3-Day Hiking Adventure to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Baños
Cotopaxi Quilotoa & Baños
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- Tour Plan
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What's included
- A guided tour of important places
- Accommodation pick up and drop off
- Adventure Sports or rentals (rafting, bungee, Zipline, canopy, rapell)
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to guide and driver
- Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park → Quilotoa
- Day 2: Quilotoa Crater Hike → Baños
- Day 3: Waterfall Hikes & Scenic Trails in Baños
Base: Quito → Cotopaxi → Quilotoa
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Morning:
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Depart Quito early (6:00–7:00 AM).
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Arrive at Cotopaxi National Park (~2 hours drive).
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Register at the entrance and hike to José Rivas Refuge (~4,864m).
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1.5–2 hours round trip from the parking area.
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Optional glacier viewpoint if weather permits.
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Midday:
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Lunch or snack near Limpiopungo Lagoon with volcano views.
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Optional short hike around the lagoon (~1 hour).
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Afternoon: Drive from Cotopaxi to Quilotoa village (~2.5 hours).
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Scenic drive through Andean highlands.
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Arrive by late afternoon to settle in and enjoy sunset views.
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Overnight: Stay in Quilotoa village
Base: Quilotoa → Baños
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Morning:
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Hike the Quilotoa Crater Rim Loop (~10 km, 5–6 hours):
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Moderate to challenging trail with constant elevation shifts (~3,900m).
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Panoramic views of the lagoon and Andes.
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Alternate: Shorter hike down to the lake (~30 min), then rent a mule to return.
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Afternoon:
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Lunch in Quilotoa village.
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Drive to Baños de Agua Santa (~3.5–4 hours).
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Evening:
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Relax in town or visit local hot springs.
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Overnight: Stay in Baños
Base: Baños
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Morning:
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Hike or bike the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route):
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Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) – must-see.
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Manto de la Novia – includes a cable car crossing.
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Afternoon:
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Visit Casa del Árbol (Swing at the End of the World).
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Optional short hike or taxi.
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Enjoy a hot springs soak, ziplining, or canyoning if time and energy allow.
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Evening:
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Return to Quito (~3.5 hours), or spend another night in Baños if preferred.
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Overnight: Baños or return to Quito.
More about this tour
This 3-day hiking tour takes you deep into the heart of Ecuador’s Andean highlands, combining three of the country’s most iconic destinations. Begin at Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll hike to the José Rivas Refuge and admire the towering, snow-draped volcano. Then continue to the awe-inspiring Quilotoa Crater, with the option to hike the full rim or descend to the vivid turquoise lake. Finally, explore the adventure capital of Baños, with its famous waterfalls, cloud forest scenery, and the thrill of the Swing at the End of the World. Perfect for travelers short on time but big on outdoor adventure and Andean beauty.
