4-Day Quito to Baños & Amazon Tour: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Papallacta

Summary

Quito to Baños Adventure: Volcanoes, Jungle & Hot Springs

You’ll hike volcano trails at Cotopaxi, gaze into Quilotoa’s crater lake, taste real Ecuadorian ice cream on mountain roads, meet rescued animals in the Amazon jungle—or climb Chimborazo if you’re up for it—and unwind at Papallacta’s famous hot springs before heading back to Quito. All logistics sorted so you can just enjoy every moment.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off early—still dark outside—waiting for the van outside Blue House Hotel. The city was just waking up, street vendors setting up their carts near Plaza Belmont. Our guide, Andrés, greeted us with a big smile and a thermos of coffee (lifesaver). By sunrise, we were winding through the chilly highlands toward Cotopaxi National Park. The air smelled sharp and cold; you could see your breath. Cotopaxi itself loomed ahead—massive, snow-dusted, and honestly a little intimidating. We hiked the lower trails while Andrés pointed out wild horses grazing and explained how this volcano is one of the world’s highest active ones. The wind really picks up here—bring a scarf or you’ll regret it.

Next stop: Quilotoa Lagoon. The drive there is bumpy but worth it. When we arrived, clouds rolled over the crater rim and suddenly the turquoise water popped into view—almost unreal against all that volcanic rock. Our guide told us about the ancient eruptions that shaped this place; apparently those layers of pumice and lapilli are nearly 1800 years old. We walked down to the shore (the hike back up is no joke), passing local women selling woven belts and hot canelazo from thermoses. My legs were jelly by the top but I’d do it again for that view.

On our way to Baños, we stopped at a roadside stand for Ecuadorian ice cream—creamy helado de paila spun in copper pots. It melted fast in my hand but tasted like fresh fruit and sugarcane. Arriving in Baños just before dusk, we got dropped off at Central Park where musicians were playing and kids chased pigeons around the benches.

The next day was wide open—you could chill in town or join the optional Amazon jungle tour (I went for it). At Yanacocha Animal Rescue Center, parrots squawked overhead while rescued monkeys eyed us from tree branches. We visited a paiche hatchery too—the fish are huge, almost prehistoric-looking. Lunch was casual at a riverside spot (not included), then we wandered through an orchid garden before hiking out to Indichuris lookout. If you’re lucky with weather, you’ll spot Volcán Sangay puffing away in the distance.

If you’re more into mountains than jungle, there’s also an extra tour to Chimborazo Volcano—the highest point in Ecuador and technically closest spot on earth to the sun (our guide swore by it). You hike up to a windswept refuge where vicuñas graze nearby; there’s even an alpaca hatchery if you want to get close.

The last morning started early again—pickup outside Basilica Baños de Agua Santa as mist curled around church spires. After breakfast on the road (simple but filling), we stopped at a community-run cocoa farm deep in the Amazon basin. You can try cracking open cacao pods yourself—the smell is earthy and sweet—and learn how locals turn beans into chocolate bars by hand.

Our final stop: Termas de Papallacta SPA. Steam rose from mineral pools as clouds drifted low over green hillsides; honestly felt like another world after all that hiking and bus time. Soaking here is pure relief for tired legs—you’ll never want to leave those hot springs behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quito to Baños via Cotopaxi & Quilotoa

• Departure from hotel or Plaza Belmont
• Hike at Cotopaxi National Park
• Visit Quilotoa volcanic canyon
• Guide-led tour of Quilotoa crater lake
• Stop for Ecuadorian ice cream
• Drop off at Baños Central Park

Day 2 — Baños Free Day or Amazon Jungle Tour

• Visit Yanacocha Animal Rescue Center
• Visit paiche hatchery
• Orchid garden and jungle hike to waterfall

Day 3 — Baños Free Day or Chimborazo Volcano Tour

• Full-day Chimborazo Volcano tour and hike
• Lunch and visit vicuna and alpaca hatchery

Day 4 — Return to Quito via Papallacta SPA

• Pick up at Basilica Baños de Agua Santa
• Breakfast
• Visit natural water lagoon in Amazon
• Cocoa farm adventure
• Relax at Termas de Papallacta SPA
• Drop off at original pick up point

Top questions

How tough are the hikes? Do I need special gear?

The hikes vary—a moderate level of fitness helps but no technical gear needed for most trails; sturdy shoes are enough for Cotopaxi and Quilotoa.

Is food included on this tour?

Some snacks are included (like ice cream stops), but main meals aren’t—there’s always time set aside so you can grab lunch locally or bring your own.

Can I join just part of this itinerary?

You can choose which extra tours (Amazon or Chimborazo) to add on; main route runs Quito–Baños–Quito with flexibility at each stop.

Are guides certified?

Yes—all guides are certified by Ecuador’s national tourism board and know these regions inside out.

What’s included

This trip covers shared transportation between all destinations, entry fees for listed activities like Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon hikes, certified national tourism guides throughout, plus all scheduled visits according to itinerary—including animal rescue center or cocoa farm adventures if selected! Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a rain jacket).