Tour Overview
The Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano situated in central-northwest Ecuador. It has an altitude of 5,897 m, making it the second highest volcano in the country and it is still active. It is located 50 km south of Quito and is part of the Andes mountain range. As the geographer and explorer Alexander von Humboldt famously said, ‘Cotopaxi Volcano is the most beautiful of all the huge mountains of the Andes‘. Being a conical shape, that is covered by a white glacier that shines with the sun, contrasting with the blue of the sky it is hard to disagree with von Humboldt! This itinerary allows the opportunity to do a 3-day hike in the center of the Ecuadorian Andes. Taking you through trails to discover the immense & beautiful landscapes, uncovering some of the most famous volcanoes in the country, such as Cotopaxi. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Quito City to Chilcapamba Lodge (3,487m)City to Chilcapamba Lodge (3,487m)
Location: Quito
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Leaving in the morning from Quito and driving to the starting point (3,000 m). You’ll enjoy a moderate uphill walk through casa de campo and by typical Andean houses.
The hike continues through the valley between Sicncholagua and Pasochoa Peaks, where you can admire some waterfalls and Andean Forest along the Pita River.
Then continuing on the road to Chilcapamba Lodge (3,487m). Overnight here at the lodge. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Chilcabamba Lodge to Tambopaxi Lodge (3,700m)
Location: Tambopaxi Lodge, Chilcabamba Lodge
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starting early in the morning and then driving towards the east to Pita River Canyon for about 20 min, where the hike begins, trekking for 5 to 6 hrs.
The first section is a nice Andean Forest and then on the border of Pita River, where you can appreciate the ancient lava flows from the last eruptions of Cotopaxi.
You’ll arrive at Tambopaxi Lodge by late afternoon. Overnight here.
Day 3 : Tambopaxi to Rumiñahui Base (4,000m) to Quito City
Location: Quito, Cotopaxi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our 4-5 hr hike starts in the morning. You’ll walk on the base of both mountains Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui.
You can observe the native flora of the highlands, and pass by Limpiopungo Lake where you’ll see some of the representative Andean fauna, especially birds. Return to Quito by late afternoon.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation included - x2 Night
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Fully Guided
Yes.
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Meals
Meals - Breakfast x2 - Lunch x3 - Dinner x2
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Transport
Transportation (Round Trip)
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Not Included.
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Insurance
Not Included.
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International Travel
Not Included.
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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What is the maximum group size?
20 People at max.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Medium to High.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For 3 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Always
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
This depends on the type of tour you've booked. If there is paperwork to be sent (i.e. domestic flights etc.) we will forward these to you ahead of time.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It can be possible in instances, a lot depends on the type of tour being run and it's accessibility
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We don't fund charities directly but we work with local communities where we can to support them and provide resources whenever possible. We utilise local resources with all of our trips so in that respect you are contributing to the local economy and the welfare of it's people.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Unu Raymi Expeditions; we’ll always keep our commitment to deliver the best customised experience created from your own personal & group requirements. We’ll provide as many available options for planning your ideal trip; operating & incorporating many off-the-beaten path experiences for your trip or expedition. Before your trip begins we’ll work with you to ensure you are fully prepared and ha
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you wold like to share facilities with someone this can be organised
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are working with the latest protocols issued by the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health) to ensure our operations are safe and compliant for the future. All hygiene standards that are being developed will be adhered to in compliance with state legislation and protocols.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We have the flexibility to alter trips as necessary if there are travel restrictions in place. For all other changes please refer to our terms and conditions.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
This will depend if you have booked a private or group tour
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Free Date Changes
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform unu raymi tour operator & lodges, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Unu Raymi Tour Operator & Lodges requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 44 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of unu raymi tour operator & lodges charges.
Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Cotopaxi Volcano Trek – 3 Days
3 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Tambopaxi Lodge, Chilcabamba Lodge, Cotopaxi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
Cotopaxi3
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
18-65
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten and Dairy Free.
