Quito - Cuenca: Andes tour with Cotopaxi & Ingapirca

Summary

From crater lakes to ancient ruins: Ecuador’s Andes in four days

Travel from Quito to Cuenca with a local guide and discover Ecuador’s Andes: hike around Quilotoa’s crater lake, climb Cotopaxi’s slopes for mountain views, feel the spray at Baños’ waterfalls, and wander ancient Ingapirca ruins. You’ll meet locals along the way and taste Andean flavors — moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that color? That’s not Photoshop,” our guide Diego grinned as we stood at the rim of Quilotoa. I’d never seen water like that — this wild turquoise, almost glowing under the clouds. The wind was sharp, and I could smell wet earth mixed with something faintly sulfurous. We watched a couple of local women in bright shawls selling tiny paintings on sheepskin; I tried asking about the pigments they use, but my Spanish is… well, let’s say Diego had to step in. He told us about the Tigua painters and how their art tells stories from these mountains. I bought a little piece — it still smells faintly of sheep.

The next morning started early (I’m not really a morning person), but Cotopaxi was worth it. The air up there is thin and cold — my breath came out in little clouds as we hiked toward the first refuge. There were wild horses grazing on the paramo, just shapes moving through mist. At one point we stopped for hot soup at the shelter; I can’t remember what was in it exactly, but it tasted like warmth itself. Some folks went further up toward the glacier, but honestly I just sat outside for a while watching the light change over the volcano. It felt huge and quiet.

Baños was louder — waterfalls everywhere, motorbikes buzzing past, people laughing on swings at that treehouse spot (the one from all those Instagram photos). Our guide pointed out orchids growing wild along the trail to Pailón del Diablo; you could hear the waterfall before you saw it, this deep rumble that got inside your chest. My shoes got soaked crossing one of those wobbly bridges — not glamorous, but kind of funny looking back.

The last stretch took us past Chimborazo (so high my phone said 4,800 meters — no joke) and then down toward Ingapirca. The ruins felt different than Machu Picchu somehow — quieter maybe? A few local kids were playing soccer nearby while Diego explained how Inca and Cañari cultures mixed here. I liked that he didn’t rush us; we just wandered among old stones while clouds drifted overhead. By the time we reached Cuenca I was tired in that good way you get after real travel — legs sore, mind full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quito to Quilotoa Lake

• Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake
• Stop at geological site
• Explore Tigua painters community

Day 2 — Cotopaxi Volcano Exploration

• Hike Cotopaxi Volcano and refuge

Day 3 — Baños Waterfalls and Treehouse

• Hike to Treehouse and Pailon del Diablo

Day 4 — Chimborazo and Devil's Nose

• Hike Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge
• Visit Devil's Nose Mountain hike

Day 5 — Ingapirca and Villages Tour

• Tour Ingapirca Inca ruins
• Visit Chordeleg silverwork village
• Drop-off at airport or hotel

Top questions

How many days does this Quito to Cuenca Andes tour take?

You can choose between a 4-day or 5-day itinerary for this tour.

Is hotel accommodation included on this tour?

Yes, accommodation for 3 or 4 nights is included depending on your selected option.

What are some highlights of this Ecuador Andes tour?

You’ll visit Quilotoa crater lake, Cotopaxi volcano, Baños waterfalls including Pailón del Diablo, Chimborazo volcano area, Ingapirca ruins, and artisan villages near Cuenca.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Some meals are included as detailed in your itinerary; vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Quito?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Quito is included at the start of the tour.

Can I do optional activities like biking?

Biking experiences are available at Chimborazo or Cotopaxi for an extra fee; ask your guide for details during booking.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to high altitudes and hiking sections.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

A licensed bilingual (English/Spanish) guide accompanies you throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup in Quito, executive transportation between all stops (SUVs or minivans depending on group size), entrance fees to sites like Cotopaxi National Park and Ingapirca ruins, guided hikes with a licensed English/Spanish-speaking guide, overnight stays in selected hotels along the route, plus some meals with vegetarian options if needed before drop-off in Cuenca or at its airport.