Explore the high-altitude landscapes of the Andes and the subtropical valley of Baños with these guided tours. Choose from full-day trips or multi-day adventures featuring active volcanoes, turquoise lagoons, and local indigenous communities.
Free Cancellation Explore the Andes and Baños with local guides, visiting indigenous communities and nature at a relaxed pace.
Free Cancellation Visit Cotopaxi National Park and the waterfalls of Baños on a full-day guided trip from Quito.
Free Cancellation A 4 or 5-day private journey through Ecuador’s highlands, covering Cotopaxi, Baños, and Cuenca with a local guide.
Free Cancellation Travel from Quito to Baños in a day, visiting Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon along the way.
Free Cancellation A three-day private expedition from Cotopaxi’s volcanic peaks and Quilotoa’s crater to the Amazon rainforest.
Free Cancellation Experience the heights of Cotopaxi volcano and the thermal springs of Baños with a private lunch.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Cotopaxi — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Combining the dramatic, high-altitude landscapes of the Andes with the lush, subtropical valleys of the Amazon basin edge, a Cotopaxi and Baños tour offers an incredible cross-section of Ecuador's geography. You can expect to transition from freezing glacial winds on an active volcano to feeling the warm mist of massive jungle waterfalls, all in a single journey.
Marvel at the perfectly symmetrical, snow-capped cone of one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Adventurous visitors can hike up the steep volcanic scree to the José Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters.
Take a scenic, flat walk around this high-altitude wetland at 3,800 meters. It’s a fantastic spot to photograph the volcano's reflection and spot wild horses, Andean gulls, and llamas.
Experience the raw power of the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) waterfall in Baños. You'll hike down into the subtropical gorge to feel the intense spray of this massive cascade.
Get your adrenaline pumping on the famous swing at the Casa del Árbol in Baños. Soar out over the edge of a mountain with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Many multi-day tours include a stop at this stunning emerald-green volcanic crater lake. You can hike along the rim or descend directly to the water's edge.
Glide high above the Pastaza River gorge in a traditional tarabita (cable car). It provides unparalleled, bird's-eye views of the lush canopy and cascading waterfalls below.
Planning a trip that spans the freezing high Andes and the balmy cloud forests requires a bit of preparation. Here is what you need to know before booking your Cotopaxi and Baños adventure.
You can choose between packed 10-to-12-hour full-day trips from Quito or more relaxed 3-to-5-day multi-day adventures. Options range from shared group buses to private SUV tours that offer flexible itineraries.
Entry to Cotopaxi National Park is free, though you must bring your physical passport to register at the gate. Most guided tours include the separate admission tickets needed for the Baños waterfalls, cable cars, and the Casa del Árbol swing.
While the Baños activities are suitable for most, the Cotopaxi portion involves high altitudes. The hike to the José Ribas refuge starts at 4,500 meters and is steep; travelers should have a moderate fitness level and acclimatize in Quito first.
The vast majority of these tours depart from Quito. Operators typically offer direct hotel pickups or designated meeting points in central areas like Plaza Foch, La Carolina, or Plaza Grande.
You will experience drastic climate changes. Pack heavy winter layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, and a hat for Cotopaxi (temperatures can drop to 5ºC/41ºF). Bring lightweight clothing, a swimsuit, and insect repellent for the subtropical 25ºC/77ºF weather in Baños.
Full-day tours usually include round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, and sometimes lunch. Multi-day tours often cover overnight accommodation and breakfasts, but dinners and guide gratuities are typically excluded.
Cotopaxi's park entrance sits at 3,500 meters, and the air gets much thinner as you ascend. These tours are not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, and anyone experiencing severe headaches should notify their guide immediately.
Most tour operators offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Full-Day Cotopaxi & Baños | 3-Day Andes & Jungle Adventure | 4/5-Day Private Highlands Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10 - 12 hours | 3 Days | 4 - 5 Days |
| Best for | Travelers short on time | Immersive nature & culture seekers | Families & private groups |
| Includes | Transport, bilingual guide, Baños tickets, lunch | Accommodation, Quilotoa stop, some meals, activities | Private SUV/Minivan, Cuenca drop-off, flexible itinerary |
| Price from | $190 - $300 | $239 - $774 | $695 |
The gates to Cotopaxi National Park (both North and South entrances) are open for entry daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors already inside the park are generally permitted to stay until 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
Attractions in Baños operate independently. The Casa del Árbol (Swing at the End of the World) and the Pailón del Diablo waterfall are typically open from 8:00 a.m. until dusk. If you are on a guided tour, your operator will manage the schedule to ensure you arrive during optimal operating hours.
Most Cotopaxi and Baños tours depart from Quito, which is located about 50 km (a 90-minute to 2-hour drive) north of Cotopaxi. Tour operators typically provide private, air-conditioned transport directly from your hotel or major plazas (like Plaza Foch or La Carolina).
If traveling independently before joining a local guide, you can take a bus from Quito's Quitumbe Terminal heading south to Latacunga ($2.00 - $10.00 USD). Ask to be dropped off at the El Chasqui entrance turnoff on the Pan-American Highway. From there, you can hire local taxi-trucks ($20 - $30) to take you into the park.
The best months to visit the Andean highlands are from December through February (summer) and March through May (fall). These months generally offer clearer skies and less wind, which is crucial for safety and visibility at high altitudes.
It is highly recommended to arrive at Cotopaxi right when the gates open at 8:00 a.m. The volcano's peak is usually clear first thing in the morning, whereas heavy clouds and thick fog typically roll in by late morning, obscuring the view.
Cotopaxi National Park features a natural museum near the entrance equipped with ramps, providing accessible insights into the region's ecology. However, the rugged high-altitude terrain, including the steep hike to the José Ribas refuge, is highly challenging and generally not accessible for manual wheelchair users.
While some viewpoints in Baños are accessible by paved paths, descending into the gorges for the waterfalls (like the Devil's Cauldron) involves steep, wet, and uneven stone stairs that are not wheelchair friendly. Check with your specific tour operator, as some offer modified itineraries for travelers with mobility needs.
Facilities inside the national park are limited. There are restrooms at the main entrance and at the Limpiopungo Lagoon parking area. The José Ribas refuge (at 4,800m) sells simple snacks, hot cocoa, and water, but it is highly recommended to bring your own packed lunch, energy bars, and plenty of drinking water.
Baños is a fully developed tourist town. You will find an abundance of restaurants, cafes, public restrooms, and shops selling rain gear, snacks, and souvenirs near all major attractions.
Entry to Cotopaxi National Park is free, though you must bring your passport to register. Most guided tours include the admission tickets for the Baños attractions, such as the Swing at the End of the World and the Devil's Cauldron waterfall.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. While the Baños activities and the Limpiopungo Lagoon walk are relatively easy, the optional 45-minute hike up to the José Ribas refuge at 4,800 meters is steep and challenging due to the thin air.
You need to pack for two completely different climates. Bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, a hat, and gloves for the freezing temperatures at Cotopaxi. For Baños, pack lightweight clothing, a swimsuit, and insect repellent for the subtropical weather.
The vast majority of these tours depart from Quito. Operators typically offer pickups directly from your hotel or from central meeting points like Plaza Foch, La Carolina, or Plaza Grande.
Yes, many of the multi-day itineraries (and a few ambitious full-day passes) include a stop at the Quilotoa Crater Lake, allowing you to see its famous emerald-green waters along with Cotopaxi and Baños.
Yes, altitude sickness is a real possibility at Cotopaxi, where the entrance is at 3,500 meters and the refuge is at 4,800 meters. It is highly recommended to spend a few days acclimatizing in Quito before taking this tour.
Inclusions vary by operator. Full-day tours often include a local lunch, while multi-day tours typically cover breakfast and lunch. Dinners and alcoholic beverages are usually at your own expense.
No, standard sightseeing tours only take you as far as the José Ribas refuge (4,800m) or the edge of the glacier. Reaching the 5,897-meter summit requires specialized ice climbing gear, a permit, and a midnight departure.
While the Baños portion is incredibly fun for families, the extreme altitude and cold at Cotopaxi can be difficult for infants and toddlers. If traveling with young kids, it's best to stick to the flat trails around Limpiopungo Lagoon.
Weather in the high Andes is notoriously unpredictable. Guides will proceed safely in rain or fog, but clear views of Cotopaxi's peak are never guaranteed. Bring waterproof gear, as sudden rainstorms are common.
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Join our local Ecuadorian team for a trip through the Andes and the town of Baños. This tour balances time between visiting indigenous communities and exploring the outdoors. You’ll have the chance to learn about local traditions directly from the people who live there, while also leaving room for adventure in the surrounding mountains and forests. We prioritize a relaxed schedule so you can actually enjoy each location rather than just checking it off a list. As locals, we want to show you the authentic side of our country without the pressure of a strict, rushed timeline. Our goal is to provide a genuine perspective on our culture and landscape. Please note that while we guarantee you will see all the attractions listed in the details, the specific order of the itinerary or the days may change based on operating conditions. We will provide you with the finalized schedule one day before your tour begins.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The day starts with a morning pickup from your location for a 90-minute drive to Cotopaxi National Park. After registering at the park entrance, the group heads to the Limpiopungo lagoon for a hike. If the sky is clear, you will have a direct view of the 5,897-meter Cotopaxi Volcano. From there, the tour continues with a three-hour drive south to the town of Baños. Upon arrival in Baños, you will take a brief tour of the city center before heading to the Agoyan Waterfall. The route follows the Pastaza River to the Manto de la Novia waterfall, where you will cross the canyon in a traditional tarabita cable car for a close-up view of the falls. The trip also includes a stop at a local factory to see how traditional Baños sweets are made. The final stops include the Pailón del Diablo, known as the area's most famous waterfall, and the Tree House, home to the swing above the clouds. After these activities, the tour concludes with the return drive to Quito.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This trip connects Quito and Cuenca over four or five days, focusing on the major natural landmarks of the central highlands. You will visit the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, the turquoise waters of the Quilotoa crater, and the waterfalls around Baños. Because the tour is private, you can choose to begin the route from either Quito or Cuenca to suit your travel plans. The package includes four nights of pre-arranged lodging and all ground transportation between destinations. A dedicated guide travels with you throughout the trip to handle the logistics and provide historical context at each stop. For travelers heading toward the coast after the tour ends in Cuenca, an optional transfer to Guayaquil can be arranged for an additional fee.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day-long route connects Quito to Baños, stopping at two of Ecuador's most iconic natural landmarks: Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon. Designed for independent travelers, the pass covers your transportation and scheduled activities, making it easy to see the highlands without the hassle of coordinating multiple bus transfers or navigating on your own. The Jacamar Pass simplifies the journey by handling the logistics and park entries. You have the freedom to follow the set itinerary to Baños in a single day or use the flexibility of the pass to stay longer at specific locations. It is a practical way to bridge the distance between cities while experiencing the Andean landscape and local communities at your own pace.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This three-day private trip leaves Quito for Cotopaxi National Park, where you will explore the high-altitude terrain surrounding the active volcano. The itinerary continues to the Quilotoa loop to visit the volcanic crater lake. You have the option to hike down to the water's edge to see the emerald lagoon up close before traveling toward the cloud forest. Day two focuses on the waterfalls near Baños, including stops at the Casa del Árbol swing and the Pailón del Diablo falls. From there, the tour descends into the Amazon basin to reach the Napo River, where you will spend the night at a lodge within the rainforest. The final morning includes a visit to an indigenous community to learn about Amazonian traditions and a guided search for local wildlife, such as monkeys and tropical birds. The return trip to Quito arrives around 8:00 PM. As a private tour, the schedule and activities remain flexible to accommodate personal preferences.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This trip takes you from the high-altitude landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park to the subtropical valley of Baños. You will start at the base of the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world's highest active peaks, to observe the unique flora and fauna of the Andean highlands. After exploring the volcanic terrain, the tour moves to Baños de Agua Santa. Here, you can soak in the local thermal pools, known for their mineral-rich waters. The itinerary includes a sit-down meal featuring regional ingredients, providing a break between the morning's trek and the afternoon's relaxation. Designed for small groups, this tour maintains a comfortable pace while covering two of Ecuador's most distinct regions. It focuses on the contrast between the rugged mountain scenery and the quiet atmosphere of the hot springs.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish