Quito to Cuenca 4 or 5-Day Tour With Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños and Chimborazo

Exploring the diverse landscapes of Ecuador doesn’t get much better than this 4 or 5-day tour from Quito to Cuenca. Travelers can marvel at the Cotopaxi volcano, stroll around the stunning Quilotoa Lake, and discover the breathtaking Pailon del Diablo waterfall. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and personalized service, this immersive journey promises an unforgettable adventure through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. For those seeking an added challenge, an optional excursion to the iconic Chimborazo peak awaits.

Key Points

• 5-day excursion from Quito to Cuenca with highlights including Quilotoa Lake, Cotopaxi volcano, Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and Ingapirca ruins.
• Optional excursion to Chimborazo available for an additional fee; includes 4 or 5 nights’ accommodation and most meals.
• Transportation tailored to group size with a licensed bilingual tour guide; vegetarian meal options available upon request.
• Pickup arrangements made for unlisted hotels; tour not wheelchair accessible due to rugged terrain.
• Pricing starts at $649.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and flexible payment options.

Tour Overview

The tour is a 5-day excursion that takes travelers from Quito to Cuenca, allowing them to explore Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Highlights include Quilotoa Lake, Cotopaxi volcano, Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and the Ingapirca ruins. Travelers can optionally add an excursion to Chimborazo for an additional fee.

The package includes 4 nights’ accommodation and most meals. Executive transportation, licensed guides, and all entrance fees are provided.

Vegetarian options are available upon request. The tour offers a personalized experience and isn’t wheelchair accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.

Inclusions

The tour includes a licensed tour guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

A licensed bilingual tour guide accompanies the tour, providing commentary in both English and Spanish.

The transportation is provided in executive vehicles sized for the group, ranging from SUVs for small parties to minibuses for larger groups.

Entrance fees and activities detailed in the itinerary are all included. Accommodation for 4 or 5 nights is provided, along with 4 breakfasts.

Gratuities are optional, and a vegetarian meal option is available upon request.

The tour offers:

1. Licensed bilingual tour guide

2. Executive transportation tailored to group size

3. All entrance fees and activities

4. 4 or 5 nights accommodation with breakfast

Meeting and Pickup

Select a pickup point; arrangements made for unlisted hotels.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the rugged terrain may pose challenges. Infants must sit on laps, and there are no serious medical conditions that would prevent participation.

The private tour ensures a personalized experience, allowing for flexibility and the opportunity to explore at your own pace.

The transportation ranges from SUVs for smaller groups to minivans and minibuses for larger parties, all ensuring a comfortable journey along the Pan-American Highway.

Pricing and Cancellation

Starting at $649.00 per person, the tour’s pricing varies depending on the group size. The tour provider offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.

The tour also features:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

2. Flexible payment options, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later.

3. Competitive pricing compared to similar tours in the region.

4. Potential discounts for larger group sizes.

This flexibility and transparency in pricing make the Quito to Cuenca tour an attractive option for travelers looking to explore Ecuador’s stunning landscapes.

Explore the Avenue of the Volcanoes

One of the highlights of the Quito to Cuenca tour is the opportunity to explore Ecuador’s legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes.

This scenic highway winds through the heart of the Andes, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and active volcanoes.

Travelers will visit iconic sites like Quilotoa Lake, a stunning crater lake, and Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

Travelers will marvel at the stunning Quilotoa Lake and conquer the heights of the mighty Cotopaxi volcano.

Along the way, they’ll also discover the Pailon del Diablo waterfall and the Ingapirca ruins, the largest Inca archaeological site in Ecuador.

This immersive journey provides a deep appreciation for the country’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Experience Quilotoa Lake and Cotopaxi

What traveler doesn’t marvel at the stunning vistas of Quilotoa Lake and Cotopaxi during the Quito to Cuenca tour?

This 5-day adventure takes guests through Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.

Highlights include:

1. Exploring the breathtaking Quilotoa Lake, a volcanic crater lake with stunning turquoise waters.

2. Visiting Cotopaxi National Park, home to the iconic Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

3. Hiking to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, a powerful cascade plunging into a lush, green canyon.

4. Discovering the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, the largest known Inca archaeological site in Ecuador.

Discover Pailon Del Diablo and Ingapirca

Along the journey from Quito to Cuenca, travelers on the Quito to Cuenca tour will discover two remarkable destinations – the Pailon del Diablo waterfall and the Ingapirca archaeological site.

The Pailon del Diablo, or "Devil’s Cauldron," is an impressive 80-meter waterfall that cascades through a dramatic canyon. Trekkers can hike to viewpoints above the falls for stunning vistas.

Further along the route, the tour visits Ingapirca, the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador. Guests explore the temple, ceremonial platforms, and other remnants of this significant pre-Columbian archaeological site, learning about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Optional Excursion to Chimborazo

For adventurous travelers, the Quito to Cuenca tour offers an optional excursion to Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador.

This challenging hike takes you to the base camp at 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). The excursion includes:

For the adventurous, a challenging hike to Chimborazo’s 5,000-meter base camp, with transportation, guide, and sustenance provided.

1. Transportation to and from the trailhead

2. Guided hike with an experienced mountain guide

3. Opportunity to witness the stunning glaciers and volcanic landscapes

4. Lunch and snacks to fuel your adventure

This add-on activity provides a thrilling adventure for those seeking to push their limits and explore Ecuador’s majestic high-altitude terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in This Tour?

Whether a visa is required depends on the traveler’s nationality. It’s best to check the visa requirements for Ecuador before booking the tour to ensure proper documentation is obtained.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Avenue of the Volcanoes?

The best time to visit Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes is during the dry season, between June and September. This period offers clear skies, moderate temperatures, and ideal conditions for exploring the region’s stunning volcanic landscapes.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages this to ensure everyone’s needs are met and to minimize waste. However, meals and some refreshments are typically provided as part of the package.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Beyond 5 Days?

The tour overview does not mention an option to extend the tour beyond 5 days. The package includes 4 or 5 nights of accommodation, so extending the tour may require booking additional nights separately.

How Much Additional Luggage Can I Bring on the Transportation?

The tour’s transportation can accommodate reasonable amounts of luggage. Travelers are advised to pack light and consider the group size, as storage space may be limited in the SUVs, minivans, or minibuses used for the tour.