Mountain Daily Tours

Pichincha Volcano

Duration: 1 day (daily)

Pichincha is an active volcano that dominates Quito’s western flanks.  A two-hour drive up to the edge of the crater is interspersed with stops to admire the increasingly spectacular view of the city unfolding beneath your feet.   A 4-hour trek into the crater is included in the tour where you will be able to observe not only the unique vegetation but also the signs of volcanic activity.  Geysers periodically launch streams of scalding water and clouds of gas from the fissured sides of the crater. 
Return to Quito after lunch.

This trip is subject to change at short notice depending on current volcanic activity.

Cotopaxi Volcano National Park

Duration: 1 day (daily)
(Any day from Quito).

A 2-hour drive south of Quito along the Pan-American Highway brings us to the Cotopaxi National Park.  Turning off the main highway, we enter into the park, traversing the Andean paramo and an extensive pine tree forest and crossing through a deer and llama reserve.  Gently ascending the flanks of the volcano, we pass through fields of ancient lava strewn with boulders until arriving at the base of the Cotopaxi (19,700ft/5,897m), the world’s highest active volcano.

This desolate and rugged scenery will captivate both nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Lunch is taken in a nearby hacienda in the valley before returning to Quito.

Cotopaxi Volcano & Indian Market

Duration: 2 days / 1 night
(Anytime from Quito)

Includes accommodation all meals and an overnight stay at a local hosteria or Hacienda.

Combines tour EX-19 with an overnight stay at a local hacienda.  The second day includes a visit to one of the nearby indigenous markets described above.