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
About Cotopaxi
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.
Top 4 highlights in Cotopaxi
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
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Cotopaxi
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Cotopaxi
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?
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
Book a package holiday to Cotopaxi
Compare thousands of package holidays to Cotopaxi and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now4 travel tips 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
Food & drink in Cotopaxi
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Cotopaxi?
Plan your Cotopaxi holiday now with our free tools.
