Call 
To The Neck Of The Moon
Over the grassy Andean landscapes of Ecuador lies one of the planet’s tallest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi.
The national park is filled with many adventures and places for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with mother nature. With its
crowning glaciers and unique flora, Cotopaxi makes for an unreal sight that can’t be missed on your luxury tour to Ecuador.
Experience Cotopaxi
ADVENTURE1 / 4
Cotopaxi National Park is a great playground for true nature lovers to explore. Take a hike up to one of South America’s highest peaks or bike through the majestic grasslands in the park. Visit one of the glacial-melt water formations and take a swim if you’re brave enough. Or enjoy the views of the park while horseback riding during the sunset.
NATURE2 / 4
Considered one of Ecuador’s most beautiful natural areas, Cotopaxi is home to various flora and fauna. Being exposed to harsh circumstances, plants of the Andean Paramo habitat are fewer but very interesting. The dominant plants of the area are sturdy grasses, mosses, lichens, and unique Andean flowers making for a dreamy setting. At lower altitudes, the landscape transforms into a more humid mountain forest with fewer native species.
GASTRONOMY3 / 4
Discover a variety of global flavors using local Ecuadorian produce. Chefs in this region use fresh and distinct ingredients from all over the country. Many restaurants in the area have impressive views of the volcano, including Hacienda Los Martinos, a restaurant in a hotel that offers a unique experience on the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano, enjoying snowy Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui.
CULTURE4 / 4
The name “Cotopaxi” originated from the union of the indigenous Quechua word q'oto meaning 'throat' and the Aymara phakhsi meaning 'moon', translating to “the Neck of the Moon”. These ancient civilizations once believed this almighty god was a bringer of rain and successful crops.
BROWSE THROUGH SAMPLE
Signature Ecuador Itineraries
Our custom-designed itineraries are suited to the needs and
preferences of each traveler, every time.
When booking a luxury vacation to Ecuador, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind – whether you’re looking to experience
the biodiversity of the Amazon, stand in the middle of the world in Quito, or explore the wonders of the Galapagos
Islands – there is something for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury
vacation to Ecuador.
DISCOVER THE
Best Time To Travel
Located in a humid area, Cotopaxi experiences pleasant weather all year
round allowing you to make a visit whenever you please.
During the winter, there are a few, short weeks that can be cold making the months of July-October just slightly less
desirable. If you want to experience the area’s warmest weather, then November-March is ideal.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Insider Tips
GET THE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERTS IN TRAVEL
With on-the-ground experts, the Kuoda team knows the ins and outs of the
country as locals, and the best way to experience it as travel industry experts.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO1 / 4
Hike The World’s Highest Active Volcano At almost 6,000 meters above the sea, Cotopaxi was once worshiped by Ecuador’s ancient civilization believing to be the bringer of rain and prosperous crops. A difficult task, hiking to the summit may not be desirable for all and it is more common to go up about 4,800 meters to José Rivas' shelter which takes only an hour.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO2 / 4
Watch The Sunset Where the Water Mirrors The Sky Within Cotopaxi National Park is the beautiful Limpiopungo lagoon. On clear days, witness the most spectacular view of the Cotopaxi volcano towering over the glacial-melt waters. Surrounded by the flora and fauna of the Andean páramo, this lagoon is the perfect spot to capture some amazing photography.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO3 / 4
Bike Through Cotopaxi’s Majestic Grasslands Take advantage of the park’s authorized cycling routes and experience Cotopaxi’s beauty from another perspective. You will certainly be able to admire the natural beauty of the park at a slow enough pace to capture small details and fast enough to be able to witness more. Stop whenever you like for breaks or to admire the majestic landscapes.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO4 / 4
Search For Incredible Wildlife Take a guided tour with local experts who will spot some of the various species that call this area home. Some of the more common sightings include deer, llamas, and horses but it is also possible to spot predator species such as the Andean bear, Andean fox, and pumas. Cotopaxi also hosts a variety of bird species including the Andean Condor and the world’s largest hummingbird, Patagonia Gigas.
WHERE TO EAT1 / 4
Los Mortiños Restaurant Located in Hotel Hacienda Los Mortiños, the hotel restaurant offers a unique experience on the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano. The restaurant has a warm and friendly atmosphere, lit by large windows, with a spectacular view of the snowy Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui. Enjoy a landscape decorated with alpacas, horses, and wild birds, as well as native trees such as the Polylepis.
WHERE TO EAT2 / 4
El Alabado Restaurant & Grill Located in one of the town's oldest homes, this modern-styled restaurant serves a fusion of French, Argentinian & South American cuisine. A meat-lover’s paradise, El Alabado offers an excellent, selective menu with many of the dishes being cooked in the traditional Argentinian fashion of an outdoor fire pit. Prepare to have a sensational dining experience when you visit El Alabado on your luxury tour to Ecuador.
WHERE TO EAT3 / 4
El Gran Volcán Restaurant The 90-seat restaurant in Cotopaxi is open year-round, offering a welcoming environment, with large windows that invite you to join the stillness and magnitude of the Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador. The restaurant offers a pre-fixe menu with special set meals and several outstanding dishes prepared by our own Chef using high-quality, local, and organic ingredients. An unforgettable suggestion: enjoy the Locro Tambopaxi, with cheese and avocado, accompanied, naturally, by a glass of fine wine or even a shot of Kirsch or Pisco.
WHERE TO EAT4 / 4
Giardino Restobar Being the highest-rated restaurant in the Cotopaxi region, Giardino Restobar offers a diverse menu of Italian and Lebanese cuisine in its quaint, relaxing space. Enjoy mouth-watering Italian favorites such as pesto pasta or choose healthy Lebanese options such as fresh Tabbouleh prepared with high-quality produce. Giardino serves delicious food accompanied by great, personalized service.
WHERE TO STAY1 / 5
Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge provides guests with a lodging experience like no other. Stay on the slopes of the Sincholagua Volcano allowing for a spectacular view of the almighty Cotopaxi Volcano. The contemporary lodge hosts 4 luxury domes that not only offer comfortable accommodations but a once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in such a unique structure. For those who rather stay in a more traditional-styled setting, the lodge also offers 4 luxury suites located in the main house.
WHERE TO STAY2 / 5
Hacienda Hato Verde Elegant yet rustic, this 9-bedroom hotel prioritizes offering guests fantastic, personalized service making you feel right at home. With the peaceful views of the garden and Andes mountain, Hacienda Hato Verde makes it easy for you to feel great comfort in the privacy of your room. Each night, the hotel prepares a unique three-course dining experience perfect for creating unforgettable memories with family and new friends.
WHERE TO STAY3 / 5
Hacienda San Agustín de Callo One and a quarter hour from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, stands the beautiful and little-known colonial Hacienda of San Agustín de Callo. Built on the site of an Inca palace, one of the two most important archaeological Inca sites in Ecuador. The hotel offers independent sitting rooms with sofa beds, music, books, cable TV, and views of Cotopaxi and surrounding mountain ranges. All suites have luxurious jacuzzis with spa-like showers for guests to enjoy.
WHERE TO STAY4 / 5
Hacienda La Ciénega Hosteria La Ciénega is more than 400 years old and is one of the oldest colonial haciendas in Ecuador. Located near the slopes of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and its National Park, this mansion has been the scene of significant events in the country's scientific and social history. Today, turned into a luxury boutique hotel, La Cienega offers the visitor the unique experience of staying within its walls of volcanic stone two meters thick that are silent witnesses of the history of a village and the poetry of an era.
WHERE TO STAY5 / 5
Cotopaxipungo Cotopaxipungo Finca Hotel is a boutique hotel situated right outside of Cotopaxi National Park. Its architecture was inspired by the old Spanish Haciendas, and its construction was built using ancient adobe techniques, successfully bringing authentic Ecuadorian highland design and touches of modern convenience to the property. The hotel not only provides excellent Andean hospitality but sweeping views of the nearby snow-capped volcanoes. It's the perfect place, quaint and comfortable, for visitors to feel right at home while enjoying the Andean paradise of Cotopaxi.
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