Quilotoa Lagoon tour from Baños to Quito: Hike and kayak

Hike to the crater rim and paddle the turquoise lagoon

A full-day guided tour from Baños to Quilotoa Lagoon in the Ecuadorian Andes, with private vehicle transport, certified guide, lunch and admission included. You hike to the edge of the crater lake, choose between a kayak ride on the water or stay on the rim, then travel onward to Quito. The route passes through rural highlands with views of Cotopaxi volcano and the Toachi River Canyon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day tour from Baños to Quito

• 8 AM pick up from Baños hotel
• Photo stop at designated location
• Travel to Zumbahua, observe rural landscapes
• Visit Toachi River Canyon viewpoint
• Hike to Quilotoa Lagoon edge
• Kayak ride or enjoy scenery at lagoon
• Lunch break
• Arrival at hotels in Quito tourist area

The experience

You're picked up from your hotel in Baños at 8 AM and driven toward the highlands in a private vehicle. The route climbs through indigenous farmland (terraced crops, herds of sheep and llamas, adobe houses with straw roofs) with Cotopaxi volcano visible across the landscape. A stop at a panoramic point overlooks the Toachi River Canyon before the final push to Quilotoa.

The hike takes you to the edge of Quilotoa Lagoon, where the crater walls drop to water so turquoise it looks unreal. You can paddle out in a kayak if you want to be on the water, or stay on the rim and take photographs. The lagoon sits at over 3,800 meters, so the air is thin and the light changes fast. Lunch happens after, and then the drive continues toward Quito, with drop-off at one of more than fifty hotels in the tourist zone. The full day runs about ten hours from pickup to arrival.

What’s included

• Private vehicle transport from your Baños hotel to Quilotoa and onward to Quito.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch.
• admission to Quilotoa reserve.
• hike to the crater rim with optional kayak access.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Explorsierra Expediciones

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Baños and need transport to Quito: the lagoon visit and hike fit inside the journey, so you see the highlands without backtracking. The ten-hour day and high altitude mean you'll need a moderate level of fitness. It's not recommended if you have cardiovascular concerns.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3).

What's the hike to Quilotoa Lagoon actually like?

The hike reaches the crater rim where the lagoon sits below. It is a moderate walk at high altitude (over 3,800 meters), so pace is steady and the air is thin. Once you reach the edge, you can kayak on the water or stay on the rim. Both options are available when you arrive.

Can I do this tour if I'm coming from Quito instead of Baños?

This tour is designed as a Baños-to-Quito route with pickup in Baños. The itinerary ends with hotel drop-off in Quito's tourist zone, so it works as a one-way journey between the two cities rather than a round-trip from either one.

What will I see on the drive between Baños and Quilotoa?

The route passes through rural highlands with indigenous farmland, herds of llamas and sheep, and traditional adobe houses. A panoramic stop overlooks the Toachi River Canyon, and Cotopaxi volcano is visible across the landscape on clear days.

Is the kayak on Quilotoa Lagoon included, or do I pay extra?

The kayak is optional when you reach the lagoon. You can choose to paddle out or stay on the rim and enjoy the view. Both options are available without an additional charge beyond the tour price.

What's included in the tour price?

Private transportation from Baños to Quito, a certified guide in English or Spanish, lunch, and admission to the Quilotoa reserve are all included. Additional drinks and snacks during the tour can be purchased separately.