Laguna Quilotoa

An early departure at 7:30 am will venture you into the Andes through the Panamerican Highway admiring the diverse ecosystems of the route known as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Following, you'll head out to Quilotoa Lake, a 3km wide water filled caldera formed by the collapse of the volcano's crater after a massive eruption. Here it is possible to either hike around the edge of the caldera or do the hike towards the lake. There are kayaks available at the lake for rent, which will add a sense of adventure to your visit to this breathtaking site. You’ll have lunch in a local restaurant and make your way to Baños late in the afternoon.

Arrive to Banos early at night. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel where you will enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Ruta de las cascadas

On day 2 you’ll explore the route of the waterfalls. Baños de Agua Santa (Spanish for Baths of Holy Water) is named after the hot springs and thermal baths located around the city which have a reputation of having healing properties due to their mineral content. Visit Pailón del Diablo, one of the largest and most spectacular falls in Ecuador. Baños is also known as the "Gateway to the Amazon", as it's the last big city still located in the mountains before reaching the rainforest in the lowlands.

This day you'll get the opportunity to experience the diversity and beauty of the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest by visiting the Pastaza River lookout. Be ready for a day full of possibilities and maximum flexibility in the visits and activities available according to your main interests. You can add a visit to a "lek" of one of the most iconic bird species in the tropics the Andean Cock of the Rock. This species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the male has a large disk-like crest and a very unique vivid scarlet plumage. Gatherings of males compete for breeding females with each male displaying its colorful plumage, bobbing and hopping, and making strident calls. If you want to refresh your self you can visit one of the multiple waterfalls along the way. There are amazing forested mountains drained by a refreshing network of rivers that actually flow to the mighty Amazon basin.

La Casa del Arbol

Back in Baños, if weather permits you'll enjoy the sunset at “The Tree House” and swing of the end of the world with the best view to Tungurahua Volcano.

Cotopaxi National Park

In the last day, a two hour drive will bring you to the Cotopaxi National Park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano 5.897-m-high, considered the highest active volcano in the world. You'll hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon and, weather permitting, you'll get the best view of Cotopaxi.

You'll enjoy a delicious lunch at Tambopaxi: an ecological hotel and mountain refuge located within the park at 3720 meters above sea level. Later in the afternoon, you'll drive back to Quito.

Quito

Your journey ends in Quito, with a drop off at your hotel