COTOPAXI AND QUILOTOA IN 2 DAYS
Explore an active volcano and a sacred lagoon on the western Andes...
Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park (3 400 - 5 897 msl)
Depart from Quito, hike to the Jose Ribas refuge (4,800 m), The hike up is for aproximately 1 hour or 1,700 meters. Walk around the Limpipungo lagoon, this tour will take one hour, 2,000 meters away.
Birding: Andean Lapwing, Andean teal, Andean coot, Andean Gull, Crunculated Caracara, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Andean Condor (very rare), Great Horned Owl (horse-back riding activity), Greater Yellowlegs among others. Bring binoculars for better visibility of birds.
Day 2: Quilotoa Lagoon - Illinizas Ecological Reserve (3 000 - 5126 msl)
Early departure to start the hike to the lagoon. The lagoon has a descent of about 300 meters with a travel distance of almost 2,000 meters. The volcanic setting is covered with bushes, its soil composed of fine sand or possibly what was pulverized pomegranate stone.
Return to Quito.
