Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Baños: Andes Tour with Swing & Waterfalls

Summary

Andes lagoons volcanoes and the wild swing in Baños

You’ll hike Cotopaxi’s slopes with coca tea in hand, meet local artists in Tigua, stand breathless above Quilotoa Lagoon’s impossible blue, and swing out high above Baños after chasing waterfalls through cloud forest—all with time to pause for photos or just catch your breath.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is Cotopaxi’s shadow stretching across the grass when we got out of the van—like the mountain was still waking up too. Our guide, Diego, handed me coca tea at the first refuge (he said it helps with the altitude; I’m not sure if it worked or if I just liked holding something warm). The air was thin and sharp, but not in a bad way. There were wild horses somewhere off in the fog—Diego pointed but honestly, I mostly saw shapes. We walked slow. No one rushed us.

The road from Cotopaxi to Quilotoa felt bumpy and kind of endless, but then Tigua appeared—a tiny village with colors everywhere: paintings on doors, chickens darting around. Diego introduced us to a painter named Rosa who laughed when I tried to say “Quilotoa” right (I definitely didn’t). The lake itself—Quilotoa Lagoon—is so blue it almost looks fake. We hiked down the rim trail; my legs hated me for it later but I’d do it again. There’s this sulfur smell near the water that clings to your clothes a bit. We ate snacks from our backpacks sitting on some rocks while clouds moved over everything.

Baños is louder than the mountains—music from shops, kids running around the plaza. In the morning we did the waterfalls tour; you can hear Devil’s Cauldron before you see it, just this roar coming up through wet leaves. My shoes got soaked crossing a little bridge but nobody cared. The cable car over Pastaza river feels like something built by someone who likes adrenaline more than comfort (I held on pretty tight). And then there’s the Swing at the End of the World—it really does feel like you’re flying out over all of Baños for a second or two. Someone screamed (not me… okay maybe).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Quito to Cotopaxi

• Stop to buy snacks and use restrooms
• Visit Cotopaxi National Park and hike to refuge
• Try coca tea at the refuge
• Visit Limpiopungo lagoon and watch birds
• Stay overnight near Cotopaxi

Day 2 — Cotopaxi to Quilotoa and Baños

• Pass local houses and galleries in Tigua
• Visit Quilotoa lagoon and walk trail
• Travel from Quilotoa to Baños
• Free time in Baños town and hot springs
• Stay overnight near Baños church

Day 3 — Baños waterfalls and return to Quito

• Start waterfalls tour early morning
• Ride cable car over Pastaza river
• Optional zipline over the river
• Visit Devil’s Cauldron waterfall
• Visit Swing at the End of the World
• Return safely to Quito

Top questions

How many days is this Andes tour?

This is a 3-day tour covering Cotopaxi, Quilotoa Lagoon, and Baños.

Is hotel accommodation included?

No, hotels are not included—you can book them separately after confirmation.

Are entry fees covered?

Yes, entrance fees for Cotopaxi, Quilotoa Lagoon, Devil’s Cauldron waterfall, cable car ride and Swing at the End of the World are included.

Does this tour include pickup?

Yes, transportation is provided throughout the tour including pickup.

What languages does the guide speak?

The bilingual guide speaks English and Spanish.

Is lunch or food included?

No meals are included; you’ll have stops for snacks or meals at your own expense.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

Infants and small children can join in strollers; travelers need moderate fitness due to hiking and altitude.

Can I do ziplining on this trip?

You’ll have time to choose ziplining during the waterfalls morning in Baños (entrance not included).

What’s included

Your three days include pickup and transportation between Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa Lagoon and Baños; all entry fees for main attractions like Cotopaxi park trails, Limpiopungo lagoon hike, Quilotoa lookout trail, Devil's Cauldron waterfall walk, cable car ride over Pastaza river and swinging above Baños—with an English-Spanish speaking local guide alongside you every step.