Quito to Cuenca 4 or 5-Day Tour with Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños and Chimborazo
Explore Ecuador's Andes through the well known Avenue of the Volcanos from Quito to Cuenca (one-way) on our 4-day or 5-day excursion. Alongside a private tour guide, explore top Ecuadorian highlights including Quilotoa crater lake, Cotopaxi volcano, the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, indigenous markets, and the Ingapirca Inca ruins. Your package is inclusive of accommodation and most meals for a hassle-free experience.
Highlights
- Enjoy a flexible and perzonalized private tour
- Learn about Ecuador's history, culture, nature and geology from your licensed guide.
- Include an optional excursion to Chimborazo, for an added fee.
- Upgrade to include accommodation in top hotels.
ItineraryDay 1: Quito - Quilotoa LakeStop At: Quilotoa, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi Province
Embarking on a journey southward along the celebrated ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes,’ we will reach the majestic Quilotoa Lake. This stunning crater lake, nestled in Ecuador’s Andes, is renowned for its 250-meter depth and vibrant turquoise waters colored by dissolved minerals. It is a treasured destination for those in pursuit of awe-inspiring vistas and the excitement of hiking. Guests have the option to trek down to the crater’s edge or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the rim. For those desiring additional adventure, kayaking and horseback riding are available for an additional fee.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Canon del Rio Toachi, Kilometros Del Canton Sigchos 10, Pujili 050450 Ecuador
A geological marvel in Ecuador, Formed by pyroclastic flows from the Quilotoa volcano’s eruption around 1280. It’s a favorite spot for outdoor lovers, and we’ll be making a brief stop to enjoy the scenery.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Tigua, Tigua, Cotopaxi Province
The Tigua painters of Ecuador are celebrated for their vivid sheepskin paintings that capture the essence of Andean life and traditions. Visiting Tigua offers a chance to see these artworks come to life and to connect with the indigenous culture through community engagement and learning about their sustainable lifestyle.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch: At local restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cotopaxi area, Tailored to Your Selected Hotel Category
Day 2: Cotopaxi - BañosStop At: Cotopaxi Volcano, Tanicuchi Ecuador
Cotopaxi Volcano is 5,897 meters high, it's second highest peak in the country and elegantly adorns the Cordillera Real of the Ecuadorian Andes. We will enter the Cotopaxi National Park for a close encounter with the Paramo biodiversity and an ecological explanation of its importance. After a short hike, let the adventure begin! We will continue to the parking lot (4500 m. above sea level) in order to ascend the First Refuge of the volcano (4810 m. a.s.l). You can rest and eat some hot soup at the refugee and/or continue the ascent to the Glaciers (depending on weather conditions).
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
•
• Lunch: At local restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cotopaxi area, Tailored to Your Selected Hotel Category
Day 3: Baños, Tree House and Waterfalls Route including Pailon del DiabloStop At: CASCADA EL PAILON del Diablo, De Septiembre Rio Verde 11, Banos 180301 Ecuador
After a half an hour drive, we will take a short hike to visit the "Treehouse" where the National Geographic photo contest winner was taken. Then we will continue our drive for about 45 minutes, making several stops along the waterfalls route, before reaching “Pailon del Diablo” waterfall. After a two kilometer hike we will get to this magical place, one of the top ten largest waterfall's found in Ecuador.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Baños or Riobamba, Tailored to Your Selected Hotel Category
Day 4: Chimborazo Volcano - Devil's Nose MountainStop At: Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador
From Baños, we will drive for about two hours to visit Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge, this volcano is the highest peak in Ecuador and the highest peak in the world measured from the center of the earth. There we have the chance to take a one-hour hour hike up to the second refuge, nearly 16,000 feet (4,875 m.a.s.l). This is also a great opportunity to do mountain bike activities down the slopes of Chimborazo to outings around rural villages along backroads, ranging from beginners to advance bikers. (Optional activity for an extra cost, please contact us for more details). These activities are flexible and based to your interests and fitness.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Alausi, Ecuador
Visit one of Ecuador’s most captivating regions, where the legendary ‘Devil’s Nose Mountain’ awaits. This mountain is home to the iconic Devil’s Nose Train, once hailed as a monumental achievement in railroad engineering. Although the train is currently not in service, the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring views remains accessible through a short scenic hike. As you traverse the steep, zigzagging paths of the Andes, you’ll be following the same route that challenged and showcased the ingenuity of past engineers. The Devil’s Nose offers a window into the sheer determination it took to conquer these nearly vertical landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both adventure and historical wonder.
End of services for the 4-day tour itinerary (Drop off in Cuenca at the airport or your chosen hotel.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight in Ingapirca or Cuenca (The fourth night's accommodation is included exclusively in the five-day tour option)
Day 5: Ingapirca + Gualaceo and Chordeleg villagesStop At: Ingapirca Archaeological Complex, Ingapirca Ecuador
Embark on an enlightening expedition to Ingapirca, Ecuador's premier Incan archaeological marvel. Discover the sophisticated Inca design, architecture, and engineering. Delve into the harmonious fusion of Incan and Cañari cultures reflected in the dual Temples of the Moon and Sun, each honoring diverse spiritual legacies. Unravel the intertwined history of peoples and civilizations, breathing life into the stones of the past.
Please notice the Ingapirca Ruins are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. We can still visit the site from the outside or we can propose an alternative activity instead.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Chordeleg, Chordeleg, Azuay Province
a charming village near Cuenca is renowned for its exquisite silverwork and filigree jewelry. Artisans in Chordeleg have mastered the art of crafting delicate designs from silver and gold, making the village a treasure trove for those seeking unique, handcrafted pieces. Visitors can also explore the central plaza and its beautiful colonial atmosphere.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay Province
Conclusion of service. Complimentary drop-off at your preferred destination: either the airport or your chosen hotel.
Duration: 1 minute
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required"
"Infants must sit on laps"
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Duration: 5 Days
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
If the hotel is not listed, please send the information and we will arrange the pick up.
Airports- Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito Ecuador
Cancellations and refunds:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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