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4 Day 3 Night To Baños
(With Night In Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Baños)

4 Day 3 Night To Baños
(With Night In Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Baños)

Overview:

This is a 4-day short tour to Baños, considered the adventure capital of Ecuador. On the way from Quito to Baños, we’ll make stops at the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano, where you will hike to the base-camp, as well as visiting 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 4-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
  • 7 Incredible Activities
    • Cotopaxi View Point - Panoramic view of the stunning snow-capped volcano
    • 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
    • Cable Car - ride over the Paztaza River for incredible panoramic views
  • 1 night in Cotopaxi
  • 1 night in Quilotoa
  • 1 night in Baños
  • Daily departures
  • Hotel/hostel pickups & dropoffs
    • Safety and comfort guaranteed
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Tour Itinerary & What's Included

Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi

05:30am - 06:30am

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).

07:45am

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

08:15am

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

09:00am

Enter Cotopaxi National Park and visit interpretation center.

10:00am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Limpiopungo Lagoon – stroll the lake-side boardwalk as part of the guided tour around this glacial lake at the foot of Cotopaxi. A stunning setting in which to admire the local landscape and nature, with Cotopaxi looming overhead as the perfect backdrop.

12:30pm

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

03:30pm

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

08:15am

Pickup at 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

11:10am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Guided Quilotoa Lagoon hike – walk down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon and get to see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close.

12:30pm

Guided hike to the nearby community of Quilotoa

2:00pm

Afternoon lunch at a local restaurant

3:30pm

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

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

4:00pm

Free afternoon

Night in Quilotoa

Relax in this small 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 3: Quilotoa - Baños

08:30am

Free time to have breakfast

11:50am

Depart Quilotoa

3:00pm

Arrive in Baños

03:30pm

Lunch

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.

7:00pm

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Thermal baths – visit the nearby baths which gave Baños its name and go for a relaxing dip in these healing pools

8:00pm

Dinner

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 4: Baños - Quito

08:15am

Pick-up at Juan Montalvo Park (main Baños drop-off point) 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.

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What’s Included

  • Direct pick-up from hostel/hotel in Quito
  • Guided bus transport
  • All taxes and entrance fees
  • Tour of the Cotopaxi National Park
  • Guided hike to Laguna Lumpiopungo
  • Guided hike to Jose Rivas Refuge (Cotopaxi base camp)
  • Visit to the Toachi River Canyon
  • Visit to the Shalala lookout point of Quilotoa Lagoon
  • Tour of Quilotoa Lagoon- take a guided hike down to the shore
  • Visit La Casa del Arbol, or the Swing at the End of the World
  • Tour of the Devils Cauldron Waterfall- the most impressive waterfall in the region
  • Cable car ride over the Paztaza River for incredible panoramic views

Not Included

  • Thermal baths in Baños (optional extra)
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Evening meals
  • Accommodation can be added-on when purchasing your ticket
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Important Info & Notes

Departure Days

Every Day

Time of Departure

06:30am

Pick-up Location

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

Note:

Minimum Time Needed

4 Days / 3 Nights

Price

$199 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.

9 & 10 AUGUST 2021 - 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.

1 – 4 APRIL 2021 EASTER WEEKEND

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

24 & 25 - 31 DEC 2020 & 1 JAN 2021 - 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 FROM: 24 & 25 - 31 DEC 2020 & 1 JAN 2021

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

Book With Confidence

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

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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.