3-Day Ecuador Tour: Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Amazon

Three days, three ecosystems: volcano, crater lake, and rainforest from one Quito base

A 3-day private tour from Quito that crosses the Andes to Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Crater Lake, then descends into the Amazon rainforest for a night at a jungle lodge before returning to the city. Day one covers the national park and a hike to the emerald crater lake. Day two follows the Waterfall Route to Pailón del Diablo and the Napo River. Day three includes a canoe ride, indigenous community visit, and optional soak at Papallacta Hot Springs on the way back to Quito.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Crater

• Depart Quito early morning
• Register at Cotopaxi National Park
• Trek around Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Visit Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center
• Lunch at Zumbahua Community
• Visit Quilotoa viewpoint
• Travel through Salasaca village and Pelileo
• Arrive and check in Baños de Agua Santa

Day 2: Waterfalls and Amazon Jungle Lodge

• Visit Swing at the End of the World
• Ride cable car over Pastaza River
• Optional adventure activities
• Hike to Pailón del Diablo waterfall
• Lunch break (optional)
• Visit Mira Mera viewpoint
• Stop at Monkey's River Beach
• Arrive at Suchipakari EcoLodge
• Nocturnal jungle hike

Day 3: Amazon Wildlife and Cultural Experience

• Breakfast at eco-lodge
• Motorized canoe ride on Napo River
• Visit Amazoonico Animal Center
• Optional visit to Anaconda Island
• Visit indigenous community and cultural activities
• Relax at Termas Papallacta hot springs
• Return to Quito city or airport

The experience

The tour leaves Quito between 7 AM and heads straight into Cotopaxi National Park, where you register and trek around Limpiopungo Lagoon with views of the 5,897-meter volcano. After the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center (which walks through the volcano's geology and cultural significance), you drive to Quilotoa, stopping in Zumbahua for lunch and passing through the Salasaca indigenous market and Pelileo's fabric district. The day ends in Baños de Agua Santa, a town known for its nightlife and adventure options.

Day two starts at the Swing at the End of the World, a tree house with views of Tungurahua volcano, then moves along the Waterfall Route where you ride a cable car over the Pastaza River. The main event is a hike to Pailón del Diablo, the most dramatic waterfall on the route. After lunch (at additional cost), you head into the rainforest, stopping at Mira Mera viewpoint and Monkey's River Beach before arriving at the Suchipakari EcoLodge. A night hike with a naturalist guide follows dinner, where you listen for fishing bats, owls, and insects in the dark.

The final day begins with a motorized canoe ride on the Napo River toward the Animal Refuge, where you spot woolly monkeys, macaws, capybaras, and other wildlife. You can add a visit to Anaconda Island for alligator and bird watching. The highlight is time with an indigenous Kichwa family: learn about medicinal plants, try a blowgun, watch gold-washing techniques, and pick up recipes and handmade crafts. Your guide then drives you back to Quito, arriving around 8 PM, with an optional stop at Papallacta Hot Springs ($25 per person) if you want to soak in volcanic waters before the city.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout.
• English-speaking professional guide.
• entrance fees for Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, and the rainforest national park.
• two nights' accommodation (one in Baños de Agua Santa, one at the jungle lodge).
• dinner on days two and three.
• rubber boots, life jackets, and lodge facilities for the jungle stay.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Live Ecuador Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from your Quito hotel is included, so you don't need a car or local transport to start. The guide handles all driving between the volcano, crater lake, and rainforest. The fixed 3-day loop works for travelers with limited time who want to cross multiple ecosystems without arranging logistics themselves. If you have more days or want to stay longer in one place, a 2-day or 5-day version may suit better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What's the hike to Quilotoa Crater Lake actually like?

Quilotoa Crater Lake sits at the bottom of a volcanic crater, and the hike down to the emerald-green water is optional. Your guide will recommend timing and routes based on your fitness. The lake itself is the main draw, surrounded by the crater walls, and many travelers take the descent to swim or kayak if they choose.

Will I see monkeys and wildlife in the Amazon part?

The Napo River canoe ride and the indigenous community visit both offer chances to spot woolly monkeys, squirrel monkeys, macaws, capybaras, and turtles. The Animal Refuge is a sanctuary where rescued animals are being reintegrated, so sightings are likely but not guaranteed. A night hike on day two also turns up tarantulas, frogs, and sometimes snakes.

How much time do I actually spend hiking versus traveling by car?

Most of day one is driving between Quito, Cotopaxi, and Baños, with a trek around Limpiopungo Lagoon and an optional hike to Quilotoa crater. Day two includes the hike to Pailón del Diablo waterfall and a night hike in the jungle. Day three is mostly canoe and vehicle time with the indigenous community visit. The tour balances driving, walking, and water travel across the three days.

What happens if weather closes the mountain roads?

The itinerary may shift due to bad weather or road closures, and your guide will confirm the final route once you book. The operator guarantees visits to the different places according to the itinerary, so if conditions change, the tour adjusts to keep those stops in.

Do I need special gear for the jungle, or is it provided?

Rubber boots, life jackets, and lodge facilities are included for the jungle portion. You bring your own lightweight long-sleeved clothing, swimwear, walking shoes, rain gear, flashlight, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The lodge provides dinner and a guide for the night hike. Lunch on day two is at additional cost.