Cotopaxi Trek Experience

On this day the groups will arrive at the Hosteria PapaGayo Cotopaxi (3,100m – 10,170 ft) which is located at Kilometer 26 (16 miles) of the Pan-American Highway south of Quito. From the Hosteria we will organize the food and required camping gear as well as the guides and transportation.

We start from 3,500 m (11,482 ft) in the Bowling Recreation Area. The route passes the mountain Zunfana (3,703 m – 12,148 ft) and ends at the Rumiñahui (4,000m – 13,123 ft). We will set the camp in a sandy arm, take a break and enjoy the view of the majestic volcano Rumiñahui. The walk will last 4 to 5 hours at a normal rate. Camping equipment and food will be organized by transport groups.

At daybreak, we will appreciate the beautiful sunrise, prepare breakfast and collect the camping equipment. Then we will continue on the path to the Cotopaxi National Park, through the Loma Gorda (4,286m – 14,061 ft) on the slopes of Rumiñahui. Then we start hiking downhill to Laguna Limpiopungo (3,800m – 12,467 ft). This tour lasts 4 to 5 hours. At the Lagoon of Limpiopungo, we will set up camp again. After a rest, you can go for a night walk around the lake where you can observe birds such as gulls, ducks, and other species.

After breakfast, we pack up the camp and baggage. Then we continue to the next trail that leads to the Inca ruins (Pukaras or military temples of the Incas). Following this trail, we will cross the Pampanada de Limpio (3,800m – 12,467 ft) in the Cotopaxi National Park. In these ruins – nowadays damaged by the passing of the years – we can see remainings of an Inca temple. In its time it provided strong protection against invaders from other places. The route will last 5 to 6 hours. Along the Inca ruins, the next camp will be set up to welcome the night accompanied by a cup of hot tea.

We prepare the luggage and continue the route to Laguna Santo Domingo. If it is a clear sunny day you can appreciate the Cotopaxi Volcano reflected in the waters of the lagoon. On the same route, you can see herds of wild horses and with some luck also the Andean condor. The duration of this tour is 5 hours at a normal pace. It ends when we get to the lagoon Santo Domingo, where a means of transport will be waiting for you to take you back to the Hosteria PapaGayo Cotopaxi.

Necessary Equipment not included

The rental of equipment should be confirmed in advance with your agent.

• All Gulliver cars come with advanced satellite tracking devices to control position and speed, or for extra safety in an unlikely case of an accident. Every car has full insurance. We always make sure to fulfill the highest security and safety standards for all our clients.

• You must have current travel insurance including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

• We put all our effort into organizing the tour, therefore cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours notice. A 50% refund will be given back. Cancellations will not be refunded with a shorter time notice.

• Please note tips for our guides are not included in the price.