Private tour in Quito Vivian V

Day Trip to Cotopaxi National Park from Quito

5.0

(14) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Vivian V.

5.0

Guide rating

553

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

For 34 years I have guided, toured and helped people plan everything there is to do in Ecuador from a one day tour to a week or more. I guide not just the Quito area but the entire Andes chain including Otavalo, Mindo, Papallacta, Banos, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Ingapirca, Cuenca, Guayaquil and everything in between as well as the Galapagos and Amazon jungle. I guide only my native Ecuador but have been named the current #1 guide in all of South America and the Caribbean. The City of Quito hired me to tour Miami based, world syndicated radio and newspaper travel writer, former Colombia diplomat, expert on South America, Enrique Cordoba Rocha, who wrote I am the best Quito guide and sends referrals from his listeners and readers. I have never missed a tour, never even been late for one. I am 56 years old and was the 4th nationally licensed guide in the history of Ecuador and have toured over 9,000 travelers even for the Ecuador government (the Minister of Nepal, 17 person entourage and police escort - PHEW!) and top travel agencies in Ecuador and abroad. I am the "go to" guide the City of Quito asks to tour VIPs such as a PGA (U. S. golf) pro during the Quito tournament, the second highest ranking Russian official and entourage with body guards (Phew! again), a U. S. State Department official, an Arabian sheik and entourage, "Travel and Leisure" magazine personnel, foreign diplomats, the past U. S. ambassador. I was U. S. sales director for Klein Tours and traveled the world promoting Ecuador for it and Metropolitan Touring, the two largest Ecuador travel agencies and largest Galapagos yacht owners. I also designed tours for each. I have a U. S. (Miami) phone on my Quito desk to assist clients with trip planning. I can help you plan the perfect partial or total Ecuador vacation short or long. I am an Ecuador and a U. S. citizen. The tour guide you choose will be the difference in your day or trip. I have the guide maturity and vast contacts to make my clients secure. I speak, read and write perfect English (and French) because I lived and worked for Marriott in the U. S. , lived a year in France and traveled the world promoting Ecuador. With me there will be no canned or stilted speeches, talks. I am known for my flexibility while touring and can change itineraries even "on the fly" the day of a tour due to weather and other factors, even your whims. I have degrees in tourism and hotel management, and my avocation is Ecuador history. My English, knowledge, happy disposition, energy, experience and reliability make me the perfect guide for Quito or the entire country including the Galapagos and Amazon jungle. I love my work and have more than 4,500 recommendation letters on file without a single bad review, all five stars. I am one of four, elected, unpaid officers who run our National Tour Guide Association. Ecuador National Tour Guide 004 Tour prices quoted here are for up to 3 in my nice, newer SUV. I am a commercially licensed driver without ever an accident. I tour groups up to 50. For 4 or more simply ask me for a quote. I, personally, do not charge more for the guiding, but must, under strict Ecuador transportation law to protect your group, hire a special driver with specially inspected, commercially licensed vehicle, and this adds to the cost. Not all museums in Quito are closed on Mondays, most are now open. If this is your only available day please send me your inquiry, and I will create a customized itinerary.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Vivian V.

Overview of your Quito tour

I took this startling picture with an iPhone; you can experience the same. Cotopaxi is an active volcano but nothing to be afraid of as government closes it when dangerous. It is one of the world's most beautifully shaped volcanoes, 2nd highest active volcano. This is a day long trip. I will hike the volcano with you if you want to hike. Pictures shown here were recently taken by me. You can hike in tennis shoes but best bring proper boots as well as warm pants and layered upper body protection, rain jacket, gloves and warm hat. Pack a small brush to clean sticky dust off your boots. The park entrance fee is an additional $10 cash per person. If you want to hike the volcano, the special local Indian driver and truck to take us to the hiking start point are an additional $40. As appears on passports I will need, at least two days in advance, for a park entrance form: names, passport numbers, nationalities and birth dates.

Recent Reviews

Emily W.United States
March 2026

Vivian was amazing!! She speaks perfect English and was full of interesting stories!! She brought us up to view the volcano and we saw the wild horses, she joined us on a hike around the lake where she told us about the birds and animals we saw. After Cotopaxi she brought us to a beautiful hacienda where we had a snack and tour of the property. We had more time and she offered to bring us back into town to see more. Would 100000% recommend Vivian to anyone and if we return we would do another tour with her!

Jim L.United States
February 2026

We enjoyed an amazing 4 days with Vivian on her one day Quito, two day Otavalo, and one day Cotopaxi trips. She is a knowledgeable guide on the nature, the culture, the history, and the people of Ecuador. And she is a fun person to hang out with. We laughed so much and learned so much. She took us into the homes of skilled artisans, shamans, and cooks who we would never have found on our own. She was equally comfortable leading us on mountain hikes, through the streets of Quito, and along backroads that were barely roads. She steered us to wonderful place to stay and to eat. She genuinely cares about her clients and did everything she could help us enjoy our time with her and help us prepare for the rest of our travels in Ecuador. Vivian, and her mama if you are fortunate enough to have her drive you around Quito, will completely spoil you during your time with her.

Mark B.United States
June 2025

We had a great tour with Vivian. She was very quick to respond and shared a lot of helpful information as we prepared for our trip. She tailored the trip to our interests and added a few fun quick side trips over the day. I am also grateful for her help in arranging transfers for us with skilled and friendly driver. I would recommend Vivian for your trip to Ecuador.

Dorothy S.
February 2025

On the drive to Quilotoa lake, we had a truly scenic journey. The colours of the water were quite something to see. We also stopped at an artists studio and met the great man himself! Also stopped at a local farm where they produce more then 25 varieties of potato. They also breed guinea pigs for sale. Stopped at a Hacienda where we had lovely coffee and great Empanadas. Viv sure knows the best places for good, local produce.

Caroline K.United Kingdom
December 2024

From the moment we contacted Vivian she came up with a great itinerary for us, plus she gave us loads of useful tips and advice on visiting Ecuador in general. Vivian’s knowledge of the area was really impressive. Not only did she provide fascinating insights and information about each site we visited, she also shared captivating stories that brought the places to life. Vivian went above and beyond to make our tours memorable. We did so much in the two days we had in Quito. If you're looking for a great tour with someone who genuinely cares, Vivian’s your guide!

Neha S.United States
June 2024

We changed our day from Cotopaxi to north of Quito, such as Otalvo. Vivian found some really cool opportunities (lunch at an indigenous house - delicious meal and also and experience, ancient archeological sit of pyramids where we also fed llamas, a hike around a beautiful lake mad by volcanos). I can't say enough about how amazing Vivian is. See my other review of her.

Your Quito tour itinerary

Itinerary will be as followed: 8am pick up at hotel 1:15 hour drive to Cotopaxi National Park Tour park and/or hike Cotopaxi National Park Lunch Horseback riding if desired Dinner if desired or 1:15 hour drive back to Quito 4:30pm (approximate) drop off at hotel Tour can be customized upon request.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Price is for 1 to 3 people with me, Vivian, driving a nice, new, safe SUV. Please ask for quote for any number of travelers from 4 and up. I use appropriately sized and comfortable SUV or touring van or small bus with safe, professional, commercially licensed driver required by law. I only use the best drivers and vehicles that have a long history of safety and reliability with me.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Horseback riding $25-$45 per person.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

Airport, hotel, or any other location specified by tour guide or client.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Hiking
Adventure
Tour reference number
642559
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Quito best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore Cotopaxi National Park with a knowledgeable local guide. It's suitable for those interested in hiking, nature, and experiencing the beauty of an active volcano. Families with kids will find it friendly, and it's a great choice for those who prefer a personalized experience.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Quito be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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