3 Day Tour (Night in Cotopaxi & Baños)
(With Stop At Quilotoa)

3 Day Tour (Night in Cotopaxi & Baños)
(With Stop At Quilotoa)

5 Activities

3 Destinations

Daily

Hotel/Hostel Pick-up & Drop-off

Overview:

This is a 3 day short tour to the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano and to Baños, considered the adventure capital of Ecuador. On the way, we’ll make a stop at the Quilotoa Lagoon, an unbelievable turquoise lake in the caldera of an active volcano. Once in Baños, you’ll enjoy a number of wonderful activities set against a beautiful backdrop of waterfalls and tropical greenery. This short tour makes for a great 3-day escape from Quito.

Highlights:

  • Visit Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll be able to see amazing panoramic views of the famous Cotopaxi Volcano. (Cotopaxi).
  • If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to spot some of the park’s majestic native wildlife. Species that call the park home include wolves, rabbits, bears and condors. (Cotopaxi)
  • Embark on a guided exploration of the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a stunning glacial lake in the shadow of the Cotopaxi Volcano. (Cotopaxi)
  • Visit the José Rivas Refuge, the most popular base camp for mountaineers planning to climb the volcano. (Cotopaxi)
  • Enjoy free use of the luxurious spa area at the Chuquiragua Lodge, including both a jacuzzi and sauna. Massages are also available at a small extra cost. If you wish to avail yourself of these facilities you must advise the receptionist upon your arrival to enable them to prepare the water. (Cotopaxi)
  • Toachi Canyon is a small, gorgeous canyon that is missed by many travelers. We’ll get off the beaten track and make a brief stop here to take some photos and appreciate an exquisite view of the Ecuadorian countryside. (Toachi Canyon)
  • Visit a lookout point for the incredible Quilotoa Lagoon, located inside the crater of an active volcano. (Quilotoa)
  • Ride the “Swing at the End of the World” at La Casa del Árbol where you can look out at the epic Mt. Tungurahua Volcano, the town of Baños below, and the vast Ecuadorian wilderness in the distance. (Baños)
  • Go for a relaxing dip in the town of Baños’s namesake natural thermal baths. (Baños)
  • Visit the stunning Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), one of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of South America. View the falls from their base or climb up the adjacent staircase to see this beautiful natural marvel from above. (Baños)
  • Ride a cable car over the Pastaza River for extraordinary panoramic views of waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes. (Baños)

What this tour offers:

  • 3 unforgettable destinations
    • Quilotoa - An extraordinary water-filled volcanic crater nestled among Ecuador’s central highlands
    • Cotopaxi - home to Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most famous sights
    • Baños - Considered the adventure capital of Ecuador

  • 5 Incredible Activities
    • Cotopaxi National Park - Explore the areas of this amazing park like Limpiopungo Lagoon & José Rivas Refuge
    • Toachi Canyon View Point - Small, gorgeous canyon that is missed by many travelers
    • Quilotoa Shalala View Point - Catch some of the most breathtaking views
    • Swing At The End Of The World - Famous swing at La Casa del Arbol where you’ll get amazing views
    • Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall - One of the most spectacular waterfalls in all of South America

  • 1 night in Cotopaxi

  • 1 night in Baños

  • Daily departures

  • Hotel/hostel pickups & dropoffs
    • Safety and comfort guaranteed

Price from: $169

Tour Itinerary & What's Included

Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi

07:15am - 07:50am

Direct pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Cotopaxi (exact time will depend on which neighborhood you are located in).

09:00am

Arrive at the Chuquiragua Lodge and catch your first views of the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the country's most famous sights.

09:00am - 09:30am

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with generous portions to keep you energized for a full day of exploring Cotopaxi National Park.

10:00am

Enter Cotopaxi National Park and visit interpretation center.

10:30am – 11:30am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Limpiopungo Lagoon – A stunning setting in which to admire the local landscape and nature, with Cotopaxi looming overhead as the perfect backdrop.

11:30am - 2:00pm

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Hike up to the José Rivas Refuge – Enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna as we trek through the Andean paramo up to the famous landmark, Jose Rivas Refuge, located at 4864m. This refuge still functions as the active basecamp for mountaineers planning to climb to the very peak of the volcano.

We continue to a scenic lookout point to take in some unbelievable panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano before beginning the descent

3:30pm

Return to the Chuquiragua Lodge for an afternoon lunch surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.

Night in Cotopaxi

Night in Cotopaxi. Enjoy the amazing view of the volcano while in town.
You can book accommodation with any of our partners at the time of your booking or you're free to book your own accommodation.

Day 2: Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Baños

08:15am

Depart Chuquiragua Lodge.

10:30am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Toachi River Canyon lookout point – we stop at the canyons deepest point, at 100 meters deep, and allow you to take in the view and learn a little about the canyon

10:45am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Shalala lookout point – enjoy the stunning views of the Quilotoa volcano lake from one of the best viewpoints

11:50am

Depart Quilotoa

3:00pm

Arrive at Baños.

4:30pm

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Swing at the End of the World – visit the famous swing at La Casa del Árbol and take in an amazing view of the gorgeous mountain landscapes.

Night in Baños

Recommended activity: visit the nearby thermal baths which gave Baños its name and go for a relaxing dip in these healing pools.
You can book accommodation with any of our partners at the time of your booking or you're free to book your own accommodation.

Day 3: Baños - Quito

Free morning in Baños

Have breakfast and relax or explore the town of Baños a bit.

8:15am

Pick-up at your hotel/hostel (within the city center) to begin the day's activities.

08:30am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Pastaza River cable car – experience one of the most extraordinary sights you’ve ever seen, with 360 degree views of waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes.

09:30am - 10:30am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Devil’s Cauldron (Pailón del Diablo) – get a view of the astonishing waterfall, which is one of the main highlights in Baños.

11:00am

Arrive back in Baños

1:00pm

Depart Baños and begin the trip back to Quito.

8:30pm

Direct drop-off at your hotel/hostel in Quito.


What’s Included

  • Direct pick-up from hostel/hotel in Quito
  • Transport to viewing point for the breathtaking, turquoise-colored Quilotoa Lagoon
  • Transport to the town of Baños
  • Visit to the famous "Swing at the End of the World" at La Casa del Árbol for stunning views
  • Transport to viewing point for the majestic Pailon del Diablo waterfall
  • Cable car ride over the river for incredible panoramic views
  • All taxes and entrance fees
  • Transport back to your hotel or hostel in Quito

Not Included

  • Breakfast, lunch, and evening meals
  • Accommodation can be added-on when purchasing your ticket

Important Info & Notes

Departure Days

Every Day

Time of Departure

07:15am - 07:50am

Pick-up Location

All hostels and hotels in Quito (direct pick-up)

Note:

Minimum Time Needed

3 Days / 2 Nights

Price

$169 Includes transport, tours and guide on board. Accommodation add-ons available. *Meals not included.

Travelling between any of the dates mentioned below? Click the tab for the corresponding important information.

24, 24 & 31 DEC + 1 JAN - CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS BREAK

We will be taking a short break at the end of December for Christmas and New Year. We do this to give our bus drivers and guides time to spend with their families during these special holidays. As a business, we know this may disappoint some travelers, but we care about our employees the same way we care about our passengers and want to give them a well-deserved rest.

NO BUS ON: 24, 24 & 31 DEC & 1 JAN

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you check the bus timetables for each pass as not all routes have daily departures.

9 & 10 AUGUST 2024: ECUADORIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Biggest public holidays of the year. Due to high demand, we will not be able to assist with room upgrades during this period.

28 - 31 MARCH 2024: EASTER WEEKEND

Easter weekend holidays: Due to high demand, we will not be able to assist with room upgrades during this period.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now

Accommodation Information

You are free to stay anywhere you wish, giving you total flexibility for your tour. However, when booking this tour, you CAN add on accommodation through our local hostel/hotel partners, from just $10 per person depending on the type of hotel and room (full list of options below)

Note that these are exclusive prices for Hop passengers, and better than those offered through platforms such as booking.com or even directly with the hotel.

IMPORTANT: Accommodation reservations are subject to confirmation. Should your room type not be available, we will notify you within 48hours to offer alternatives. (For last minute bookers this can be coordinated directly with your onboard guide.)

See below our listed recommendations for the destinations on your tour.

Cotopaxi

Hotel Chuquiragua Lodge Unique

Shared room

Traveling alone or on a budget? Or just looking to meet other travelers? Choose the shared room option for your trip and connect with other like-minded hopsters.

Room type:

6-bed shared room

Price:

From $20 per person

Private room

Traveling as a couple or group? Or do you just want your own room for the tour? Select a private room with bathroom when booking to add that little bit of privacy to your trip.

Room type:

Double/twin, Triple and Quadruple rooms available

Price:

From $67 per room

Info About Our Luxury Buses

Ecuador Hop – #1 Bus Company In Ecuador

As well as an unbeatable safety record, Ecuador Hop is also famous for its punctuality and comfort. In South America, where things often run later than scheduled, we are very proud to say we achieve a 98.5% on-time arrival for each trip.

If comparing Ecuador Hop to other bus companies, make sure you check their safety record, past accidents, as well as their Tripadvisor page (if they even bother to have one) as often you will find there is a reason why some bus companies have “cheaper” prices than Ecuador Hop.

Features Of Our Buses

Short Distance Buses

  • Modern bus models: We use only up-to-date, well-maintained and high-quality buses to ensure top safety standards and comfort (this is not always a guarantee in Ecuador).
  • Climate control: We make sure the temperature is comfortable for everyone on board.
  • Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality buses will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
  • GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
  • USB ports available: Charge your mobile phone or tablet on board the bus!

Bus Safety Controls

  • Large team of drivers: Our drivers are not overworked/tired as is often the case on other buses.
  • Tour guide onboard: Our tour guide does regular checks on the drivers.
  • Seatbelts: We have a seatbelt for every passenger and ask our passengers to wear them at all times.
  • 24 hour GPS monitoring: Every bus is monitored from a secure point via GPS…we always know where the bus is and if it is taking any unscheduled stops.
  • Constant contact: The drivers and the guide communicate continuously by telephone with the Ecuador Hop office.
  • No tight deadlines: Our drivers are under NO pressure to arrive at a certain time, no need for increased speed or unnecessary risks.