Leaving Quito, we took a shuttle bus to the Secret Garden Cotopaxi, an eco-friendly lodge on the outskirt of the world’s highest volcano.
Upon arrival, the staff greeted us to a warm lunch and a tour of the grounds,
followed by a pleasant walk to a nearby waterfall.
The view from our cosy cabana.
On our first day, we hiked to the extinct (last erupted 100,000 years ago) volcano Pasochoa at 4,200 m (13,800 ft).
At the summit, the clouds held back long enough for us to enjoy lunch and the beautiful views of the surrounding valleys. 
On day two, we drove to the base of Cotopaxi and hiked up to the Jose Ribas refuge at 4,862 m which is a personal best for us, a new elevation high.
After our descent back to the jeep we got out the mountain bikes and went for a ride back out to the park entrance.
On day three, we enjoyed some horseback riding in the Andean plains.
Cotopaxi National Park, a must see and do for your visit to Ecuador.
White Postcards 
Amazing pictures and what an experience!!! So so excited for you two!!! Keep on hikin’!!!
Thank you Jules, taking nice pictures is easy with such a beautiful backdrop:) -G & G
looks like you are having an amazing adventure……
You’re right Penny, we’re having a great time. Thanks for following along. -Gord
What a fabulous time you’re having, and you got some great photos. We did a day hike of Cotopaxi from Quito. The weather was foul, but we did get up a little past the refuge, and we saw an Andean wolf right by the road on the way down.
Alison
You’ve got a great eye for capturing interesting shots!
Beautiful! The mountain reminds me of Shasta. Sounds like your adventure is off to a great start. –Curt
Curt, you are right, I can see the resemblance with Shasta. We’re loving Ecuador, and finding a balance between time in the cities and the countryside–no complaints yet:) -Ginette