Pasochoa Summit Trek Overview
The Pasochoa Summit Trek is one of the most rewarding day hikes in Cotopaxi National Park, offering travelers the opportunity to reach a spectacular volcanic summit at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) while enjoying diverse ecosystems, peaceful mountain landscapes, and panoramic views that stretch across the Ecuadorian Andes.
Rated as one of the most beautiful treks in the region, this experience combines physical challenge with natural discovery, guiding hikers through unique environments such as the mystical Enchanted Forest, the wide-open páramo grasslands, and the striking volcanic rim, creating a journey that feels both adventurous and deeply connected to nature without requiring technical climbing skills.
The Hiking Experience
This full-day adventure begins in the morning directly from the lodge, located at around 3,500 meters above sea level, where your guide will introduce the route and ensure that everyone is prepared for the day ahead before setting off on a scenic and steadily ascending trail that gradually reveals the beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The hike to the summit typically takes three to three and a half hours, depending on pace and weather conditions, and includes a variety of terrain ranging from forest paths to open highland slopes, while the descent usually takes between two and two and a half hours, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the landscape, take photographs, and appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the protected reserve.
What’s Included in Your Trek
The Pasochoa Summit Trek is designed to be simple, comfortable, and accessible for travelers who want to experience a classic Andean hike without worrying about logistics, as the guiding team takes care of the essential details that allow you to focus fully on the adventure and the scenery around you.
Your experience includes healthy snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day, the official entrance fee to the reserve, and a satisfying late lunch at the lodge after completing the hike, ensuring that you finish the day feeling relaxed and rewarded after reaching the summit.
Participants only need to bring their personal outdoor gear, such as comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing suitable for changing mountain weather, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a small backpack with water and personal essentials.
What’s Included in the Trek
The Pasochoa Summit Trek is designed to be simple, comfortable, and accessible for travelers who want to experience a classic Andean hike without worrying about logistics, as the guiding team takes care of the essential details that allow you to focus fully on the adventure and the scenery around you.
Your experience includes healthy snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day, the official entrance fee to the reserve, and a satisfying late lunch at the lodge after completing the hike, ensuring that you finish the day feeling relaxed and rewarded after reaching the summit.
Participants only need to bring their personal outdoor gear, such as comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing suitable for changing mountain weather, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a small backpack with water and personal essentials.
Who This Trek Is Perfect For
The Pasochoa Summit Trek is ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking and want to experience a true mountain summit within a single day while still maintaining a comfortable and manageable pace, making it a great choice for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to explore one of the most scenic landscapes near Cotopaxi.
This trek requires a moderate level of fitness, as the route includes some steep sections and gains significant altitude, but it is suitable for beginners with determination and a positive attitude, as the guide sets a steady rhythm, includes regular rest stops, and ensures that everyone can enjoy the journey safely and confidently from start to finish.
Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a small group looking for an authentic outdoor experience in Ecuador, this hike offers a memorable combination of fresh mountain air, stunning scenery, and the satisfying achievement of reaching a volcanic summit.
Location
Mountains
Cotopaxi National Park
trip type
Hiking
Duration
1 day
Starting at
USD 25
We trek for approx 6 hours total. The guide brings snacks and drinks and you’ll be back for a late lunch at about 2pm. We have a private trail through a private ecological reserve starting in the “Enchanted Forest” then across the paramo and up to the rim of the crater. This trek requires a moderate level of fitness – we take it easy and stop regularly to take photos and enjoy the surroundings.
We will start around 8am directly from the hostel, which is located at 3,500 metres, and hike up to the summit of Pasochoa at 4,200 metres. The ascent takes around 3-3.5 hours, and the descent is between 2-2.5 hours. The first part is through the “Enchanted Forest”, then across the paramo and further up through the “Paper Forest” before reaching the summit. The trek is around 13 kilometres long and includes some steep sections. We will have a few breaks on the way up and a longer break at the summit to have some tea, snacks and enjoy the surroundings before returning to the hostel for a late lunch. $25 pp incl entrance fee.
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Not staying at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi? No problem, contact us and we can pick you up from anywhere you want. ( with extra transport cost)
Snacks and drinks
Lunch at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi
Entrance fee
Personal equipment such as waterproof jacket and sunscreen.
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