Quilotoa-Baños 2-Day Tour Including All Activities

The Quilotoa-Baños 2-Day Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy Ecuador’s stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. This adventure-packed itinerary takes participants on a journey through the mesmerizing Laguna Quilotoa, the charming Tigua village, and the thrilling Cascada El Pailon, all while providing a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. With the chance to experience the famous "Swing at the End of the World" and indulge in the soothing thermal baths, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more. As the first day’s exploration unfolds, the stage is set for an extraordinary adventure that will captivate the senses.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Quito.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day tour from Quito to Quilotoa crater lake and Baños, with an average rating of 5.0 from 34 reviews.
• Highlights include visiting a traditional Tigua house, hiking around Quilotoa, and enjoying the cable car ride over the Pastaza River in Baños.
• Tour includes transportation, entrance fees, bilingual guide, overnight accommodation, and breakfast, starting at $209 per person.
• Allows for exploration of Quilotoa’s natural beauty, cultural insights in Tigua, and adrenaline-pumping activities in the adventure capital of Ecuador, Baños.
• Offers an optional 2-hour stop at the thermal baths in Baños, providing a relaxing experience amidst the adventure-filled itinerary.

Tour Overview

This 2-day tour from Quito takes travelers on an immersive journey to the stunning Quilotoa crater lake and the adventure-packed town of Baños.

With a 5.0 average rating and 34 reviews, the tour offers a comprehensive experience. The price starts at $209 per person, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include visiting a traditional Tigua house, exploring Quilotoa’s trails, and riding the cable car in Baños.

The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, a bilingual guide, and overnight accommodation with breakfast.

While food, drinks, and extreme activities aren’t included, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Ecuador’s natural and cultural wonders.

Itinerary Details

The Quilotoa-Baños 2-Day Tour packs a wealth of experiences into a compact itinerary.

On the first day, travelers will make stops at Machachi and Tigua, where they can enjoy snacks, agriculture views, and a traditional house showcasing guinea pig farming and Naif art.

The tour then takes them to the stunning Laguna Quilotoa for a 2-hour visit with options for various trails and lunch.

Afterward, they’ll visit the famous "Swing at the End of the World" at La Casa del Arbol, with breathtaking views of Mt. Tungurahua.

The day concludes with an optional visit to the thermal baths in Baños.

On the second day, the tour explores the Cascada El Pailon waterfall and offers a panoramic cable car ride over the Pastaza River in Baños.

Day 1: Quito to Quilotoa

The Quilotoa-Baños 2-Day Tour kicks off with a journey from Quito to the picturesque town of Machachi, where travelers enjoy a 15-minute stop to take in the scenic agriculture views and sample local snacks.

Next, the tour heads to Tigua, where visitors spend 20 minutes exploring a traditional house, learning about guinea pig farming, and admiring the Naif art gallery.

The highlight of the day is the 2-hour visit to the stunning Laguna Quilotoa, where travelers can hike various trails and enjoy a lunch break.

The tour then concludes with a 1-hour stop at the famous "Swing at the End of the World" in La Casa del Arbol, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Tungurahua.

Machachi and Tigua Stops

Where does the Quilotoa-Baños 2-Day Tour begin?

The tour starts with a 15-minute stop in Machachi to enjoy snacks and views of the agricultural landscapes.

Next, the group visits Tigua, a traditional village, for a 20-minute stop. Here, they’ll tour a local home to see guinea pig farming and explore an Naif art gallery – admission is free.

These initial stops provide a glimpse into the region’s rural culture and traditions before the tour progresses to the main highlights of Quilotoa Lagoon and Baños.

The Machachi and Tigua visits offer a well-rounded introduction to the area’s natural and cultural features.

Laguna Quilotoa and La Casa Del Arbol

After the initial cultural stops, the tour then takes travelers to the breathtaking Laguna Quilotoa.

Visitors are allotted 2 hours to explore the stunning emerald-green crater lake, with options to hike various trails around the rim. Lunch can be enjoyed while taking in the impressive views.

Following the visit to the lagoon, the group heads to the famous "Swing at the End of the World" at La Casa del Arbol.

This 1-hour stop provides the opportunity to soar high above the Andes, with Mt. Tungurahua as the backdrop.

The tour offers a chance to take in Ecuador’s natural wonders and unique cultural experiences.

Optional Banos Thermal Baths

Following the visit to La Casa del Arbol, the tour offers an optional 2-hour stop at the thermal baths in Banos.

The thermal baths, which aren’t included in the tour price, provide a rejuvenating experience. Visitors can soak in the naturally heated mineral-rich waters and enjoy the scenic mountain views.

The baths are known for their therapeutic properties, making them a popular attraction in the area. While the tour doesn’t cover the entrance fee, travelers can easily access the baths on their own.

This optional stop allows for a relaxing break in the midst of the adventure-filled itinerary.

Day 2: Adventure in Banos

The second day of the Quilotoa-Baños 2-Day Tour is dedicated to adventure and exploration in the charming town of Baños.

Visitors begin with a 1.5-hour visit to the impressive Cascada El Pailon, also known as the Devil’s Cauldron, a stunning waterfall that cascades over a deep gorge.

Next, they’ll enjoy a 30-minute cable car ride over the Pastaza River, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The day is filled with adrenaline-pumping activities and breathtaking natural wonders, providing an unforgettable experience in the adventure capital of Ecuador.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Meeting

This 2-day tour includes various activities and accommodations, while also outlining what isn’t covered.

The package covers tourist transportation, all entrance fees, a bilingual guide, and overnight accommodation with breakfast. However, it doesn’t include food, drinks, or any extreme activities. Travelers should also note that the thermal baths entrance isn’t covered in the package.

The tour offers pickup options, either directly at the meeting point or by request. The meeting point is at Avenida Naciones Unidas in Quito, Ecuador, with pickup confirmation provided by 9 PM the day before the tour.

• Included: Tourist transportation, entrance fees, bilingual guide, overnight accommodation and breakfast
• Not Included: Food, drinks, extreme activities, thermal baths entrance
• Pickup Options: Directly at meeting point or by request
• Meeting Point: Avenida Naciones Unidas, Quito, Ecuador
• Pickup Confirmation: By 9 PM the day before the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Maximum Number of Participants per Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 17 travelers. This allows for a more personalized experience while still accommodating a sizable group. The small group size ensures travelers receive attentive service from the guide.

Is the Tour Guide Available for Additional Questions During Free Time?

The tour guide is available during free time to answer any additional questions travelers may have. They provide helpful information and guidance throughout the tour to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Dietary Needs?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific dietary needs. Travelers should notify the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking, and the guide will work to provide suitable meal options during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour Activities?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but some activities may have height or weight requirements. Children are welcome, though parental supervision is required. Most travelers can participate in the included activities.

Can the Pickup Location Be Changed From the Default Meeting Point?

Yes, the pickup location can be changed from the default meeting point. Travelers can request a different pickup location when booking the tour, and this will be confirmed by the tour operator by 9 PM the day before the tour.

Recap

The Quilotoa-Baños 2-Day Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Ecuador’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the stunning Laguna Quilotoa and the famous "Swing at the End of the World" to the thrilling Cascada El Pailon and rejuvenating thermal baths, this tour provides a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in the vibrant local communities. It’s an unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.