Andes to the Amazon 3D/2N Tour: Quilotoa, Baños, Pastaza River, and Cotopaxi Exploration

Embark on an extraordinary 3-day journey from the Andes to the Amazon, exploring the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Volcano, Baños de Agua Santa, and the Western Amazon Basin. Experience breathtaking landscapes, visit stunning waterfalls, and support sustainable development initiatives.

Duration: 3 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Quilotoa-Baños

Laguna Quilotoa - Start your adventure early at 7:30 am, traveling through the Andes via the Panamerican Highway and taking in the varied ecosystems along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” You’ll then visit Quilotoa Lake, a 3km wide water-filled caldera formed by a volcanic eruption. You can hike around the caldera’s edge or down to the lake, where kayaks are available for rent, adding an adventurous touch to your visit. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Baños in the late afternoon.

Baños - Arrive in Baños early in the evening. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Ruta de las Cascadas & Puyo

Ruta de las Cascadas - On day 2, explore the route of the waterfalls. Baños de Agua Santa, named for its hot springs and thermal baths reputed for their healing properties, is home to Pailón del Diablo, one of Ecuador’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls. Known as the “Gateway to the Amazon,” Baños is the last major city in the mountains before the rainforest.

Finca Mirador Indichuris - Experience the diversity and beauty of the Amazon Rainforest gateway by visiting the Pastaza River lookout. The day’s activities are flexible and can be tailored to your interests. You might visit a “lek” of the Andean Cock of the Rock, a bird species known for its striking sexual dimorphism and vivid scarlet plumage. Males gather to compete for females with colorful displays and calls. You can also visit various waterfalls along the way, with forested mountains and rivers flowing into the Amazon basin.

La Casa del Arbol - Back in Baños, weather permitting, enjoy the sunset at “The Tree House” and swing at the end of the world with a stunning view of Tungurahua Volcano.

Cotopaxi National Park - Quito

Cotopaxi National Park - On the last day, a two-hour drive takes you to Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll arrive at the base of the world’s highest active volcano, standing at 5,897 meters. Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon and, if the weather is clear, enjoy the best view of Cotopaxi.

Hotel Tambopaxi Lodge - Savor a delicious lunch at Tambopaxi, an ecological hotel and mountain refuge within the park at 3,720 meters above sea level. In the afternoon, drive back to Quito.

Quito - Your journey concludes in Quito with a drop-off at your hotel.

What's Included
  • National Park permits
  • Accommodation
  • Certified, bilingual guide
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Private transportation
  • All activities and entrance fees described in the tour details
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • Local Taxes (apply only for Ecuadorians)
  • Dinners
  • Additional activity options: kayaks, rafting, canopy, cable cars, bicycles, horseback riding. Available upon request.
Additional Information

Join an outstanding trip through the majesty of the Andes and admire the overwhelming landscapes of the route known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes; venture into the Amazon region thorough the route of the waterfalls. Enjoy an unforgettable 3 day private trip to Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Volcano, Baos de Agua Santa, and the Western Amazon Basin in the Pastaza Province. Support a local initiative of sustainable development by visiting ‘Hola Vida’ waterfall reserve. Explore the route of the waterfalls from Baos to Puyo and witness the power of water at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ecuador at ‘Pailn del Diablo’. Swing at the edge of the world with the best lookout to theTungurahua Volcano at ‘La Casa del Arbol’.

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain, although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Copy of passport of one of the group members is required for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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Olgawh
Jan 23, 2022
Really enjoyed the tour! - Santiago was such a great guide! Excellent understanding of wildlife, history and culture. Quite flexible and willing to accommodate. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Majdee_i
Dec 29, 2019
Fantastic Experience! - This was far and away one of the best tours we've taken on any of our trips! Jose was unbelievable, giving us personal touches to the experience throughout the trip based on things we mentioned or were interested in. Super flexible, friendly, knowledgable. It felt like we were travelling with a close friend who we had known for our entire lives. Would absolutely recommend this for anyone, particularly if you would like to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
Review provided by Viator
Jersutto
Oct 23, 2019
Phenomenal trip with an amazing guide - Our trip from the Andes to the Amazon was spectacular. Santiago, our guide, was one of the best guides we had ever experienced. He was extremely knowledgable on all things Ecuador and wildlife; we learned an immense amount on our drives alone. The trip itself was very diverse, starting and ending the 3 day tour with volcano visits, and trekking through the Amazon in between. Our hotel stay in Baños was great and the city of Baños was also very charming and beautiful. 100% would recommend this trip to anyone, especially those who are passionate about biology and wildlife!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bobbardis
Oct 23, 2019
Three action packed days on the road - From the pick up at our hotel to the drop off we had a great time. Lots of sights, hiking and nature. Our guide was amazing; explaining geology, flora and fauna of the three regions we travelled through. We even had a little time for shopping along the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Calathea520
Jan 1, 2019
Excellent experience - The tour guide is really knowledgable and is himself an experienced adventurer which makes a big difference to the travelling experience. We discovered a lot more of nature which wouldn't have been possible from the group tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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