Discover Quilotoa and Baños in a Day from Quito

Quito , Ecuador

Discover Quilotoa and Baños in a Day from Quito

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(3 reviews)

10h

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About this experience

Live an unforgettable experience in Ecuador, from Quito to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon with the Toachi River canyon and ending in Baños de Agua Santa.
Book now and live a unique experience that also contributes to the development of local communities along the way.

Available options

Discover Quilotoa and Baños in a Day from Quito

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance/Admission (Quilotoa Lagoon)

Stops (Tigua, Toachi River Canyon, Quilotoa)

Hotel pick-up Quito

Entrance/Admission (Tigua Art Gallery)

Drop off at Hotel Baños

Entrance/Admission (Toachi River Canyon)

Detailed itinerary

From your place of stay in Quito, we will leave in our car for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to our first point. On the way we will make a stop at the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", where with favorable weather we will observe volcanoes such as: Illinizas, Pasochoa, Corazón, Cotopaxi and Tungurahua.

We continue towards the community of Tigua. Visit an art gallery, where painters are famous for portraying their surroundings, with hand-painted paintings on llama and sheep leather, which stand out for having a lot of color and portraying daily life in the Andes.
Then we will continue for 30 more minutes towards our next stop.

Get to know the surprising example of the eruptive power of the Quilotoa volcano, a 40-meter-high canyon, approximately 1,800 years old.
From this point, we will travel for around 25 more minutes towards the Quilotoa lagoon.

Stop 4

We will equip ourselves with warm clothing, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. We will walk to the viewpoint where we will observe the lagoon from above. Once there, you can walk to the edge of the lagoon along a path of approximately 2 kilometers for about 30 minutes. Here you can enjoy activities such as boat rides or kayak rides in the lagoon (boat and kayak not included). To climb, the time may vary depending on your physical condition. You have the option of renting a mule (mule transportation not included) to facilitate the climb.

Here you will also have the option of having lunch, since we will travel for approximately 3 hours to the town of Baños de Agua Santa.

To get to this place we will cross various cities such as Latacunga, Ambato and Pelileo. In the latter, if the weather is favorable, we can make a stop to watch the sunset and the Tungurahua volcano in the distance. Upon arrival you will be dropped off at your hotel in Baños within the city.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Extra Activities Quilotoa (Kayak or horses in the lagoon)

Extra Activities in Baños (Tree House or Waterfall Route)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The guide will contact you days before the trip.

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.