The Best 3-Days Tours in Ecuador from Quito
- 3 Days
Explore the best Tours in Ecuador in just 3 days: from the impressive Quilotoa Lagoon to the relaxing hot springs of Baños and the majestic presence of Cotopaxi. Along the way, you will discover the rich indigenous culture, admire local handicrafts and marvel at breathtaking waterfalls and the famous swing at the end of the world. A short but adventurous trip in a country full of charm.
The Ecuadorian Andes hide some of the most spectacular landscapes in South America, where active peaks and cloud forests create the ultimate setting for an unforgettable 3-day tour from Quito to Baños. Our journey kicks off with a legendary Quilotoa tour from Quito, traveling through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, visiting traditional indigenous art workshops in Tigua, and marveling at the Toachi Canyon. The crown jewel of the first day is hiking down into the massive emerald crater of the Quilotoa volcano, where you can kayak or take a boat ride across the lagoon before heading to the vibrant town of Baños.
The adventure intensifies as we dive into the best of Baños Ecuador tours, chasing waterfalls along the Pastaza River, crossing canyon tunnels, and riding a traditional tarabita. After walking the hanging bridges of the roaring Pailon del Diablo and swinging over the abyss at the iconic Tree House, our final day brings the ultimate alpine challenge: an epic Cotopaxi tour. We will explore the high-altitude Limpiopungo lagoon and hike up to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters, wrapping up a perfect three-day expedition that seamlessly combines culture, adrenaline, and majestic volcanic wonders.
Quilotoa Tour from Quito: Start Your Andean Adventure with Top Tours in Ecuador
- Nature & Adventure
- Culture
- Hiking
When you look down at the Quilotoa crater lake for the first time, its intense emerald and turquoise water will leave you speechless. The first chapter of your unforgettable 3-day tour from Quito to Baños begins at 08:30 AM with a private pick-up directly from your hotel in Quito, heading south along the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes. With a favorable climate, you will observe the majestic silhouettes of the Illinizas, Pasochoa, Corazon, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua escorting us along the highway. Before reaching the summit, we will dive into local culture at the indigenous community of Tigua to visit a traditional art workshop, and marvel at the striking 40-meter-high Toachi Canyon.
Once at the Quilotoa volcano, we will gear up with warm clothes and hiking shoes to take in the panoramic views before descending a steep 2-kilometer trail right to the lagoon’s edge. Down at the shore, you can enjoy the pristine volcanic waters with an optional kayak session, or simply relax and appreciate the breathtaking landscape. The climb back up to the top at nearly 4,000 meters is a true alpine challenge, but you always have the flexible option to rent a local mule to facilitate the journey. To reward your efforts, you will enjoy a traditional lunch before a scenic 3-hour drive, arriving at Baños de Agua Santa at approximately 06:00 PM to check into your hotel and recharge for the spectacular waterfalls of Day 2.
Baños Ecuador Tours: Waterfalls & The Swing at the End of the World
- Nature & Adventure
- Culture
- Hiking
- Nightlife Experience
Good morning, Baños! Today you wake up in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador’s ultimate adventure capital. At 10:30 AM, our epic journey continues along the famous Waterfalls Route, one of the most iconic experiences included in our tours¹. As we follow the roaring Pastaza River, we will drive through canyon tunnels, view the hydroelectric dam, and admire magnificent falls like Agoyan, Manto de la Novia, and Puerta del Cielo. The excitement builds as we board a traditional tarabita (cable car) to fly across the river canyon at a breathtaking height of 35 meters! Next, we lace up our shoes for a walk into the lush cloud forest to face the mighty Pailon del Diablo waterfall. Here, you will cross dramatic suspension bridges and stand on stone balconies so close to the thundering water that you will feel its raw power open your eyes to the magic of Baños.
At 04:00 PM, we head up the mountainside to visit the world-famous Tree House, home to the legendary swing at the end of the world. This iconic attraction offers stunning, unobstructed panoramic views of the vibrant valley below and the colossal Tungurahua volcano. Feel the rush as you hop on the famous swing, soaring right over the edge of the abyss with a cliffside backdrop that is an absolute must for travelers and photographers alike. After enjoying the beautifully manicured gardens, exploring the peaceful nature trails, and taking a classic photo with the colorful giant letters of the city, we will head back to the town center. It is the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable day packed with the absolute best sights that Baños tours have to offer.
Cotopaxi Tour: High-Altitude Trekking & The Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Nature & Adventure
- Culture
- Hiking
Good morning! Today, there are no excuses: you are perfectly acclimated and ready to conquer the heights of the Andes. Our Cotopaxi tour begins at 08:30 AM as we depart from Baños by private vehicle, embarking on a scenic 2.5-hour journey along the iconic Avenue of the Volcanoes, making inspiring stops at interesting scenic viewpoints along the way. Upon entering the Cotopaxi National Park, we will first visit the local Interpretation Center to unlock the geological history of this colossal giant. Next, we will explore the shores of the serene Limpiopungo lagoon. Keep your eyes wide open and your camera ready, because this high-altitude sanctuary is home to incredible Andean wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot wild horses, Andean gulls, white-tailed deer, and the majestic caracara soaring through the crisp mountain air.
The ultimate alpine challenge of this Quito cotopaxi tour begins as our private car ascends to the main parking lot, located at a staggering 4,600 meters above sea level. From this point, you will test your spirit and hike up the steep volcanic trail to the famous José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters. Standing just beneath the monumental glaciers of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, you will be rewarded with spectacular, unforgettable panoramic views. After celebrating your achievement with a warm, comforting snack at the refuge, we will begin our descent back to the vehicle. We will smoothly wrap up this epic full day Cotopaxi expedition, arriving back at your destination in Quito or Baños at approximately 06:00 PM. It is the perfect, majestic conclusion to a flawless 3-day journey through the heart of Ecuador.
Transportation: Comfortable service for the entire tour.
Hotel pick-up & drop-off: Available in both Quito and Baños.
Stops First day: Avenue of the Volcanoes, Tigua, Toachi River Canyon, and Quilotoa Lagoon.
Stops Second day: Agoyan, Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and The Tree House (Swing at the End of the World).
Stops Third day: Avenue of the Volcanoes, Cotopaxi National Park Interpretation Center, Limpiopungo lagoon, and José Rivas Refuge.
Entry / Admission: Tigua, Toachi River Canyon, Quilotoa Lagoon, Manto de la Novia (tarabita), Pailon del Diablo waterfall, The Tree House (Swing at the End of the World), Cotopaxi National Park Interpretation Center, Limpiopungo lagoon, and José Rivas Refuge.
Food & beverages: Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary.
Accommodation: Hotel bookings or lodging during the tour.
Personal expenses: Extra purchases, souvenirs, and anything not specified in the "What's included" section.
Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, or local staff (Optional)
Small Group Experience: Travel comfortably with fellow adventurers while keeping it personal
Expert Local Guides: Certified professionals ensuring a safe mountain and waterfall adventure.
At Your Own Pace: A seamless 3-day itinerary with no crowds or rushed schedules.
Door-to-Door Comfort: Private transport with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing proper mountain layers and hiking shoes for Quilotoa and Cotopaxi, comfortable clothes for Baños, a camera, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and sweets or snacks to boost your energy and combat altitude sickness.
How long is the driving distance between destinations?
We travel in a private vehicle. The drive from Quito to Quilotoa takes about 3 hours, Quilotoa to Baños is approximately 3 hours, and the return from Baños to Cotopaxi/Quito takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Is this tour safe if I am worried about altitude sickness?
Yes. Since the itinerary is spread over 3 days, your body acclimates gradually. Additionally, our professional guides are certified in first aid and safety protocols, and you always have flexible options like renting a local mule at Quilotoa to avoid overexertion.
Do I need to tip the guides?
While gratuities are not mandatory, they are deeply appreciated. Our local guides pour their hearts into every adventure to keep you safe and smiling. If they made your day unforgettable, a tip is the most powerful way to say «Thank You» directly to them.
Still have questions?
We are here to help! Chat with us directly for instant answer.
Discover other tours you might like
1 Day
4.8
Biking Chimborazo
2 hours
4.7
Zip Line
Half Day
4.7
Paragliding
Half day
4.7
Canyoning Cashaurco
4 hours
4.8
Biking to Pailón del Diablo Waterfall
USD$ 180
Price por person
- Secure Payment