently, local buses
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
70-120€: Hacienda, guided tours, mountain biking
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200€+: Luxury hacienda, private summit tour with equipment
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Cotopaxi?
Flight to Quito (about 13-15h with a layover), then bus or transfer to Latacunga (2h) or directly to the park
Book a package holiday to Cotopaxi
Compare thousands of package holidays to Cotopaxi and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Cotopaxi?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Plan at least 2 days of acclimatization in Quito (2,800m) before Cotopaxi
The park entrance opens at 8 AM — arrive early for clear views
Warm clothing in layers is essential — it can be -15°C at the summit
The summit tour requires crampon experience and costs from 150€ with a guide
What should you eat in Cotopaxi?
Typical specialities in Cotopaxi: Locro de Papa — Creamy potato soup with avocado and cheese, perfect after the descent, Llapingachos — Fried potato cakes with peanut sauce, Hornado — Whole roasted piglet, typical of the Sierra, Canelazo — Hot drink made from Naranjilla, cinnamon, and Aguardiente to combat the cold.
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Cotopaxi?
Plan your Cotopaxi holiday now with our free tools.
