Baños 2-Day Tour from Quito: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Swing

Two Days from Quito to Baños: Volcanoes, a Turquoise Lake & a Swing Over the Jungle

You get picked up from your Quito hotel and driven to Cotopaxi for breakfast, then spend the morning at two viewpoints of Quilotoa Lagoon before reaching Baños by afternoon. Day two includes a cable car crossing over the Pastaza River and a visit to Pailon del Diablo waterfall, with transport and all entry fees included. You return to Quito in the evening.

Is this one for you?This works well if you want to escape Quito for two days without arranging transport, park entries, or timing yourself across multiple stops — the fixed itinerary handles all of that, and the overnight in Baños means you're not rushing the waterfalls or the views.

What’s included

• Your two days include hotel pickup from your Quito accommodation, transport to Cotopaxi and both Quilotoa viewpoints, entry to the Swing at the End of the World, the cable car ride over the Pastaza River, entry to Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and the return drive to Quito with viewing stops.
• Breakfast is included on day one.
• All fees and taxes are covered.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Quito to Baños

• Pick up from hotel or hostel
• Quick breakfast stop in Cotopaxi
• Visit Quilotoa viewpoints
• Visit Swing at the End of the World
• Free afternoon and overnight in Baños

Day 2 — Explore Baños and return

• Ride cable car over Pastaza River
• Visit Pailon del Diablo waterfall
• Return to Quito with stops

The Experience

"How long until we reach the swing?" someone asked from the back of the van, and honestly, that question pretty much sums up what this trip is about. You leave Quito in the morning with a hotel pickup, stop for breakfast somewhere along the Cotopaxi route, and then the landscape starts to shift — the air gets thinner, the mountains get bigger. The two main viewpoints at Quilotoa Lagoon are where most people spend real time: first the Toachi River lookout at the canyon's deepest point, then the classical viewpoint where the turquoise water of the lagoon sits inside an active volcano's caldera. It's the kind of color that doesn't quite look real until you're standing there.

By afternoon you're in Baños, and yeah, the Swing at the End of the World at La Casa del Árbol is exactly what it sounds like — a rope swing hanging out over the valley with mountain views that stretch forever. You get the rest of the day free to walk around town, grab food, or just sit with that view. The second day is the part that stays with you though: a cable car ride over the Pastaza River that gives you 360-degree views of waterfalls, jungle, and mountains all at once, then the hike down to Pailon del Diablo — Devil's Cauldron — which is legitimately one of the biggest waterfalls in South America. The water is loud and the mist hits you before you even see it clearly. After that, you head back to Quito with stops along the route, which means you're not just staring at the road the whole way home.

Transport to every stop is included, so you're not figuring out buses or timing or any of that — the van does the work. All fees and taxes are built in, which means no surprises at the viewpoints or the cable car. It's a short trip but it covers a lot of ground, and the two-day pace means you're not rushing through any of it.

Top questions

What time does the tour start?

Hotel pickup happens in the morning; the exact time is confirmed via message once you book.

Is lunch included?

Breakfast is included along the way to Baños. Lunch and dinner are on your own, though Baños has many restaurants and cafes.

How long is the drive from Quito to Baños?

The drive takes most of the first day, with stops at Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Lagoon along the way.

Can I do this tour with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. The cable car and waterfall hike depend on your comfort level with your child.

What's the Swing at the End of the World really like?

It's a rope swing at La Casa del Árbol in Baños that hangs out over the valley. It's popular for photos and the views are genuine.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The cable car is a short ride, and the Pailon del Diablo hike involves some walking but is manageable for most people.

What should I bring?

Bring layers — the altitude changes mean temperature shifts. Waterproof jacket for the waterfall mist, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen.

Is there free time in Baños?

Yes, you have the afternoon of day one free to explore the town after visiting the Swing at the End of the World.