Quilotoa Lagoon & Baños Adventure Tour from Quito

Summary

Quilotoa Day Trip & Baños Waterfalls with Local Guide

On this two-day adventure from Quito, you’ll hike down to Quilotoa Lagoon’s turquoise waters, meet local artists in Tigua, swing above Baños’ forests at Casa del Árbol, and feel the spray from Devil’s Cauldron waterfall — all with an expert guide who knows every shortcut and story. It’s one of those trips you’ll remember long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the color — that turquoise at Quilotoa Lagoon isn’t something you can really describe, it just kind of sits in your chest. We’d stopped in a little highland town on the way from Quito, where our guide Marco bought us these warm cheese empanadas (the smell alone made me hungry again). I remember watching a woman in a bright shawl tending her guinea pigs behind a low stone wall — she waved when I tried to say “buenos días” but I probably got the accent wrong. It was colder than I expected up there, but the air felt clean, sharp.

Marco took us into Tigua next — he knew everyone, or at least it seemed like it. The artists there paint on sheepskin and llama leather; I could still smell the oils and see the tiny brushstrokes up close. One of them let me hold a piece (my hands got chalky). Then we finally reached Quilotoa. The walk down to the lagoon is steeper than it looks, but Marco paced us well and pointed out which trail would be less muddy since it had rained earlier. Standing at the rim looking down, I just went quiet for a bit — you know when you’re somewhere that feels bigger than photos? That was it.

Lunch after was simple — potato soup and some fried plantains in a little spot Marco recommended (not included, but cheap). Then we drove on to Baños. The swing at Casa del Árbol is scarier than Instagram makes it look; my legs shook when I pushed off and Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone filming me. You get this wild view of Tungurahua volcano and green everywhere below — clouds moving fast, wind in your face. We skipped the thermal baths because honestly we were wiped out by then, but some folks from our group went anyway since they’re open late.

The next morning started early with Devil’s Cauldron waterfall — loud enough that you have to shout to talk. There’s mist everywhere and slippery steps (hold onto the railings). Later we rode this cable car over Pastaza River; not as scary as the swing but still made my stomach drop for a second. It’s all included with Marco’s tour — no surprise fees or anything weird like that. By midday we were back on the road toward Quito, tired but kind of happy-tired. I still think about that view from Quilotoa sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quito to Quilotoa and Baños

• Visit small town and highlands agriculture
• Stop at traditional moorland house
• Visit Tigua community and Naif art gallery
• Walk to Quilotoa lagoon and lunch time
• Ride Swing at the End of the World
• Optional natural thermal baths visit

Day 2 — Adventure Activities in Baños

• Visit Devil’s Cauldron waterfall
• Ride cable car over Pastaza River

Top questions

How long does the Quilotoa & Baños tour take?

The tour lasts two days with an overnight stay between visiting Quilotoa Lagoon and exploring Baños attractions.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No, lunch is not included but your guide will recommend local places to eat along the way.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, entry fees for Quilotoa Lagoon, Casa del Árbol swing, Devil’s Cauldron waterfall, and cable car are all included.

Is transportation provided from Quito?

Yes, tourist transportation is included throughout both days starting from Quito.

Can small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Do guides speak English?

Your bilingual guide speaks both English and Spanish during the tour.

Are there options for different hiking trails at Quilotoa?

Yes, your guide will choose trails based on weather conditions and group ability levels.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options near some stops if needed.

What’s included

Your two-day trip includes pickup in Quito, private tourist transport between all stops, entry fees for Quilotoa Lagoon, Casa del Árbol swing in Baños, Devil’s Cauldron waterfall, and cable car rides over Pastaza River — plus guidance from a bilingual local expert who’ll help you discover food spots and hidden details along the way before returning to Quito together.