Full-Day Tour to Quilotoa Lagoon From Baños With Lunch

Set out on a captivating full-day tour from Baños to the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon. Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Ecuador’s highlands, stopping at scenic destinations along the way. With private transportation, a delicious lunch, and the opportunity to explore the lagoon’s striking turquoise waters, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Uncover the rich Kichwa culture as you journey through the region, and consider adding optional activities like kayaking or horseback riding to enhance your experience. Get ready to witness the natural beauty that awaits you on this captivating day trip.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Lunch Experiences In Banos.

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Baños to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, including private transportation, cultural insights, and optional activities like horse riding and kayaking.
• Tour includes lunch, admission to Quilotoa Lagoon, and scenic stops at Rio Toachi Canyon and Laguna de Yambo.
• Group size is limited to 15 for an intimate experience, with pickup confirmation required at Hostal Transilvania in Baños.
• Tour not suitable for certain medical conditions and requires warm clothing, waterproof jackets, and closed-toe shoes.
• Single positive review indicates exceeded expectations, but more reviews are needed for a comprehensive quality assessment.

Tour Overview and Highlights

On this full-day tour from Baños, Ecuador, travelers will visit the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon. The tour includes private transportation and scenic stops at the Rio Toachi Canyon viewpoint and Laguna de Yambo.

Guests will also learn about the Kichwa people of Tigua. The group size is capped at 15 travelers for a more intimate experience.

Lunch is provided, and optional activities like horse riding ($10) and kayaking ($5 for 15 minutes) are available. The tour ends back at the meeting point in Baños.

Travelers should bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy footwear to fully enjoy this comprehensive exploration of Quilotoa.

Included in the Tour

The private transportation, provided as part of the tour, whisks travelers from the meeting point in Baños to the various destinations on the itinerary.

Once at the scenic Rio Toachi Canyon viewpoint and Laguna de Yambo, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the Kichwa people of Tigua.

Lunch is also included, ensuring participants stay nourished throughout the day.

Upon arrival at the Quilotoa Lagoon, travelers can opt for additional activities like horse riding ($10) or kayaking ($5 for 15 minutes), or simply explore the breathtaking caldera lake.

Snacks, refreshments, and souvenirs are available to enhance the overall experience.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers meet at Hostal Transilvania, located at 16 de Diciembre & Baños de Agua Santa 180301, Ecuador, to begin their Quilotoa Lagoon tour.

Travelers should inform the staff upon arrival for pickup. The tour ends back at the meeting point. The tour starts at 8:30 AM, and confirmation is received at booking.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. Most travelers, however, can participate.

The tour includes:

1. Private transportation
2. Lunch provided
3. Admission to Quilotoa Lagoon
4. Additional snacks and refreshments

What to Expect

The tour begins promptly at 8:30 AM, with confirmation of the booking received prior to the experience. Guests should be prepared for a full day of adventure, as the tour is not suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.

Experience	Description
Scenic Stops	The tour includes stops at the Rio Toachi Canyon viewpoint and Laguna de Yambo, offering breathtaking vistas.
Kichwa Culture	Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Kichwa people of Tigua, seeing the local culture.
Activity Options	Guests can choose to rent horses ($10) or kayaks ($5 for 15 minutes) to further explore the lagoon.

Preparation and Recommendations

To make the most of the Quilotoa Lagoon tour, guests should come prepared. The tour includes a full day of exploration, so it’s essential to bring the right gear.

The recommended items include:

1. Warm clothes to combat the chilly temperatures at the high-altitude lagoon.
2. A waterproof jacket to protect against potential rain or wind.
3. Closed-toed shoes or hiking boots for the uneven terrain.
4. Sunscreen, snacks, and water to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Plus, guests should be aware that the tour may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

With the proper preparation, however, travelers can fully enjoy the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon and its surrounding natural beauty.

Tour Reviews

According to the provided information, the Quilotoa Lagoon tour from Baños has received an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on a single review. The review data is summarized in the table below:

Rating	Review Count	Negative Ratings
5.0	1	0

The tour’s positive rating indicates that the experience has met or exceeded the expectations of the single reviewer. However, due to the limited data, it’s difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about the overall quality and consistency of the tour. Additional reviews from a larger sample size would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the tour’s performance and guest satisfaction.

Scenic Stops Along the Way

Along the way to Quilotoa Lagoon, the tour makes a few scenic stops to enhance the overall experience.

Visitors will have the chance to:

1. Marvel at the stunning Rio Toachi Canyon viewpoint, where the deep, narrow gorge carved by the river offers breathtaking panoramas.

2. Admire the serene Laguna de Yambo, a picturesque mountain lake nestled among rolling hills and forests.

3. Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Kichwa people of Tigua, who are known for their vibrant textile arts and traditional way of life.

4. Soak in the natural beauty and tranquility of the landscape, preparing for the main highlight of the day – the awe-inspiring Quilotoa Lagoon.

Exploring Quilotoa Lagoon

After drinking in the stunning scenery along the way, visitors arrive at the main attraction – the captivating Quilotoa Lagoon.

Formed by the collapse of a volcano, the brilliant turquoise waters of the lagoon await. Guests can explore the rim of the crater, taking in the breathtaking vistas, or choose to hike down into the caldera.

For a closer look, visitors can rent a kayak and paddle across the serene waters. Those seeking a unique perspective can opt for a horse ride along the crater’s edge.

Throughout the visit, guides share insights into the lagoon’s geological history and the indigenous Kichwa culture surrounding this natural wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour provider offers private transportation and caps the group size at 15 travelers, providing a personalized experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers. This allows them to cancel their booking without penalty if their plans change.

Are Children Allowed on This Tour?

The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. Children are allowed on the tour, but the minimum group size of 15 travelers must be met.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to individual preferences. The tour operator is flexible and willing to accommodate special requests within reason, such as stopping at additional scenic viewpoints or adjusting the itinerary to suit specific interests.

How Difficult Is the Hiking Required for This Tour?

The hiking required for this tour is moderate in difficulty. While the trails to the Quilotoa Lagoon are well-maintained, there’s significant elevation gain that may challenge less experienced hikers. Proper footwear and fitness level are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Recap

This full-day tour from Baños to Quilotoa Lagoon offers an immersive experience in Ecuador’s stunning highlands. Travelers will enjoy private transportation, scenic stops, and a delicious lunch, culminating in a visit to the breathtaking turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lagoon. Optional activities like kayaking and horseback riding enhance the adventure, making this an unforgettable exploration of the region’s natural beauty and Kichwa culture.