I knew I was not fit enough to make the climb to the summit of Cotopåxi, so I decided to take the popular daytrip of hiking from the refuge to the beginning of the glacier line. But my tour guides had a different hike in mind.
I booked my tour through Hotel Cotopaxi, which was affiliated with my hotel, Hotel Central. It was $30 for the ride to Cotopaxi, guided tour, and lunch on the volcano. They asked me if I would be interested in trying a different hike that they claimed was more beautiful than the hike to the glacier. Knowing nothing about the park and with only a weak grasp of Spanish, I agreed to whatever they said.
The altitude was about 4,000m, and at most, we climbed 300 more meters. I was so out of breath throughout the hike that I can't imagine how the hike up to the glacier would have been. As promised, this route was gorgeous, all valleys and paramo. The views of the peak were stunning.
We picnicked near a valley with a clear view of the Cotopaxi peak. It was a really lovely day, pleasant and clear. We weren't high enough for it to get too cold, so you can leave your sweaters at home. I had brought more warm clothing than water, and I definitely regretted it.
Whatever your fitness level, you should make a hike in the Cotopaxi park part of your Ecuador itinerary. The photos I saw from people who climbed the summit were stunning, so definitely do it if you're able. If you book through Hotel Cotopaxi, ask about your options. You may find it more interesting to climb to the glacier line, but my hike was really beautiful as well.