A concise two-day circuit from Quito that pairs the high-altitude drama of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa with the waterfall‑rich adventure town of Baños. This private tour includes transport, guide, some meals and one night’s lodging.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn breaks over the Avenue of Volcanoes and the air is thin and high — the first day opens with Cotopaxi rising like a gray-white mast above páramo grasslands. Travelers step from the van into wind that pushes and sharpens the view: Cotopaxi’s crater, the glassy Limpiopungo lagoon ringed by cushion plants, then later the green bowl of Quilotoa, an acid-tinged caldera lake whose rim drops steeply into turquoise water.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in regular good health who can handle several hours of walking at altitude; minimal technical fitness required.
Wildlife
History
Cotopaxi and Quilotoa sit on long volcanic histories that shaped local settlement and Andean agricultural zones; Baños grew as a thermal and trade hub connecting the highlands to the Amazon.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails and carry out waste; park fees support conservation and local communities protecting fragile páramo and cloudforest habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Banos Tour 2-Day: – Lunch & Hotel Included today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you start
Spend a day in Quito to reduce altitude effects; move slowly on uphill sections and drink extra water.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures swing widely — pack a windproof shell and sun protection; UV is intense above 3,000 m.
Footwear for volcanic terrain
Sturdy hiking shoes with grippy soles help on loose pumice and rocky caldera rims.
Plan for limited connectivity
Download maps and bring a printed itinerary; cell service is patchy in Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.
Warm windproof jacket
Protects against strong high‑altitude winds and rapid temperature drops.
fall
Sturdy hiking shoes
Needed for loose volcanic rock and steep caldera trails.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+)
High UV at elevation makes sunscreen and a brimmed hat essential.
summer
Reusable water bottle with filter
Staying hydrated is key at altitude; a filter helps where potable taps are limited.