Top Hiking Trails in Cotopaxi Trail Map
Cotopaxi province covers 6,185 km² of the central Andes south of Quito. Cotopaxi National Park, created in 1975, protects 33,393 ha around the volcano, which IG-EPN gives as 5,897 m. Climbers drive to a car park at about 4,600 m and walk about 1 km to the José Ribas refuge (4,864 m). West of Latacunga, the Quilotoa crater lake sits on the Quilotoa Loop through Sigchos and Chugchilán.
Explore the Best Trails in Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi hiking trails cover Cotopaxi National Park (33,393 ha, about 50 km south of Quito), with the walk to the José Ribas refuge (4,864 m) and the guided glacier climb of Cotopaxi (5,897 m), plus the Quilotoa crater lake and its multi-day loop further west. Entry to mainland protected areas is free. Checked 8 October 2026. Country hub: https://incatrailreservations.com/trails/ecuador/
Geographic Overview
Cotopaxi province covers 6,185 km² of the central Andes south of Quito. Cotopaxi National Park, created in 1975, protects 33,393 ha around the volcano, which IG-EPN gives as 5,897 m. Climbers drive to a car park at about 4,600 m and walk about 1 km to the José Ribas refuge (4,864 m). West of Latacunga, the Quilotoa crater lake sits on the Quilotoa Loop through Sigchos and Chugchilán.
Cultural Context
Cotopaxi is an active volcano watched by Ecuador’s Instituto Geofísico (IG-EPN). Its last eruptive phase ran from October 2022 to July 2023, and climbing reopened on 21 February 2024 under new rules: climbers come through an operator or registered club, with a booked slot and refuge place, IG-EPN safety training, a gas mask and an authorisation wristband.
Best Time to Visit
December to February and June to August for the glacier, with clearer mornings and more stable snow.
Quilotoa Loop: 3-Day Itinerary, Map, Difficulty and Lake Hike
The Quilotoa Loop is a 3-day, 34 km village-to-village walk from Sigchos to the 3,914 m rim of the Quilotoa…
Cotopaxi Volcano Climb: Refuge Route, Rules and Volcano Status
Cotopaxi (5,897 m) is open to glacier climbs again: through an operator or registered club, with a booked climbing slot…
Frequently Asked Questions about Top Hiking Trails in Cotopaxi
Yes, under the rules in force since 21 February 2024: through an operator or registered club, with a booked slot and refuge place, IG-EPN training, a gas mask and a wristband. Check the IG-EPN bulletin before you go.
Yes. Entry to Ecuador’s mainland protected areas has been free since 2012.
For the glacier, yes: commercial climbs must use a guide specialised in mountaineering. The walk to the refuge needs no guide.
About 1 km from the car park at about 4,600 m up to 4,864 m, usually 45-60 minutes.
Its last eruptive phase ended in July 2023. IG-EPN rated activity low and unchanged in July 2026.
About 35-36 km over 3-4 days, according to travel guides; no permit is needed.