Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños Tour: 3 days, 2 nights

Pickups

Pick-up and drop-off in your hotel located in the 3 main areas: Carolina, Plaza Foch, Plaza Grande.

Stop in Machachi

Stop in the town of Machachi, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast (breakfast not included).

Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Arrive at Cotopaxi National Park, where the guide will handle the registration as we will be visiting a national park. Visit the park’s interpretation center to learn more about the local fauna and flora. Here you can try the famous coca tea to recharge your energy (tea not included).

Limpiopungo Lagoon

Visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you will observe local fauna and flora along the way. You may see curiquingues, bears, white-tailed deer, llamas, wild horses, and many birds.

Hike to Refugio José Rivas

We will travel from the base to the parking area of the national park at 14,764 feet above sea level. Upon arriving at the parking area, the hike to the refuge begins at 15,958 feet above sea level.

Lunch in the afternoon

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included). You can bring snacks for the day. After lunch, check-in will be done, and you have the afternoon free to enjoy the area.

Night in Cotopaxi

Make your reservation at the Cotopaxi hotel; we’ll assist you with the options.

Beginning

We will pick you up from your hotel to start the day. Hotel pick-up in Cotopaxi to begin the adventure to Quilotoa.

Visit a local family

Visit a local family and learn about our culture in the highlands.

Tigua Art Gallery

Stop in Tigua to learn about local crafts, you will meet artists from Tigua who are rescuing their culture.

Quilotoa Lagoon

Arrive in the community of Quilotoa where we will enjoy a view of the Quilotoa lagoon, an incredible turquoise lake located just inside the caldera of an active volcano. We will make the walk to the lagoon, so you can enjoy the landscape.

Lunch

After the hike, you will have time to enjoy a local lunch. We recommend trying the caldo de gallina (chicken broth), seco de chivo (stewed goat), and locro de papa (potato soup). Vegetarian options are also available. Lunch not included.

Departure from Quilotoa to Baños

Free time in Baños

Recommended activity: visit the nearby thermal baths that gave Baños their name and enjoy a relaxing bath in these healing pools. The pool entrances are not included.

Night in Baños

Remember to book your hotel near the church - ask our team for the best options.

Beginning

Pick up at the hotel to start the day’s activities

The waterfalls route

We will cross the famous route of the Cascades, this impressive route through the road that connects the Ecuadorian highlands with the jungle is full of waterfalls and tunnels, enjoy the views

Pailón del diablo

Visit the impressive Pailon del Diablo waterfall (Devil’s Caldera), we will take a walk until we reach the waterfall to feel its strength and power.

Cable car

Cross the river on the cable car and enjoy one of the most extraordinary views you’ve ever seen, with 360-degree views of waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes. After the activities we will make a stop for lunch, you can try typical dishes of the area (lunch not included)

Extreme activities

Optional activities in Baños: We will make a stop so you can take part in extreme activities such as: canopy, zipline, extreme bridge, and bungee jumping. Activities not included. This stop is not available on holidays.

Lunch

We will make a stop for lunch, where you can try typical local dishes (lunch not included).

The swing at the end of the world

Visit the famous “Swing at the end of the world” at La Casa del Arbol and admire the wonderful views of the mountainous landscapes.

Return from Baños to Quito

Approximate arrival time at 8:00 p.m depending on the traffic. We will drop you off at your hotel within the three drop-off areas: La Carolina, Foch Plaza, and Old town. If you have more remote lodging, ask for the upgrades.