3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
The perfect combination: The world’s highest active volcano: Cotopaxi, the turquoise Lagoon: Quilotoa with its indigenous communities, and the Adventure City: Baños de Agua Santa.
We start in the “Cotopaxi” National Park, where you have some options during your visit, such as: Trekking around the Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3,800 meters above sea level; Trekking to the “José Ribas” Refuge from its parking lot (4,500–4,864 meters above sea level); or you can try a bicycle activity, crossing the Volcanic Valley.
Leaving the National Park and after lunch, we head towards the Andean Western Cordillera and complement the first day with a view of the Grand Canyon of the Toachi River. Dinner and accommodation in the town of Chugchilán.
On the 2nd day, in the Quilotoa Community, we’ll enjoy free time for the trekking to the lagoon, Artisan Market and restaurants. In the afternoon, on our way to Baños de Agua Santa… free time in the city! Don’t miss its hot springs, a “Chiva” ride, or a stroll through its calm and charming streets!
To conclude our 3rd day, after breakfast, we explore the famous Route of the Waterfalls. If you wish to experience more adrenaline with extreme sports in the city of Baños, you can book in advance and have time to enjoy them.
ACTIVITIES
- Arrival at Cotopaxi National Park (Entry at the North Control)
- Acclimatization stop with coca tea.
- Hike to the José Ribas Refuge 4500-4864 meters above sea level or chosen activity in the Cotopaxi National Park
- Lunch around Cotopaxi National Park (not included)
- On the way to the Andean Western Cordillera, free afternoon, and accommodation in the town of Chugchilán
- On the 2nd day, after breakfast at the hostel, we headed to Quilotoa
- Viewpoint to the Grand Canyon of the Toachi River
- Optional/ Recommended activity in the morning: Horseback riding to the Cloud Forest: $40
- Quilotoa Community (Viewpoints, Artisan Market, Restaurants)
- Optional: Descent Quilotoa Lagoon. (Recommended activities: kayak, motor boat tour or horseback ride back to the Community.)
- Lunch in Quilotoa (not included)
- Transport to the Adventure City: Baños de Agua Santa and free time
- Recommended optional: Night route on “chiva,” hot springs.
- On the 3rd day, activities start after breakfast at the hotel
- Optional: Free time in the morning for activities or extreme sports such as rafting, paragliding, canyoning, bungee jumping, extreme swing, and more sports
- Waterfall Tour
- Cable car over the Pastaza River, “Manto de la Novia” Waterfall viewpoint.
- “Pailón del Diablo”/ ”Devil’s Cauldron” Waterfall Trail
- Free time for lunch and return to Quito
What to Bring?
- Make sure to wear comfortable and suitable clothing for cold and temperate weather, including swimwear; an extra change of clothes is recommended, which can be left in the vehicle.
- Hat or cap
- Use sunscreen,sunglasses, and bring hydration
- Bring insect repellent
- Waterproof layer
Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel in Quito
- Cotopaxi National Park entrance
- Visit to Traditional House Chugchilán
- Grand Canyon viewpoint of the Toachi River
- Contribution to the Quilotoa Community
- Unlimited water refill (Don’t forget your bottle, canteen, or Camelbak.)
- 4×4 transportation
- Professional driver
- Certified Tour Guide
- Accommodation
Not included
- Meals
- Kayak Laguna 30 min ($3)
- Boat tour ($5)
- Horseback ride back Laguna-Community ($10)
- Pailón del Diablo Waterfall entrance ($2)
- Cable car over the Pastaza River ($2)
- Activities in the City of Baños such as: “Chiva” ride, hot springs, or extreme sports
- Entrance to attractions/activities not specified in the tour
- Taxes
Extras
- Entrance to attractions/activities not specified in the tour
Notes
- The itinerary order may vary according to logistical conditions; however, you will visit the mentioned attractions.
- We recommend booking your hotels in ADVANCE. Accommodation prices may vary during HOLIDAYS. We assist you in booking your hotels directly.
- Similarly, for your adventure sport, reservations are recommended.
TECHNICAL DATA FOR COTOPAXI TREKKING:
- Estimated route time: 2 hours
- Physical Level: medium-low
- Cotopaxi Entrance Altitude: 3800 meters above sea level (12 467 ft).
- Parking Altitude: 4500 m (14770 ft) above sea level.
- Refuge Altitude: 4864 m (15960 ft) above sea level.
TECHNICAL DATA FOR QUILOTOA LAGOON:
- Estimated route time: 2-3 HOURS
- Physical Level: MODERATE
- Community Altitude: 3850 m (12630 ft) above sea level.
- Lagoon Altitude: 3550 m (11645 ft) above sea level.
TECHNICAL DATA FOR SPORTS IN BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA:
- Check with your guide for details, difficulty, and cost of each activity.
