Things to do & places to visit in Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador

Cotopaxi Province #9 destination in Ecuador 2023. The average rating score is 4.76 based on 2.861 traveler reviews, of 40 attractions. Timezone: America/Guayaquil, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 17:06.

Top things to do (49)

Top destinations in Cotopaxi Province 17

See more 5 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Things to Do in Cotopaxi Province (1.222 reviews)
- Cloudy but still worth it
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

We arrived mid afternoon having driven up through drizzle and cloud in parts. Not hopeful at all. We paid our $2 entry fee, valid for the next day as well as we'd be staying overnight and walked the 100 metres from the car park to the main viewpoint. And the lagoon could be seen quite clearly. Not the top of the rim unfor-tunately but half of the steep sides before cloud interfered. The following morning we had a look again. This time even less hopeful with cloud around the hotel. Never-theless arriving at the viewpoint the lagoon and the whole of the caldera was visible, not a bright green or blue admittedly with the overhead cloud, but rewarding. We didn't attempt a rim walk. The days rain and fog made that too uncomfortable. See more..
5.0 Cotopaxi Volcano (381 reviews)
- Great place
Volcanos

To climb volcanos or access national parks in Ecuador, you must make a previous request to the environment ministry. The access is free but at the entrance, if you are foreign they will try to force you to pay for a local guide (around 50USD). Only 1.7km round trip to get to the shelter. I didn't get to the summit but I willl next time. I totally recommend See more..
5.0 Harika (6 reviews)
- The best culture and traditional experience in Latacunga
Cultural Tours

It was a great experience in which we can know how people elaborate Machica. In "la ruta de la Machica" we go back in the time and know the tradicion of latacungueños. We ejoyed a lot !!! Go there :) See more..
5.0 Monasterio Cistercense Santa Maria del Paraiso (5 reviews)
- An espiritual experience
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is the only male monastery in Ecuador. Situated on top of a hill with an out of this world view of the surrounding valles and the great Chimborazo Mountain. A place where you can really feel full peacefulness. The monks offer an hostal type accommodation for overnight stay. They are a strict order of Catholic monks that pray 8 times a day in a small chapel wher everyone is welcome to participate, or at least watch. Regardless of your relgious believes, this is an experience to never forget. The monk of brother attending the small store is so very helpful and exudes the true Cistercensian spirit, making you feel welcome. I go visit as offen as I can, It is a good two hours drive from Quito, but well worth it! See more..
5.0 Area Nacional de Recreacion El Boliche (4 reviews)
- Beautiful, scenic location for a campsite or picnic
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Such a lovely location for those who like camping along lakes. Nice views, pristine environment. Peace and quiet in nature. See more..
5.0 Galería del Primer Pintor de Tigua - "Julio Toaquiza Tigasi" (2 reviews)
Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums

Pictures Painted in sheepskin, topics like; the dreams, the harvest, the festivities, the ancestral stories and the customs. Art of Tigua best famous worldwide for painting in a drum by Julio Toaquiza Tigasi, in the 70s. Hand-carved wooden masks and many other crafts. See more..
5.0 Things to Do in Cotopaxi Province (1.222 reviews)
- Cloudy but still worth it
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

We arrived mid afternoon having driven up through drizzle and cloud in parts. Not hopeful at all. We paid our $2 entry fee, valid for the next day as well as we'd be staying overnight and walked the 100 metres from the car park to the main viewpoint. And the lagoon could be seen quite clearly. Not the top of the rim unfor-tunately but half of the steep sides before cloud interfered. The following morning we had a look again. This time even less hopeful with cloud around the hotel. Never-theless arriving at the viewpoint the lagoon and the whole of the caldera was visible, not a bright green or blue admittedly with the overhead cloud, but rewarding. We didn't attempt a rim walk. The days rain and fog made that too uncomfortable. See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Cotopaxi Province (648 reviews)
- Beautiful snow-covered volcano and fantastic nature
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Volcanos

Named for the highest active volcano in the world (5,897 meters), this national park is dedicated to protecting llama and other animals such as bears, wolves, puma and deer. See more..
4.5 Laguna de Limpiopungo (169 reviews)
- Birds
Bodies of Water

The laguna here is full of wildlife and is a really serene and relaxing spot to visit after a tiring hike up Cotopaxi. See more..
4.5 Mirador Shalala (116 reviews)
- Definitely worth visiting - do the track from Chugchilan to Quilotoa!
Spent 1-2 hours Lookouts

The views are amazing and it is well worth a visit from Quito. We visited from Quito, very easily and cheaply, on our own - no tour. Bus from Quitumbre to Latacunga, then bus from Latacunga to Chugchilan. Stay at Cloud Forest Hostel overnight then walk the 11km track from Chugchilan to Quilotoa. Fantastic walk through the country and small towns - and quite tough because of the altitude! If you leave early enough you can catch the bus from Quilotoa back to Latacunga at 12pm/1pm or you can stay overnight in one of the numerous hostels and do the rim walk the next day then take the bus back to Latacunga. See more..
4.5 Tierra Zero Tours (72 reviews)
- Great hike up Cotopaxi volcano!
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

Hiked Cotopaxi volcano and had an amazing time. Our guide was very friendly and took care of our entire group which included a few different fitness levels. After the hike the tour company provided us with bicycles to ride down the rest of the national park. Afterwards - WE ALSO GOT LUNCH!! A hot cooked meal at a restaurant which was included in our price. We were driven back to latacunga and stayed at the old house hotel. Great experience See more..
4.5 Cotopaxi National Park (33 reviews)
- A really incredible experience
Spent < 1 hour National Parks

Cotopaxi National Park is must see and do when Ecuador and Quito. It features beautiful views from the top and you can hike up to the snow line which provides a surreal experience when considering you are on the equator. See more..
4.5 Napo River (28 reviews)
- Take a Cruise on the Napo
Bodies of Water

If you want to see the rainforest in all it's glory, take a cruise on the Napo river in Ecuador. The Napo is a tributary to the Amazon. It is wide, shallow, muddy and ever changing. Metropolitan tours has a paddle wheel type river boat called the Manatee that cruises the river and from which you embark a hikes thru the jungle, lakes filled with piranha, and a myriad of flora and fauna. Unlike the lodges on the river the Manatee moves with you so you don't have to take buses or long rides in motorized water taxis to get to the scenic areas. It was great fun. See more..
4.5 Sendero al Fondo del Crater (26 reviews)
- Wonderful option to hike down to the crater
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

This is an awesome trail that gives you the option to hike down to the water of this crater. the path is steep, starts with steps then turns sandy, took us around 30 minutes to hike to bottom. There is the option to swim in the lake, but it is very frigid. You can also rent a kayak. It was windy at the bottom so make sure you pack layers and of course bring water. There is an interesting opportunity to hire a mule for the way back up - I selected this option and did not regret it one bit, cost was $10. Took around 45-50 minutes to ride back up. Those hiking took quite a bit longer. If you want to rent a mule, you should arrange this option before you hike down to guarantee there is availability to ride back up. There are workers on the trail that shovel the mule feces off the trail to keep it clean. Give yourself a couple hours minimum to enjoy this hike down and back. It's definitely worth the view, not many other places in the world you can experience something like this. See more..
4.5 Canon del Rio Toachi (23 reviews)
- Part of Quilotoa Loop hike
Canyons • Hiking Trails

This natural canyon is full of gorgeous views from both sides, the canyon is steep as will your hike be if you hike down to the bottom. The river itself is not that impressive, it is pretty small, but the canyon is something to be admired. Hiking down to the bottom and back will give you a true appreciation of land, and the hike up will give your legs a workout! You will pass through this canyon if hiking the Quilotoa Loop. We really enjoyed having a picnic at the bottom before the strenuous hike back up. See more..
4.5 Siete Cascadas (17 reviews)
- Loud Music at the Waterfalls - Really?
Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls

I like nature. And I known nature does not like loud music - Latin America or otherwise. Dudes and dudettes - were out in nature - enjoy it! Shut off the music. And if the sign says not dogs, keep your damn dogs out of the park! So, park is run by your people who don't seem to get nature. Neither do the farmers who've wiped out the forests all around the ravine that the waterfalls are in. Hence, very few birds and no mammals anywhere near the falls. Habitats been wiped out by banana and cocoa trees. Waterfalls are nice - and there are about 7 cascades/waterfalls. For anything to do around La Mana, this is about it, that I could tell. For an entrance fee of $1, it's ok. $2 if you want someone to watch your vehicle. I would not go back for a second visit. If I knew ahead of time I'd run into loud music, dogs running around the entrance (which the sign says is not allowed) - I wouldn't have gone the first time. See more..
4.5 El Quijote (4 reviews)
- Super chevere
Spent More than 3 hours Bars & Clubs • Wine Bars

Bueno he recomendado a varios de nuestros pasajeros visitar este café y han estado felices con la atención seguiremos recomendando saludos See more..
4.5 Supercines (3 reviews)
- Supercines, 6 de Diciembre
Movie Theaters
Highly recommend Supercines, 6 de Diciembre. It is a modern movie theater located near the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium, in an upscale business ans commercial are in Quito Super Cine offers a wide choice of movies in both English and Spanish. Very modern and state of the art technologies. The facility has mini-theaters with high def digital system (“sala digital”), 3D. See more..
4.5 La Tienda (2 reviews)
- great artesanal boutique!!
Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

I found a wonderful shop in latacunga that has all the best of ecuadors artestries. from cuenca to otavalo, latacunga and back. All in one cool place!I thought the prices where very reasonable and the owners apperentley sistersmother team where very friendly and helpful.It is located in a beautiful 400 year old historic building too, right accros the main square! See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Cotopaxi Province (648 reviews)
- Beautiful snow-covered volcano and fantastic nature
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Volcanos

Named for the highest active volcano in the world (5,897 meters), this national park is dedicated to protecting llama and other animals such as bears, wolves, puma and deer. See more..
4.5 Napo River (28 reviews)
- Take a Cruise on the Napo
Bodies of Water

If you want to see the rainforest in all it's glory, take a cruise on the Napo river in Ecuador. The Napo is a tributary to the Amazon. It is wide, shallow, muddy and ever changing. Metropolitan tours has a paddle wheel type river boat called the Manatee that cruises the river and from which you embark a hikes thru the jungle, lakes filled with piranha, and a myriad of flora and fauna. Unlike the lodges on the river the Manatee moves with you so you don't have to take buses or long rides in motorized water taxis to get to the scenic areas. It was great fun. See more..
4.0 La Catedral (43 reviews)
- Impressive - Day or Night
Churches & Cathedrals

Sitting directly across from Latacunga’s main plaza (Parque Vicente Leon), is this massive church. It is painted blindingly white and features an impressive bell tower. It seems to be closed most of the time, but they seem to open it for evening mass. The interior is somewhat underwhelming as it is quite austere. Be sure to see this church at night when it is bathed in lights. See more..
4.0 Mercado Indigena (32 reviews)
- Beware of pickpockets!!
Speciality & Gift Shops

**BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS** There are very professional pickpockets at the market. They watch tourists and if you make one little mistake they are on you. I lost my iPhone and someone else I met got $200 in cash stolen from their zipped pocket. The markets are okay, but there are more interesting ones in the area including the indigenous Saturday market at Zumbahua. See more..
4.0 Hosteria Gilocarmelo (15 reviews)
- unique and wonderful
Flea & Street Markets

Coming off the quilotoa loop we decided to catch the [thursday?] market in Sasquili. Staying here was great. Rooms are as others mention pretty simple. The features are the helpful staff, hummingbirds in the garden, and fresh caught fish for dinner. Strolling around the grounds we saw one of the staff with said fish on a line. He took us to see their ostrich, some horses and their fish ponds. He even tried to show us the owls, but my eyesight either wasn't up to the task or it was one helluva prank. I believe the swimming pool is only open at the weekend unfortunately. Highly, highly recommended for the traveler after something a little different, make sure you ask to be shown round, but yes the town is bit bare other than the market See more..
4.0 Mirador El Balcon Hawapata (1 review)
- Vista sulla valle e sui "cerri"
Spent < 1 hour Lookouts

Una bella vista sulla valle, sulle terrazze coltivate, sulle case (addirittura sentivamo la musica provebire da una di esse) e sulla zona con alcuni "cerri" anche se certamente il condor matzi è quello che spicca su tutti.. uno stop imprevisto, o meglio, una piccola sorpresa de nostro autista.. See more..
4.0 Estatua de San Miguel (1 review)
- Benvenuti a Salcedo
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

E' la statua che praticamente da il benvenuto in questa piccola cittadina il cui nome in realtà sarebbe appunto San Miguel de Salcedo. Si trova praticamente lungo la carreggiata, proprio nel mezzo, con l'Arcangelo rappresentato da un afigura molto giovane. See more..
4.0 Los Andenes de Zumbahua (1 review)
- Un bel paesaggio
Geologic Formations

Attraversando questa valle si possono vedere facilmente lungo la strada le varie terrazze adibite a coltivazione che salgono fino alla vetta di rocce che fanno da cornice ad un paesaggio molto bello ed anche colorato. Una breve sosta per apprezzarle un pò di più ci sta bene. See more..
4.0 Palacio Municipal (1 review)
Spent < 1 hour Government Buildings
See more..
4.0 Monumento Brigada PATRIA (1 review)
- Siempre listos
Monuments & Statues

E' il monumento che si trova nei pressi della base militare dei parà dell'Ecuador lungo la strada che porta a Latacunga. E' impossibile non notarlo per la grandezza e per i colori delle bandire che lo circondano, oltre alla presenza della base dei parà il motto è scritto in una costruzione poco più avanti. See more..
4.0 Hosteria Gilocarmelo (15 reviews)
- unique and wonderful
Flea & Street Markets

Coming off the quilotoa loop we decided to catch the [thursday?] market in Sasquili. Staying here was great. Rooms are as others mention pretty simple. The features are the helpful staff, hummingbirds in the garden, and fresh caught fish for dinner. Strolling around the grounds we saw one of the staff with said fish on a line. He took us to see their ostrich, some horses and their fish ponds. He even tried to show us the owls, but my eyesight either wasn't up to the task or it was one helluva prank. I believe the swimming pool is only open at the weekend unfortunately. Highly, highly recommended for the traveler after something a little different, make sure you ask to be shown round, but yes the town is bit bare other than the market See more..