Quito Day Tour: Cotopaxi (full day)

Duration: 10 hours Meeting point: Hotel Hilton Colon (secondary lobby). Address: Av. Juan Leon Mera between Patria Avenue and 18 de Septiembre Street. Please meet your guide in the secondary lobby of the hotel. Finish Point: Hotel Hilton Colon. Itinerary: Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador's most spectacular highlights. This full-day tour gives you the opportunity to explore this protected area on foot or by bike. The Cotopaxi National Park is situated in a stunning paramo plateau, where wild horses graze on the extensive plains at the foot of the volcano and gather to drink at the Limpiopungo lagoon which reflects the white peaks of nearby Volcan Ruminahui. Trek through the National Park you will discover pumice, ash, stone and other volcanic debris amid the tiny paramos plants. Hiking is for all ages but mountain biking is reserved for confident cyclists with experience in downhill. Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures' preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers. Packing essentials: Warm clothing, Waterproof jacket, Gloves, Scarf, Hat, Hiking boots or trekking shoes, Sunglasses, Sunblock, Extra snacks and water. Hike starts at 4500 meters above sea level and climbs up to 4864 meters at the Refugio. From there it's about another 45 minute hike before you arrive at the Glacier at 5000 meters. To avoid the possibility of altitude sickness we recommend acclimating before attempting this hike.