Drive south from Quito to the Quilotoa area and visit its famous lagoon. Along the way, you'll admire the beautiful Andean landscape and stop at the Shalala viewpoint. Next, you'll visit the community viewpoint and descend to the lagoon. Once there, you'll have free time to hike and explore the area. You'll return on a path that connects the lagoon to the community viewpoint. It's an intense walk, so if you're not in good shape, simply climb on a mule that will pack you back to the viewpoint. After a lunch break, you'll also stop at a Tigua craft workshop, famous for its colorful products, and visit the Toachi's Canon.

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa are two of Ecuador's most famous and stunning natural attractions, both located in the Andes Mountains. They offer visitors unique experiences and breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes. Here's a comparison of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa: Cotopaxi: Volcano: Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. It reaches an elevation of 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. National Park: Cotopaxi is part of the Cotopaxi National Park, which covers a vast area surrounding the volcano. The park is a protected area known for its diverse ecosystems and outdoor activities. Outdoor Activities: Cotopaxi National Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, and birdwatching. Climbing to the summit of Cotopaxi is a popular challenge for experienced mountaineers. Scenery: The landscape around Cotopaxi is characterized by highland grasslands, paramo ecosystems, and glaciers. The volcano's iconic snow-capped peak is a symbol of Ecuador's natural beauty. Access: Cotopaxi is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Quito, making it relatively accessible from the capital city. Quilotoa: Lake and Caldera: Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano. The Quilotoa Crater Lake is a stunning emerald green color, attracting visitors from all over the world. Location: Quilotoa is located in the Cotopaxi Province, around 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Quito. It is part of the Quilotoa Loop, a popular trekking route through the Andean highlands. Hiking and Trekking: The Quilotoa Loop offers trekkers a chance to explore rural Andean villages and experience the local culture. Hiking down to the Quilotoa Lake and back up is a challenging but rewarding experience. Scenery: Quilotoa's surroundings are characterized by rugged landscapes, traditional villages, and the striking emerald-colored lake within the caldera. Cultural Experience: The Quilotoa region is home to indigenous communities, offering visitors opportunities for cultural immersion and interaction with locals. Both Cotopaxi and Quilotoa offer travelers unique experiences and stunning vistas of Ecuador's volcanic landscapes. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone interested in local culture, visiting both attractions will provide an unforgettable journey through the Andean highlands.

Explore Baños, the adventure capital of Ecuador. Get to know stunning places such as Cotopaxi Volcano as well as the Quilotoa Lagoon - an unbelievable turquoise lake in the caldera of an active volcano. Once in Baños, enjoy a number of wonderful activities set against a beautiful backdrop of waterfalls and tropical greenery. This short tour makes for a great escape from Quito. Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Baños Get picked up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Baños. You will stop along the way for a quick breakfast before arriving in Cotopaxi. Observe the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the country's most famous sights. Visit the Toachi River Canyon lookout point with some free time to enjoy the amazing landscape of Quilotoa Crater Lake. Depart for Baños and visit the famous "Swing at the End of the World" at La Casa del Árbol. Take in an amazing view of the gorgeous mountain landscapes. Enjoy a free evening to explore some of the local attractions. Feel free to visit the nearby thermal baths which gave Baños its name and go for a relaxing dip in these healing pools. Stay overnight in Baños.  Day 2: Baños - Quito Spend the morning exploring Baños at your leisure. Then, get picked up at Juan Montalvo Park to begin the day's activities. Ride a cable car over the Pastaza River and experience 360-degree views of waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes. Visit the stunning Devil's Cauldron (Pailón del Diablo) Waterfall. Return to Baños for free time. Around 4:30 pm, get ready to get back to Quito, arriving around 7:30 pm for drop off at your hotel/hostel.

Your full-day tour begins with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Quito. From there, you'll be driven south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing through the towns of Latacunga and Pujilí. The first stop will be at a local house of the indigenous Paramos people. You will be discover their traditions, farming techniques and way of life, explore their home and interact with them. After this visit, the tour heads to the town of Tigua, famous for its native paintings. You will continue up to the Quilotoa volcano, where you will be able to descend to the lake inside the crater, or just walk around the edge if you prefer. You can also enjoy a fun experience riding a mule. Gaze in awe at the most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador's highlands, dotted with indigenous villages. Finally, you will be returned to your accommodation in Quito.

Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi Your day starts with an early pick up from your hostel or hotel in Quito to begin the trip to Baños. You will stop along the way for a quick breakfast before arriving in Cotopaxi. Around 9:00 am, you will visit the interpretation center and around 10:00 am, you will visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon. At 12:30 am, start the hike up to the José Rivas Refuge, enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna as we trek through the Andean paramo up to the famous landmark, Jose Rivas Refuge, located at 4864m. This refuge still functions as the active base camp for mountaineers planning to climb to the very peak of the volcano. We continue to a scenic lookout point to take in some unbelievable panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano before beginning the descent. You will spend the night in Cotopaxi. Day 2: Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Quito Around 8:15 am, you will depart for Quilotoa. We will stop at the Toachi River Canyon lookout point, and allow you to take in the view and learn a little about the canyon. Enjoy the stunning views of the Quilotoa volcano lake from one of the best viewpoints. Around 12:00 pm, you will start the guided hike to the Quilotoa Lagoon, walk down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon and get to see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close. You will then have free time to explore around and have lunch, before departing back to Quito at 4:30 pm. You will arrive in Quito around 7:30 pm, we will drop you off at your hotel/hostel.

Day 1: Quito – Cotopaxi – Quilotoa - Baños You day starts with an early pick up from your hotel/hostel to go to Cotopaxi for the breakfast stop, you will have the chance to observe the stunning volcano on your way there. The next stop is the Toachi River lookout point, canyon’s deepest point , at 100 meters deep, and allow you to take in the view and learn a little about the canyon, after this you will continue your trip to Quilotoa. Once in Quilotoa, you will stop at the classic viewpoint to enjoy the stunning views of the Quilotoa volcano lake from one of the best viewpoints. You will depart Quilotoa after this, to make your way to Baños, around 3:00 pm. In Baños, you will visit the famous swing at La Casa del Árbol and take in an amazing view of the gorgeous mountain landscapes. You will have the afternoon free and spend the night in Baños. Day 2: Baños Around 8:15 am, you will be picked from Juan Montalvo Park to begin the day’s activities. The first stop will be at Pastaza River, to experience one of the most extraordinary sights you’ve ever seen, with 360-degree views of waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes. After this, you will go the Devil’s Cauldron, get a view of the astonishing waterfall, which is one of the main highlights in Baños. You will then visit San Martín Adventure Park for zip-lining, canopy walks, rock climbing, trekking and more. The entry to the park is included with this tour. You will spend the second night in Baños. Day 3: Baños – Quito You will have the morning free in Baños to explore around or take part in one of the many exciting activities on offer. In the afternoon, you will depart from Baños to Quito, arriving around 7:30 pm. We will drop you off at your hotel/hostel.

This amazing and comfortable cultural private day trip starts at 8:00 a.m., from your hotel in Quito, driving through the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", and with a visit to the local indian Saquisili Market (Thursday)! The drive to Quilotoa Lake displays stunning views of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of the Toachi River, many indigenous communities and farmlands. Before lunch, in the location known as “Huayra Pungo”, we will visit a local indigenous hut, where you will have the opportunity to interact with the inhabitants of the hut and perhaps, to learn few Kichwa words, which is the native language of this region! After this especial life experience, sharing some minutes with local people, you'll have lunch at a local charming restaurant! Then we have the opportunity to visit the local and unique market of Zumbahua (Saturday), where we are able to see the ancestral trading system of exchanging goods without any currency, called trueque! The tour includes a steep hike down into Quilotoa Crater, where is a sparkling-emerald-lake inside the extinct volcano, located at 3.600 meters above sea level (11,811 ft). The way back to the top, where the parking area is located, takes about one hour, or there is an option of renting a mule or a horse, with a comfortable settle, for your way back!! It is going to be very helpful and comfortable being on a private tour, due to the high altitude, so you'll be assisted by your tour guide every moment, and especially you'll take your time in every activity to make this day trip the best lifetime experience! You will be back in Quito approximately at 5:00 p.m., after having enjoyed this exclusive and unforgettable tour!

Departure from Plaza Foch at 7:15 AM (Reina Victoria and Mariscal Foch) Departure from Plaza San Blas at 7:30 AM (Francisco de Caldas and Av. Pichincha). Visit the indigenous market of Saquisili or Pujili depending on the day. Painters of Tigua, we ask the painters to get on the buses to offer their products, if not, we will stop at the gallery. Visit Toachi Canyon. Entrance to the Quilotoa Lagoon. Hike to the Quilotoa crater and return (3 hours). Lunch. Return to Quito.

Pick up from your hotel/hostel in Quito. Stop at to enjoy a delicious breakfast with stunning views. After breakfast, you will travel to Quilotoa, where you will visit the Toachi River Canyon and the traditional lookout point. Hike down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon, where you can see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close, and enjoy your free time there. Take lunch at a local restaurant and before the way back to Quito, enjoy the extra free time exploring the Quilotoa community. Once back in Quito, you will be dropped off at your hotel/hostel.

After pick up from your hotel in the city of Quito, our experience begins towards to the Cotopaxi National Park by the north panamerican. Upon arrival the guide will show us the incredible variety of flora and fauna, we will be to see Cotopaxi Volcano with a height of 5897 meters (19350 ft). At the Limpiopungo lagoon, we will hike along the trail to capture awesome photos of the panorama between the lake and Cotopaxi. Upon arriving at the viewpoint of the Quilotoa lagoon, we will have a delicious local lunch. Quilotoa lagoon is one of the most impressive places we will see on this tour. The turquoise color of its waters is inside the crater of the Quilotoa volcano and this beautiful view forms one of the most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador. We will return to Quito in the afternoon to your Hotel