
Ecuador · 2 days
Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños in 2 Days
- Duration
- 2 days
- Route
- Cotopaxi, Quilotoa lagoon, Banos
- Difficulty
- Easy
Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños in 2 days from Quito: the essentials of the Andes in a weekend, with a night in Baños, transport and a local guide. Prices start at $325 per person.
Unforgettable experience with a tour of Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Banos.
In just two days, embark on an incredible journey through Ecuador’s natural beauty and discover the splendor of Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and Baños! Immerse yourself in the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and incredible surroundings this special nation offers.
Start your journey in Cotopaxi National Park, the home of the amazing Cotopaxi volcano. Appreciate its snow-capped height piercing the heavens, and push yourself to climb its slopes for an amazing encounter.
Then, discover the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, one of Ecuador’s top destinations. This hidden gem is located within the crater of an ancient volcano, creating a surreal landscape with intense turquoise waters. On your tour, you’ll enjoy hiking along the trails surrounding the lagoon, with panoramic views that will take your breath away. Whether you choose to descend to the shore or explore the crater rim, hiking in Quilotoa is ideal for nature and adventure lovers.
Finally, stop in the small town of Banos de Agua Santa, known as the adventure capital of Ecuador, surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs, offering a unique combination of adrenaline and relaxation.
If you’re looking for thrills, this destination is ideal for extreme sports such as rafting on the Pastaza River, bungee jumping from its high bridges, or zip-lining over the valley. For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, the famous volcanic hot springs provide the perfect place to relax and recharge. In Baños, you can also visit the famous waterfalls, explore the impressive Devil’s Cauldron waterfall, and enjoy the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Admire the turquoise waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake in the Andes. Explore Banos de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s adventure capital full of waterfalls and jungle landscapes. Enjoy outdoor activities like ziplining, canyoning, or the famous “Swing at the End of the World.”
Itinerary
Day 1Cotopaxi and Quilotoa lake
Your adventure begins in Cotopaxi National Park, visiting the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon. Here you will enjoy a quiet hike surrounded by Andean moorland, with breathtaking views of the Cotopaxi Volcano reflected in the lagoon and the possibility of observing birds and wild horses in their natural habitat.
Then, the experience continues at the impressive Quilotoa Lake, where you will descend along the trail until you reach the shore of its famous turquoise lagoon. After enjoying the scenery and taking unforgettable pictures, you will make the return ascent, completing a day full of nature, adventure, and spectacular landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Finally, we will head back to your hotel in Quito so you can relax and rest after this incredible experience.
Day 2Banos de Agua Santa - A Must-Visit Destination for Adventure Lovers

Our first stop will be the famous Tree House with its "Swing at the End of the World," offering spectacular views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the surrounding valleys. Next, we'll continue along the Waterfall Route, a scenic road that follows the Pastaza River. A must-see is the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron), one of Ecuador's most impressive waterfalls. We'll also visit other waterfalls like Agoyán and Manto de la Novia (Bride's Veil), where we can enjoy the cable car that crosses the river canyon, offering panoramic views and lush tropical vegetation.
Prices per person
| 1 traveler | 2 travelers | 3 travelers | 4+ travelers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $755 | $440 | $345 | $325 |
What is included
- Pick up/ Drop off
- Transportation
- Bilingual Guide
- Lunch x2 days
- Breakfast x1 day (second day)
- Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park
- Entrance to Quilotoa Lake
- Tree house and swing at the End of the world entrance
- Manto de la Novia cable car
- Devil's Cauldron entrance
- Accomodation x1
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Breakfast (first day)
- Dinners
Steve B
Sep 2026 · Tripadvisor
★★★★★
Excellent Guide, Excellent Itinerary
We arrived in Quito a couple of days before flying to Baltra for our Galápagos cruise. After making our reservation, we switched hotels, but the company quickly adjusted our pickup location without any issues. Our guide, Ayrton, communicated with us through WhatsApp, and everything was seamless from the start. Before beginning the tour, he took the time to learn more about us and what we wanted from the day. He listened carefully and adjusted several activities based on our interests and preferences. Ayrton is only 28, I believe, but this young man was truly outstanding. He knows the history, geography, weather, and topography of Ecuador exceptionally well. Just as importantly, he understands what excellent service looks like. We could not have asked for a better guide!
Gabriela M
Sep 2026 · Tripadvisor
★★★★☆
Experiencia inolvidable!
Me encantó la experiencia con Ayrton, es un excelente guía, tiene mucho conocimiento y respondió todas nuestras inquietudes, nos prestó buen servicio, es muy amable y tiene la disposición a ser flexible durante el tour. Fue inolvidable los lugares que visitamos especialmente la cascada Pailon del Diablo. La única recomendación que doy es que en el título de la publicación dice que incluye entradas y almuerzo, pero luego debes elegir diferentes paquetes que cambian la promesa que se hace en el título de la publicación. Esto puede causar confusión y descontento. Deberían quitarlo.
Erika A
Sep 2026 · Tripadvisor
★★★★★
Awe- inspiring
Highly recommend this tour!! I travel solo, so it was just me and the guide which is exactly what I wanted. No large tour group or having to make awkward conversations with strangers. The tour is tailored to you. What I mean by that is, if you need to use the restroom or want to stop for snacks, just tell your guide and they’ll stop. If you want to skip the lagoon, you can do that. It’s more than just those things, but the point is that they want you to have a good time and will do what they can to make sure you are happy and comfortable. The horseback riding is super fun, and the scenery is stunning.
Sarah
Sep 2026 · Tripadvisor
★★★★★
A Trip Highlight
I truly had an wonderful time on this experience. I'd never be comfortable navigating the drives on my own, so having Ayrton there getting me to the gorgeous locations I'd otherwise miss and providing all sorts of help and insight, was an absolute blessing. I'd highly recommend this experience and Ayrton!
Jose M
Sep 2026 · Tripadvisor
★★★★★
Uma aventura
Um dia muito agradável com nosso guia Etiel. Muito atencioso e bom de conversa. O tour valeu cada momento, pois nos proporcionou atividades tranquilas e conversas relaxantes sobre histórias de vida. Recomendo a Quito Trails.
jo z
Sep 2026 · Tripadvisor
★★★★★
Amazing day out !!
We had the best time with Ayrton, our guide. Very professional and knowledgeable. We saw so many places, including feeding some Llamas! The waterfall was amazing. Highly recommend this tour and company !
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