Activities around Cuello de Luna

Mountain Lodge Hotel Cuello de Luna is located between high snow capped mountains and volcanoes in the Andes of Ecuador. It is the perfect place to acclimate for climbing Cotopaxi, for day hiking and biking in the Cotopaxi National Park, to visit the Quilotoa Crater and the indigenous markets of Saquisili and Zumbahua and the andean indian communities.

Visit Cotopaxi National Park,  Iliniza natural reserva, Quilotoa Lake, Zumbahua and Saquisili markets or acclimate for your climbing adventures to Iliniza, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana and even Chimborazo on your own and independently or with our assitance. Ascend the up to 5000m high minor peaks in our area like Santa Cruz, Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Iliniza North.......go for a hike or discover the magnificent andean surroundings on a bicycle or on horse back.

Whether you want to discover the highlands on your own or you prefer to enjoy our tour and guide service, we are happy to help and assist you.

We arrange and guide excursions, activities and tours in our area, from guided daytours to 5 day excursions , selfguided hikes and bike trips, and multi-sport adventures. We provide certified highly qualified IFMGA mountain guide service for your private tours and expeditions throughout the Andes.
Acclimatize for your climbs to Cotopaxi volcano, Chimborazo and Illiniza in our Mountain Lodge Hotel Cuello de Luna at 3125m.

For your independant and self guided activities, we arrange and provide private transportation, reliable drop off and pick up service for your hikes, climbs and MT-bike tours and adventures, private 4x4 transport as well as area maps and information concerning public transportation and alternative travel options. Our MOUNTAIN bikes for rent are ready to take you anywhere, to the nearby Cotopaxi national park, to the Thursday market in Saquisili or to andean villages of Isinliví, Chugchilan and Sigchos on the Quilotoa Loop - this with or without our support vehicle.

We arrange private transfers from and to Quito Airport Tababela, to Quito (downtown, old city, bus terminal south "Quitumbe" and north "Carcelen"), Lasso, Latacunga, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Zumbahua, Saquisili, Baños, Chimborazo, Alausi Devil´s Nose-Train Station, Mindo in the cloud forest, Cuenca, Guayaquil, the jungle. Just let us know how we can help you.

Tours and Excursions - Cotopaxi National Park

Please have a look at the selection of activities we offer and let us know what your needs and travel dreams are. We will be happy to host you at Mountain Lodge Hotel Cuello de Luna and to assist you to make your Cotopaxi - Ecuador visit unforgettable and to realize your projects and dreams in the Cotopaxi highland area. 

Our guided excursions & day tours

Our guided day tours and excursions are addressed to anyone who wants to descover our awesome andean landscape.
You decide, depending on your physical condition and preferences, how long and how much you want to hike and what
altitude suits you. Our day tours include spanish speaking driverguide and transportation, English and German guided
tours are available on request. Optionally, we can provide lunch or lunch bag. 

Daytour Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park - Day tour (4-8 hours)
Journey into the Cotopaxi National Park, Limpiopungo hike, Cotopaxi mountain refuge Jose Rivas, ascend to the glacier at 5000m possible, descend to the car park and drive back to Mountain Lodge Hotel Cuello de Luna. Drive time: 2-2 1/2h, 64km,  hiking time: 0.5 - 6 hours, Altitude reached  min. 3800m, max. 5050m.
Quilotoa Lake - Quilotoa Daytour

Quilotoa Crater  - Day tour (6-8 hours)
Drive to Quiloto in the western highland, passing indigenous villages and lush andean landscape, visit Quilotoa Crater at 3800m, descent 300m to the lake, ascend back to rater edge and drive back to Cuello de Luna.
Drive time: 4 - 5 h, 220km, hiking time: 0 - 3 hours, max. altitude: 4050m
Saquisili indigenous market

Saquisili Market - Half day tour   (optional bike ride back to Cuello de Luna)
Early drive to Saquisili, guided visit to the animal market early in the morning, continue to visit all market places, potatoes, fruits, crafts, clothes, hats etc.
Return journey to Cuello de Luna,
Ask for option 1: assisted mountain bike ride back to the hotel, incl. support vehicle.
Ask for option 2: self guided MTB ride back to Cuello de Luna.

Saquisili Market and Quilotoa Crater

Saquisili Market & Quilotoa Crater Lake  - Day tour Combo (7-10 hours)
Short drive to Saquisili, visit the animal market early in the morning, visit potatoes, fruit, crafts market. Drive to Quiloto in the western highland, passing indigenous villages and lush andean landscape, visit Quilotoa Crater at 3800m, descent 300m to the lake, ascend back to rater edge and drive back to Cuello de Luna.
Cotopaxi - Limpiopungo lake hike

Saquisili Market  & Cotopaxi National Park - Day tour Combo (6-10 hours)
Drive to Saquisili, visit the animal market early in the morning, visit potato, fruit, crafts market. Drive to the Cotopaxi National Park, Limpiopungo hike, mountain refuge Jose Rivas, descend to the car park and drive back to Cuello de Luna. Drive time: 3-3 1/2h, 114km, hiking time: 1 - 6 hours, Altitude reached min/max. 3800m/ 5050m
Quilotoa Crater Hike

Quilotoa Crater Hike -  Day tour  (7-10 hours)
Drive to Quiloto in the western highland, passing indigenous villages and lush andean landscape, visit Quilotoa Crater at 3800m, beautiful hike all the way around the crater up und down the rim, 11 km , 950m height gain, drive back to Cuello de Luna.
Drive time: 4 - 5 h, 220km, hiking time: 3 to 6 hours, max. altitude: 4050m.
Quilotoa Loop Landscape

Quilotoa Loop Tour -  Day tour  (7-12 hours)
Drive to Quiloto, visit the crater, descent 300m to the lake at the bottom, continue your drive through impressive mountain scenery to the andean villages of Chugchilan and Isinliví. Finally an adventurous ride over the mountain-pass Guingopana 4000m back to Cuello de Luna. Drive time: 5-6 h, 230km, hiking time: 0.5-2 hours, max. altitude: 4050m
Pasochoa Summit -nature reserve

Pasochoa Protected Forest Reserve  -  Day tour  (5-8 hours)
Drive to the Pasochoa Reserve, a beautiful place for bird watching, trekking and hiking, including some trails of varying difficulty, is a great option for true nature. Drive time: 2 h, 100km, hiking time: 0.5-6 hours, max. altitude: 3600m.

Hiking and climbing tours

Our guided hiking and climbing  tours are aimed at guests of normal to good physical condition, who have higher demands and expectations
in terms of hiking time, altitude and effort and may even want to acclimatize themselves for higher  summit adventures.
Our tours include depending on the destination naturalist or mountain guide, transportation, multi daytours include overnight stay
in refuges, inns or tents and dinner. Optionally, we also offer lunch, equipment and gear.

VOlcano Rumiñahui - Cotopaxi National Park Day Tour

Rumiñahui 4631m , Cotopaxi NP  - Day Tour  (7-9 hours)
40 minutes drive drive to the Limpiopungo Lake in the Cotopaxi National Park. 3 to 4 hours hike and some unpretentious climbing to Rumiñahui Central (4631m). No tecnical gear required. For more demanding guests we offer Rumiñahui north peak 4712m and Rumiñahui south peak 4696m, guided by a IFMGA Guide. These peaks require basic rock climbing skills and experience.
Volcano Pasochoa - Reserva Natural

Volcano Pasochoa 4198m -  Day Tour (6-9 hours) 
1h drive to the trailhead of our tour at 3360m. On narrow trails through the lush green paramo grasland and a short very simple rock passage we get in four to five hours to the summit and descend in two hours. Drive time: 2 h, 100km, hike: 5 to 7 hours, max. altitude: 4198m.
Iliniza North - 2 day climb

Iliniza North 5116 m - Day tour with mountain guide
Drive to La Virgen, hike in 2 1/2 hours to the mountain hut. Ascend Iliniza North on SE and further up on the N ridge. Descent on the northern sand and gravel slopes back to our vehicle. For this tour basic climbing experience and a head of heights are required. Drive time: 2 h, 60km, hike: 6 to 8 hours, max. altitude: 5116m.
Santa Cruz - ascension Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz 3998m - Day tour
Directly from Cuello de Luna, 3125m, we hike in a 3-5h to the summit of the extinguished volcano Santa Cruz, at the beginning on a trail, further up through almost virgin paramo vegetation and grasland. Spectacular view on Cotopaxi and Iliniza. Drive time: 0,  hiking time: 5-8 hours, max. altitude: 3998m.
Iliniza north 2 day tour, Iliniza mountain hut

Iliniza North 5116m - 2 day tour , overnight at Nuevos Horizontes hut (4680m)
Drive to La Virgen, hike in 2 hours to the mountain hut. Next morning ascend Iliniza North on SE and N ridge. Descend to the mountain hut on the E ridge and back to our vehicule. Basic rock climbing experience and a head of heights are required. Drive time: 2 h, 60km, hiking time day 1: 2-3 hours, day 2: 4 to 6 hours, max. altitude: 5116m.

Mountain bike and multi-sport tours

Mountain Bike Tour Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi National Park - Mountain Bike Day tour

Prices of tours and excursions 

Our tour prices include transportation and Spanish speaking driver guide for up to 8 people (Spanish speaking guide plus driver
for 9+ persons) and guided hikes and/or biketrails. For MTB tours bike and helmet are included. NOT included are nationalpark fees,
mountain guide services (unless specified), entrance fees, train ticket, food and beverage, tips .
On request we provide English or German-speaking driver/guide at extra cost, depending on tour and participants. (usd 40 hasta 3 pax, 4+ pax 12$ p/p)
For day tours and excursions Hotel Cuello de Luna can provide Lunchbag upon request.
For 1 and 2 persons flat rates are charged, for 3 and 4+ persons per person prices apply.
Prices for mountain ascents with IFMGA guide are per person.

For further information and prices of our tours and excursions please contact us.

Please note: if you plan to do some tours with us take in mind, that we do NOT receive Credit and Debit Cards at the hotel, only cash at the frontdesk. Credit cards are accepted only for advance payments with Paypal.  Advance payments can be made by bank deposit and wire transfer.

Tours :: daytours1 or 2  Persons3 persons
4+ personsOptional services
Cotopaxi National Park  (engl/deutsch add $40 p/group)USD  110USD 40USD 35
Lunchbag
Quilotoa Crater Lake TourUSD  130USD 50USD 42Lunchbag
Saquisili Market - half day (thursdays)USD  60USD 23USD 20Bike ride back
Saquisili Market and Quilotoa full day (thursdays)USD  160USD 60USD 50Lunchbag, MTbike
Saquisili Market and Cotopaxi NP (thursdays)USD  150USD 60
USD 50Lunchbag
Quilotoa, guided Crater Hike tour,  full dayUSD  180USD 70USD 60Lunchbag
Quilotoa Full-Loop Tour (Isinlivi-Chugchilan-Quilotoa), full dayUSD  210USD 80USD 65Lunchbag
Pasochoa protected forest reserveUSD  110USD 40USD 35Lunchbag
Rumiñahui Central  (cumbre maxima) - Cotopaxi NPUSD  220 ($280)USD 80 ($110)USD 65 ($110)Lunchbag
Pasochoa volcano, guided summit tourUSD  220USD 80USD 65Lunchbag
Iliniza North, guided summit tourUSD  240USD 110USD 110Lunchbag
Santa Cruz, guided hiking tourUSD  100USD 35USD 30Lunchbag
Iliniza North, 2 days, guided w/overnight hut (1pax/2pax)1p $520 / 2p $310 eachUSD 240USD 220
Iliniza South, 2 days, guided w/hut ( 1pax/2pax)1p $690 / 2p  $ 410p/pUSD 410USD 410
Cotopaxi NP, assisted MTBiketour, full day (incl. vehicle)USD  150USD 60USD 55Lunchbag
Saquisili Market-MTBiktour back to Hotel assisted incl. vehicleUSD  130USD 50USD 45Lunchbag
Saquisili Market-self guided MTBiketour back to HotelUSD   90USD 40USD 35Lunchbag
Iliniza North & South 3 days, IFMGA guided (1pax/2pax)1p  $ 990/ 2p 630 eachUSD 630USD 630
Cotopaxi Summit with IFMGA guide1p $620 / 2p $390USD 390USD 390
MTB Rental por individual tours  (including helmet)Full day $ 18Half day $ 126 $ /hour
Drop Off Limpiopungo w/ MTB (helmet and tools)1pax $70/2 pax $45 c/u3:: 38 p/p4:: 33$ p/p5+ : 30 $ p/p
Caballo (tour pax + 1 caballo guia)Full day $ 60Half day $ 3010 $ /hour
Baños, Zoo, hotsprings, pailón del diabloUSD 150USD 60USD 50
Mercado indígena Guantualó (solo lunes)USD 150USD 60USD 50
Mercado ind. Zumbahua & Quilotoa Lake  (Saturday)USD 130USD 50USD 42
Quito Colonial   (+ Mitad del Mundo)USD 120  ($ 180)USD 45 ($60)USD 40 ($55)

Transportation prices - private transport

Private Transportation (eg. pick up or drop off) is considered tranport from the Hotel to the destination or viceversa ( from the destination to the hotel), or from the hotel to the destination and back immediately without delay. For 1-4 persons the flat rates apply, for 5+ persons the per person rates apply.
For further information and prices on our shuttle and private tranportation service please contact us.

Destinations and pick up points1-3 pers4+5 pers6+ personsh and km (one way)
Airport Quito-Tababela drop offUSD   90
USD 25 p/pUSD 20 p/p1h 30m   100km
Airport Quito-Tababela pick up, incl. 1h
waiting period, extra waiting time USD8/h		USD  110USD 30p/pUSD 25 p/pextra waiting time
8 USD/hour 
Quito center, Mariscal and southUSD 70USD 20 p/pUSD 18 p/p1h 20m   75km
Quito northern neighborhoods/Mitad del mundoUSD 80-100USD 22/28 p/pUSD 20/241.5-2.5h   75-120km
Devil's nose - Alausi railroad stationUSD 160USD 45 p/pUSD 40 p/p3h 40min   225km
RiobambaUSD  100USD 28 p/pUSD  25 p/p2h 10min   135km
Baños (and hot springs, zoo, pailon del diablo)USD  110USD 30 p/pUSD 25 p/p2h   120km
Papallacta Termas, hot springs via la virgin pass 4000mUSD  110USD 30 p/pUSD 25 p/p2h 10min   130km
Saquisili (indigenous market, thursdays)USD  22USD 6 p/pUSD 5 p/p25min   22km
LatacungaUSD  22USD 6 p/pUSD 5 p/p30min   28km
Lasso ( village and ATM)USD  6USD 2 p/pUSD 2 p/p10min   8km
Cotopaxi refuge, parking lot 4550mUSD  50USD  15 p/pUSD  12 p/p1h 10min    32km
Ilinizas hut, parking lot La Virgen 3995mUSD  50USD  15 p/pUSD 15 p/p1h 10min   40km
Corazon (trail head hacienda)USD  50USD  15 p/pUSD 15 p/p1h 10min   40km
Limpiopungo - trail head Mt Rumiñahui  40min.USD  40USD  12p/pUSD 10 p/p40min 23km
Quilotoa crater lake / Zumbahua villageUSD  100 / $ 90USD  28/25 p/pUSD 23 p/p2h   100km
Chugchilan via Sigchos / via Zumbahua / via IsinlivíUSD  100/120/130USD  28/33/35 p/pUSD 25/30/32p/p2h   90km / 120km
Chimborazo (Carrel refuge, parking)
USD  130USD  35 p/pUSD 32 p/p2h 40min   160km
Cayambe (Refuge or parking)USD  180USD  50 p/pUSD 50 p/p3h 20min   160km
Pasochoa park entrance or trail head to summitUSD  60USD  18 p/pUSD 15 p/p1h 40min   60km
Pichincha (Cruz Loma or Guagua)
USD  100USD  28 p/pUSD 25 p/p1h 30min   70km
Mindo Cloudforest via CalacalíUSD  150USD  40 p/pUSD 35 p/p3h   170km
OtavaloUSD  150  USD  40 p/pUSD 35 p/p2h 50min   165km
Isinlivi por Guingopana, partida caminata ChugchilanUSD  75  USD  21 p/pUSD 20 p/p1h 20min   60km
Carretera paso Guingopana 4000m, caminata IsinliviUSD  50  USD  15 p/pUSD 15 p/p45min   32km
Isinliví por Sigchos (por ej. Llullullama)USD  90 USD  25 p/pUSD 20 p/p2h   75km

Our Tour Packages

We offer several ready-made tour packages to choose. Or would you like to tailor make your own adventure with our help. For smaller and lager groups, up to 10 people you can experience C otopaxi nature with volcanoes, beautiful flora and landscape, friendly people, indigenous markets.

If some of the tours spark interest but need to be tailor made for you or you have an idea of your dream excursion in Ecuador and the Cotopaxi region, contact us and we will help you plan your trip.

If you haven't found what you’re looking for, please give us a call or drop us an email to send an inquiry and get quotes and information on tailor made tours and stays and tour packeges.

Please note: we do NOT receive Credit and Debit Cards at the hotel, only cash at the frontdesk. Credit cards are accepted only for advance payments with Paypal. Advance payments can be made by bank deposit and wire transfer.

Package - Tour itineraries1 person2 peoplefrom 3 people
2D/1N Quilotoa-Cuello-Cotopaxi NP SWB or DWB m/pUSD 300
USD 25 p/p1h 30m   100km
3 days santa cruz quilotoa cotopaxiUSD  110USD 28 p/pextra waiting time 8 USD/hour 
3 Days Bike isinlivi - hike Chugchilan - Bike CotopaxiUSD  70USD 17 p/p1h 20m   70km
USD  70-90USD 20 p/p
4 days Santa Cruz-Quilotoa - Rumiñahui - Iliniza North SummitUSD  160USD 35 p/p3h 40min   225km
Do-Ma Guingopana-Isinlivi-Guantualó-Chugchilan-Quilotoa, 3daysUSD  100USD 25 p/p2h 10min   135km
Bike&Hike: Guingopana-Isinlivi-Guantualó-Chugchilan-Quilotoa, 3daysUSD  1630 p/pUSD 1090 p/p2h   120km
5 days Santa Cruz - Rumiñahui - Iliniza North - Cotopaxi
Tag0  tarde TRF y noche Cuello, Tag 1 Pasochoa- Tag 2 Quilotoa-
Tag 3 Iliniza Norte- Tag 4/5 Cotopaxi summit, 5 days		USD  1815 USD 1090 p/pUSD 990 p/p
Tag 1 Quito-Pasochoa Cuello - Tag 2 Quilotoa-
Tag 3 Iliniza Norte- Tag 4/5 Cotopaxi summit, 5 days		USD 1685USD 995 p/pUSD 920 p/p
Santa Cruz-Quilotoa-Rumiñahui-Iliniza-Cotopaxi, 7 days
Santa Cruz-Quilotoa-Pumiñahui-Iliniza-Cotopaxi, 7 daysUSD  100USD 25 p/p2h   120km
Santa Cruz-Quilotoa-Pumiñahui-Iliniza-Cotopaxi, 7 daysUSD  100USD 25 p/p2h   120km
Santa Cruz-Quilotoa-Pumiñahui-Iliniza-Cotopaxi, 7 daysUSD  100USD 25 p/p2h   120km
Santa Cruz-Quilotoa-Pumiñahui-Iliniza-Cotopaxi, 7 daysUSD  100USD 25 p/p2h   120km
Mountain Lodge Cuello de Luna - How to get there
Hotel Cuello de Luna

Panamericana km 319,7 
100m south of the Bridge to Cotopaxi National Park
El Chasqui - Pastocalle
Cantón Latacunga
Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Contacts

For additional information and reservations, please send us an
Email

For last minute reservations and urgent messages:
WhatsApp (voice and txt)
Phone (voice calls only):
0999 700 330
033 053 898 
+593 984682002

GPS

-0.694693    -78.595106
0°41’40.9”S    78°35”42.4"
UTM 17M 767694  19923140
Altitude: 3125 m  /  10,252 ft

Mountain Climbing in Ecuador

© Copyright 2024 Cuello de Luna - All Rights Reserved