Quito to Banos Tour | 2-Day Trip to Baños & Cotopaxi Volcano

Hiking, Sightseeing

Trip Style

Every Day

Departures

2 days

Duration

2-Day Trip to Baños de Agua Santa & Cotopaxi Volcano| Quito to Banos Tour

Take a 2-day Quito to Banos tour across the Avenue of the Volcanoes. This trip takes you towards one of the greenest spots in the Ecuadorian Sierra, Baños de Agua Santa. On day 1 drive through an outstanding Panorama on Andean mountain chain and stop to visit Cotopaxi Volcano. Visit Cotopaxi first Refugee or Limpiopungo. Continue to Baños and Ride the Swing at The End of the World. On Day 2, submerge into nature hiking the famous Baños Waterfalls Route. Reach Pailon del Diablo cascade and head back to Quito.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Drive through the unforgettable view of the Avenue of the Volcanoes and visit Cotopaxi Volcano
Ride the Swing at End of the World while enjoying the view of active Tungurahua Volcano.
Hike on the lovely cascades route and take a refreshing dip in the river
Reach Pailon del Diablo cascade before heading back to Quito

Important data

SHARED DEPARTURE	Every day
PRIVATE DEPARTURE	Every day (extra cost)
DEPARTURE LOCATION	Hotel in Quito
RETURN LOCATION	Hotel in Quito
DEPARTURE TIME	Around 8:00 am.
DURATION	2 Days
WEAR	Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, hat, jacket and sunscreen.
INCLUDED	Bilingual Professional Guide. Transportation to/from Quito. Accommodation in a Double Room in Baños City (Standard Room) Breakfast (Days 2) Lunch (Days 1 and 2)
NOT INCLUDED	Dinner Cost of activities chosen on Day 2 (bikes, canopy, etc) Hotel in Quito (we can arrange your hotel accommodation if need) Tips & Gratuities (optional)

INQUIRE MORE HERE

Day 1

From Quito to Baños across the “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”

After an early pick-up from your hotel in Quito, depart southwards through “The Avenue of the Volcanoes” (Panamericana Sur). Enjoy the stunning view of the Andes mountain chain as you travel towards a full-day adventure at Cotopaxi National Park.

Get in touch with the local culture and cuisine at Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. You will enter the Cotopaxi National Park for a close encounter with the Paramo biodiversity and a short ecological explanation.

After a short hike, let the adventure begin! if the weather and the travelers physical conditions are appropriate, get ready to ascend the to the First Refugee of the volcano (4810 m. a.s.l). You can rest and eat some hot soup at the refugee or continue the ascent to the Glaciers (depending on weather conditions).

Otherwise, if you feel like keeping it smoother, ride to a pine forest to the no less charming Limpiopungo Lake, located on the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. A visit to a local sierra market is another great option to get in touch with local community. Afterwards

Afterwards, hit the road again towards Baños city. A stop at a must-see viewpoint at “The Tree House” will allow you to experience the adrenaline rush of mounting the “End of the World Swing”. This spot offers an awesome view of Tungurahua Volcano and the lovely province. Sleepover at a double room in Baños.

Day 2

Explore Baños and the Waterfall Route

Start the day after breakfast with a panoramic tour of Baños City. Try and watch the enticing process of the famous Melcocha, a traditional handmade sweet.

Afterwards, this day will be all about green nature. Take a hike across the “Route of the Waterfalls” into the green Baños rainforest. Visit Pailon Del Diablo, Manto de la Virgen and the crystal clear rivers of the area to refresh little after the hike. After submerging in the green beauty of Baños, head back to your hotel in Quito.

Note: Entrance fees and optional activities are not included and must be paid on site by travelers.

USEFUL INFO FOR YOUR QUITO TO BANOS TOUR

Activities, Climate & Altitude Conditions (IMPORTANT)

Though this tour is categorized as soft adventure, please note that you will be traveling from an altitude of 4,810m (15780 ft) above sea level once reaching the first refugee and at 5,000m if you choose (depending on the weather conditions) ascend to the Cotopaxi Volano glaciers. It is important that you are prepared beforehand for this kind of altitude and make sure you are up to the challange. There are smoother options for this trip as well if you don’t feel like climbing to the first refugee. We recommend acclimatizing first. Please inform us of any known medical conditions before the excursion.

Though this tour is categorized as soft adventure, please make sure you are in appropriate physical conditions to take part in the activities in Baños (hiking).

The weather in the area of Baños is quite warm however, given its closeness to the Amazon, it tends to rain. Bring a waterproof jacket. .

What to bring:

Refillable bottle of water
Sunscreen
Candies or chocolate (altitude)
Extra snack
Camera

Clothing Suggestions:

Comfortable clothes (appropriate for location)
Comfortable hiking shoes
Waterproof jacket
Sunglasses, hat or cap with visor and sun screen
Walking stick (optional)

Tipping:

Please feel free to tip your local guides and drivers if you are content with their services. Even if not compulsory, it is regarded as gratitude gesture to the people who will take care of you during the trip. But please remember, it is not a must.