Quito to Baños: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Casa del Arbol Tour

Summary

From Cotopaxi’s icy air to the wild swings of Baños, this two day escape packs in volcanoes, waterfalls and a little bit of chaos

You’ll taste mountain air near Cotopaxi, stare down into Quilotoa’s surreal blue crater, and feel your stomach drop on Baños’ famous Casa del Árbol swing. Ride cable cars over jungle rivers and stand in spray at Pailón del Diablo waterfall — all with easy pickup, transport between each stop, and local guidance along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell of cold earth when we stopped near Cotopaxi. Our guide, Andrés, handed out warm bread at a roadside café — I remember my fingers stinging from the wind, but the bread was soft and sweet. There’s something about seeing that volcano up close; it’s so white at the top you almost squint. We piled back in the van and everyone got quiet for a while. Maybe it was just too early or maybe Cotopaxi does that to people.

I’d seen photos of Quilotoa Lagoon before but standing at the edge is different — it’s this wild blue-green color that looks fake until you see birds skimming over it. Andrés pointed out some local farmers leading donkeys along the rim trail (he called them “los verdaderos montañistas” — real mountaineers). The air tasted like dust and eucalyptus. I tried to take a panorama but my hands shook a bit from the altitude or nerves, not sure which. After that we headed straight for Baños; I dozed off until someone shouted about waterfalls outside the window.

The Casa del Árbol swing is… well, scarier than Instagram makes it look. You get strapped in by a guy who doesn’t say much (just grins), then suddenly you’re swinging out over nothing but clouds and green valleys. My heart thumped so loud I could hear it in my ears. In town later, I wandered past fruit stalls and bought something called taxo — sour as anything but somehow refreshing after all that adrenaline.

The next morning started foggy but cleared up fast. Riding a cable car over Pastaza River felt like floating above a jungle painting — mist rising off trees, waterfalls roaring somewhere below. At Pailón del Diablo waterfall, we got soaked just standing on the bridge. Andrés laughed when he saw my shoes (“Baños always wins,” he said). On the way back to Quito I kept thinking about that swing — how small everything looked from up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel Quito to Baños with stops

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

Day 2 — Explore Baños and return to Quito

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

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Quito to Baños tour?

Yes, hotel or hostel pickup within designated areas in Quito is included.

What main attractions are visited during this 2-day tour?

Cotopaxi Volcano area, Quilotoa Lagoon viewpoints, Casa del Árbol swing in Baños, Pastaza River cable car ride, and Pailón del Diablo waterfall.

How long does it take to reach Baños from Quito?

The journey includes stops at Cotopaxi and Quilotoa; total travel time varies but expect several hours on the road with breaks.

Is lunch or breakfast included?

A quick breakfast stop is made along the way; meals may be at your own expense unless otherwise specified by your guide.

Are entrance fees covered in this tour?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes for included attractions are covered.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can participate and use a pram or stroller if needed.

What physical fitness level is required?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Do we have free time in Baños?

Yes, after visiting Casa del Árbol you’ll have free time in Baños before spending the night there.

What’s included

Your two-day trip covers hotel pickup in Quito, comfortable transport between every stop including Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon viewpoints with entry fees already sorted out for you. You’ll visit Casa del Árbol swing in Baños plus ride a cable car over Pastaza River and see Pailón del Diablo waterfall before heading back to Quito—all guided by locals who know these places inside out.