Cotopaxi Volcano: Biking Small Group Full Day Tour

Exploring Cotopaxi Volcano offers an unforgettable adventure for moderately fit travelers. This small group tour from Quito takes participants on a thrilling hike and downhill mountain bike ride through Ecuador’s stunning landscapes. With breathtaking views, authentic meals, and 24/7 support, the experience promises an unforgettable day. But before embarking on this exhilarating journey, there are important details to consider.

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Key Points

This full-day tour from Quito combines hiking and downhill mountain biking on Cotopaxi Volcano, reaching up to 16,400 feet.
The tour is suitable for moderately fit travelers and includes breakfast, lunch, and transportation.
Participants can expect breathtaking views, a hike to the refuge at 15,780 feet, and an optional higher ascent depending on weather conditions.
Safety briefing and 24/7 assistance in multiple languages are provided, with the importance of proper acclimatization due to high altitudes emphasized.
Customer reviews highlight the tour’s organization, amazing landscapes, and praise for the meals, while also noting some issues with altitude sickness and bike maintenance.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The tour offers a full-day Cotopaxi hiking and biking adventure from Quito.

Travelers will drive along the scenic Route of the Volcanoes and hike to a refuge at 15,780 feet on Cotopaxi Volcano. Depending on weather, they may hike further to 16,400 feet.

After, participants can enjoy thrilling downhill mountain biking from the snowline. The tour is suitable for moderately fit travelers and includes breakfast and lunch.

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Tour Details and Logistics

According to the knowledge provided, the biking tour at Cotopaxi Volcano has 17 reviews with an average rating of 4.5.

The tour departs from Plaza Foch in La Mariscal, Quito, and can accommodate a maximum of 15 travelers, with a minimum of 4 guests required.

The Cotopaxi Volcano biking tour departs from Plaza Foch in La Mariscal, Quito, accommodating a maximum of 15 travelers with a minimum of 4 guests.

Transportation to and from the meeting point is included, and 24/7 assistance is available in Dutch, English, and Spanish.

The tour price starts from $126.00 per person and is non-refundable.

Participants must sign a document accepting responsibility for bicycle use during the tour.

What to Expect and Itinerary

The tour begins with a departure that includes breakfast at a local restaurant overlooking the Limpiopungo lagoon.

After fueling up, participants hike through Cotopaxi National Park, culminating at the refuge nestled at an elevation of 15,780 feet (4,810 meters).

Depending on weather conditions, there’s an optional hike to 16,400 feet (5,000 meters).

Next, participants receive a safety briefing before taking on the thrilling downhill mountain biking from the snowline.

The tour concludes with a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the original meeting point in Plaza Foch, Quito.

Important Information and Recommendations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants should bring warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, water, sunblock, and proper hiking shoes.

Acclimatization is crucial, as the tour visits high altitudes. Those with back problems or serious medical conditions should reconsider participation.

Acclimatization is crucial as the tour visits high altitudes. Those with health concerns should reconsider participation.

Lunch is served around 3 PM, so extra snacks are recommended. Participants must sign a document accepting responsibility for bicycle use.

While previous clients praised the breathtaking views and well-organized tours, some experienced altitude sickness, highlighting the importance of proper preparation.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

Positive reviews of the Cotopaxi biking tour highlight the breathtaking views and well-organized nature of the excursion.

Some travelers experienced altitude sickness, emphasizing the importance of proper acclimatization. Meals served during the tour received praise for their tastiness and authenticity.

While suggestions were made for improved safety measures and better bike maintenance, the tour is regarded as a fantastic adventure with amazing landscapes.

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Getting to Cotopaxi National Park

How does one reach Cotopaxi National Park from Quito, the starting point for the biking tour?

The tour begins with pickup from a central meeting point in Quito’s La Mariscal neighborhood. From there, it’s a scenic 90-minute drive along the Route of the Volcanoes to the park entrance.

The tour starts with a pickup from a central point in Quito’s La Mariscal, followed by a scenic 90-minute drive to the Cotopaxi National Park entrance along the Route of the Volcanoes.

Along the way, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of the Andes mountain range and its snow-capped peaks.

Once at the park, the group gears up and begins their hike towards the Cotopaxi refuge, located at an elevation of 15,780 feet.

The trek offers a chance to acclimate before the thrilling downhill mountain biking activity.

Preparing for the Hiking and Biking Adventure

Although the Cotopaxi volcano tour offers an exhilarating hiking and biking experience, it’s crucial for participants to properly prepare for the adventure.

Visitors should bring warm, waterproof clothing, gloves, plenty of water, and sturdy hiking shoes. Sunblock is a must, as the high-altitude sun can be intense.

Since altitude sickness is a concern, it’s recommended to acclimatize for 4-5 days before the tour. Participants with back problems or serious medical conditions should avoid the tour.

Bringing extra snacks is advisable, as lunch is served around 3 PM. Signing a responsibility document for bicycle use is also required.

The Sum Up

The Cotopaxi Volcano Biking Small Group Full Day Tour offers an exhilarating adventure through Ecuador’s stunning landscapes. Participants hike to lofty heights, then enjoy thrilling downhill mountain biking with breathtaking views. With authentic meals, multilingual support, and an unforgettable experience, this tour is a must-do for moderately fit travelers seeking to explore Cotopaxi National Park.