Are you in Quito and interested in exploring the Ecuadorian Andes? On this 2-day or 3-day tour, you'll discover the active volcanos, colorful lagoons, and charming Andean towns!
2-Day Tour
Day 1: Cotopaxi
At the designated time, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Quito and leave behind the Ecuadorian capital to head to the Andes along the Panamerican South. Along the way, we'll make a stop for breakfast before we continue our journey to visit the second tallest volcano in Ecuador, at 19347 feet (5897 meters) above sea level.
62.1 miles (100 kilometers) from Quito, we'll find the Cotopaxi National Park. After registering and accessing the protected area, we'll visit the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center, a space with pictures and information about the volcano and its fauna and flora. Next, we'll head to the Laguna de Limpiopungo, a lagoon where we'll observe different species of native birds and plants.
Continuing our journey, we'll hike to the Refugio José Rivas, at 15958 feet (4864 meters) above sea level, where you'll enjoy the spectacular views on this hike of approximately 1.5 hours.
Lastly, we'll stop for lunch at a hacienda (large ranch) or a restaurant. After lunch, we'll arrive at the hotel in Cotopaxi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest with the remainder of the afternoon free to spend as you wish.
Day 2: Quilotoa
After breakfast and feeling fully rested, we'll begin our journey toward the south. Our first stop will be at Julián's home, where a local farmer will explain guinea pig breeding and local agriculture.
We'll also visit the town of Tigua, famous for its artists of the Naïve art movement. You'll enter an art gallery where you can admire and purchase hand-painted art pieces on llama and donkey leather. Beautiful! On our way to Quito, we'll also stop at the Tohatchi Lookout and take in the stunning views.
Once we reach the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, you can choose between the different trails to reach the wonderful Quilotoa Lake, which stands out for its turquoise waters. Take a picture of this breathtaking scenery!
You'll then have some free time to enjoy a delicious typical lunch from the area before we return to Quito. This second day of our tour will conclude at your accommodation at approximately 7 pm.
3-Day Tour
If you have more time, we recommend booking the 3-day tour. On this tour, we'll follow the same itinerary as described for our first day, and on the second day, after lunch, we'll head to Baños de Agua Santa.
We'll take you to a hotel in Baños, where you can enjoy a magical night in the city after getting comfortable. Try the local cuisine, stroll through the city's streets, and visit the thermal water pools!
On our third day, after breakfast, we'll go on the Mindo waterfall hike, commonly known as La Ruta de las Cascadas. We'll travel by tarabita (cable cars) over the Pastaza River, where you'll admire the scenic views of waterfalls, mountains, and jungles. Next, we'll visit the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall and the Casa del Árbol, where you can go on the Swing at the End of the World!
Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy more activities, explore the city, and grab a bite to eat. You'll fall in love with the adventure, hospitality, and cuisine in Baños!
After lunch, we'll return to Quito to conclude our 3-day Andes tour, saying goodbye at your accommodation around 9 pm.
Changes in the Itinerary
Please note that while the sites mentioned will be visited, the order of the days in the itinerary may vary depending on the month.
One-Night Accommodation
This tour includes a one-night stay at an accommodation in Cotopaxi in Hotel Chuquiragua, Hotel Rondador, or similar (3-star hotels). If you choose the 3-day tour option, the tour also includes a night at Hotel Casa Piedra in Baños (2-star hotel).
The prices listed are per person for a double room.
Tour Schedule
Please note that the first tour begins at 7 am and the return to Quito is at 7 pm (2-day tour) or at 9 pm (3-day tour).
Pickup and Drop-off
Please note that hotel pickup and drop-off services are included in this activity only for those staying within a 0.5-mile (0.80-kilometer) radius of the following places in Quito: La Carolina, Plaza Foca, and Plaza Grande. If your hotel is outside this designated area, we'll get in touch with you to establish an alternative meeting point.
