Cotopaxi Banos 2-Day Tour from Quito: Volcano Hike + Overnight (2026)

Duration: 2 - Day

From: $232 per person

Destinations: Cotopaxi Volcano - Baños de Agua Santa

Description

Cotopaxi Banos 2-Day Tour from Quito — Volcano + Overnight in Banos

The complete 2-day Cotopaxi Banos 2 day tour from Quito. Day one takes you through the paramo highlands of Cotopaxi National Park for volcano views and Limpiopungo Lagoon. Then descend to Baños de Agua Santa for an overnight, so you can explore the waterfall route — including the legendary Pailón del Diablo — hot springs, and the Swing at the End of the World at a relaxed pace on day 2. Hotel and breakfast included.

Cotopaxi Banos 2 day tour: paramo hike under the Cotopaxi Volcano

→ Short on time? This Cotopaxi Banos 2 day tour gives you the full experience. For a compact version in 1 day, try our Cotopaxi & Baños Day Trip from Quito — same destinations, faster pace.

Inclusions

✔ Transportation

✔ Certified Bilingual Guide

✔ Lunch x 2 days

✔ Accommodation x 1 days

✔ Tickets to the mentioned attractions

❌ Alcoholic beverages

❌ Food and drinks not mentioned

❌ Tips

Highlights

Day 1 — Cotopaxi National Park Tour

- Cotopaxi Volcano views (5,897 m)
- Limpiopungo Lagoon
- Jose Rivas Refuge hike (4,864 m)
- Overnight in Baños de Agua Santa
- Optional: Banos hot springs in the evening

Day 2 — Baños Waterfalls & Swing at the End of the World

- Agoyan Waterfall
- Manto de la Novia Waterfall + cable car
- Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron)
- Tree House & Swing at the End of the World
- City tour in Baños de Agua Santa
- Return to Quito

Itinerary

Day 1 — Cotopaxi National Park Tour

This cotopaxi tour from quito begins with pickup from your hotel, heading toward the majestic Cotopaxi National Park — home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes. The first stop is the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano, where we'll take a peaceful walk enjoying the Andean paramo landscapes and spot local wildlife like wild horses, Andean foxes, and curiquingue birds.

Next, we continue with a hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 m (15,953 ft). Weather permitting, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the glaciers of Cotopaxi Volcano. After lunch at a local hacienda, we descend to Baños de Agua Santa where you'll check in to your hotel and have the evening free to explore or relax at the famous banos hot springs.

Day 2 — Baños Waterfalls: Pailón del Diablo & Swing at the End of the World

Day 2 of our cotopaxi banos 2 day tour explores Baños de Agua Santa. We head out to the famous Waterfall Route, starting with Agoyan Waterfall and Manto de la Novia (with a cable car ride over the Pastaza River canyon). The highlight is the legendary pailon del diablo (Devil's Cauldron) — one of Ecuador's most powerful waterfalls, where you can walk right up behind the falls through carved stone tunnels.

We continue to Casa del Árbol for the iconic swing at the end of the world, with panoramic views of the Tungurahua Volcano. After a city tour through the colorful streets of Baños and lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Quito.

Return to Quito

After this wonderful Cotopaxi Banos 2 day tour, we return to your hotel in Quito or to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, depending on your travel plans.

Price 2026

Group Size	Private Tour	Small Group	Shared Tour
Price for 1 participant in a single room	$ 641	No available	No available
Price From 2 participants / price per person in a twin room	$ 364	No available	No available
Price From 3 participants / price per person in a triple room	$ 279	No available	No available
Price From 4 or more participants / price per person in a quadruple or twin rooms	$ 232	No available	No available

GALLERY

The best photos of our guests

FAQ about Cotopaxi and Banos Tour

🔸Where does the tour start?

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Quito. From there, we will travel to Cotopaxi National Park.

🔸What does the tour include?

The tour includes private transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance to Cotopaxi National Park, a visit to Limpiopungo Lagoon, a hike to the José Rivas Refuge, a visit to Banos de Agua Santa, a cable car ride over waterfalls, a city tour in Banos, entrance to the Casa del Árbol, and one night of accommodation. (Tour type may vary—please inquire for details.)

🔸Do I need to be physically fit for the tour?

You don't need to be in moderate physical shape, but it's important to be prepared for walking at high altitude. The hike to the José Rivas Refuge can be done at your own pace and is optional.

🔸What extreme activities can I do in Banos?

In Banos, you can try ziplining, bungee jumping, rafting, or mountain biking, or take a ride on a cable car, among other activities.

🔸Is the tour suitable for children or older adults?

Yes, but some activities may be adjusted depending on age or physical condition. We recommend consulting our team in advance.

🔸How do I book the tour and how far in advance should I do it?

You can book online, via WhatsApp, or by email. We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, especially during high season.

What to Bring to Cotopaxi and Banos Tour?

✅ Warm clothing (especially for Cotopaxi, where it can be cold)
✅ Waterproof or windbreaker jacket (the weather can change quickly)
✅ Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
✅ Light, comfortable clothing for Banos (warmer climate)
✅ Hat or cap and sunglasses
✅ Sunscreen and insect repellent
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Cash (some activities or shops may not accept cards)
✅ Swimsuit and towel (for the hot springs and waterfalls in Banos, if you choose to visit them)

What Travellers Say About Real Dreams

Verified reviews · Real Dream Tours

Great tour company. Amazing tour guides. Safe driver !

We had the BEST time with Real Dream tours. Our tour guide was Andrés and our driver maybe (Javier) was the ABSOLUTE BEST. We went to the hot springs. Got there safely. We hiked a beautiful trail. Andres took some photos of us and pretty much took care of everything when we arrived at the spa. Andres was also very knowledgeable about the country. Educated us on some fun facts. We were traveling as a family of 5. The company is great! They personalized everything for us. They can customize anything you need. Even dropped us off at the airport after our relaxing day. Such great people. highly recommended! Will use them again.

tktun20906

washington dc

June 11, 2025

Quilotoa -day trip

Quilotoa is a beautiful place it’s worth the long trip from Quito. I would totally recomend. The views are just stunning.

Also our tour guide was Pedro. 10/10

Carol

Puerto Rico

March 10, 2025

Vielen Dank Pedro!

Ich hatte eine tolle Zeit mit meinem Guide Pedro. Vom hoch gelegenen Cotopaxi, über die im perfekten Sonnenschein schimmernde Quilotoa Lagune, zum abenteuerlichen Banos und schliesslich in den abgelegenen Regenwald in der Itamandi Lodge, hat Pedro alles gegeben um meine Reise perfekt zu machen.

Martin

May 21, 2025

Great company-book with confidence.

Andres made the day! We have hired many many different guides in many many different countries and Andres was one of the best we have had. He perfectly split the difference between information and giving us our space. He was attentive to our 10 year old…especially important on such a very long day. Keeping the little one going made for a successful day for all of us.

He and the driver spotted a toucan along a road and halted everything, hustled us out of the car and made sure we all saw it and got pictures. Well done!

We combined this tour with visits to both equator exhibits and while this was no fault of the tour company (they had informed us of road closures and we were not upset) it took us much longer to get back than planned and we nearly ran out of time. We got the photos we wanted so no harm no foul, but we cut it very close. I’m thankful for the good driver we had!

maureenehess

Bogota, Colombia

June 20, 2025

Fantastic trip to local market and beautiful nature.

Very nice trip to a very nice market. This is South America's largest outdoor market. Also got to stop at the original center of the world, and taste very good biscuits 😁

Helge B

July 12, 2025

Otavala Market

Great trip to the Otavalo market. Andrés was a wonderful guide who shared so much history and stories about Equador and the area. A great day tour from Quoto.

Martedal

July 9, 2025

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Get in touch with us!

Looking for a personalized experience? Tell us your travel dates, group size, and interests, and our local experts will help you design the perfect tour in Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands. This request is completely free and without obligation — we’re happy to adapt the itinerary, pace, and activities to match your travel style.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 519 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sonja R 
 
 
 
 Verified The perfect day
I spent a glorious day with the dream team: Jimmy, the alert, cautious, and responsible driver, and Andres, the super kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic tour guide. The day exceeded my expectations: I saw and experienced everything I had heard about Cotopaxi and Banos - and then some. I learned a lot and felt extremely well taken care of. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see these two famous places in Ecuador in just one day. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be driven by Jimmy and guided by Andres.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Voyager212497 
 
 
 
 Verified Ecuador with Andres and Jimmy!!!!
Andres and Jimmy were awesome guides!!!! First time to Ecuador and loved every minute. Andres and Jimmy made the most of our day and introduced us to many local places. Just what we were looking for!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Angela C 
 
 
 
 Verified Perfect Equador Tour!!
Our guide, Miriam was absolutely amazing!! She shared all of the unbelievable information about her country and let us decide what we wanted to do on the tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Stefano P 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful experience en la Sierra
Esperienza indimenticabile. La nostra guida Ayrton è sempre stato disponibile, attento sia alle nostre necessità che alla nostra sicurezza. Sin dal momento del pick up ci ha dato innumerevoli informazioni sui luoghi che stavamo visitato, facendoci immergere completamente nella cultura Ecuadoriana. Prezzo del tour non economico, ma ne vale la pena.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   sv 
 
 
 
 Verified parfait
camping parfait rien a dire sauf l'accès compliqué a la plage
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jacki R 
 
 
 
 Verified Cotapaxi tour
Andres was a wonderful, engaging, knowledgeable and very friendly tour guide. Both he and the driver, Diego, provided us with a highly memorable tour. This was our favorite tour out of our 4 days in Quito. A large part of it was due to Andres. We highly recommend Andres and Diego!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Victoria K 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience and company!
This tour was absolutely wonderful from the adventure to the company of Ayrton. This walk was intense but totally worth it, i will do the summit next year. I’m very happy with the tour, from the pick up until the drop off! Ayrton is very friendly, knowledgeable, and he knows how to take the best photos that’ll last a lifetime ☺️ I’m very pleased, thank you so much for a great experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tani Davis 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing views
Andrés was an excellent tour guide. His knowledge of the zone, the fun facts, the trivia questions and the cool attitude made this experience one of a kind! Ciro was an excellent driver and got us back and forth safe. Thank you! The tour was just enough to get good photos from both places, grab lunch and head back. If you want to take a longer experience on either place, probably book a full day per location.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   L C 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience
I did a tour/hike of Cotopaxi with guide Andres and driver Jimmy. The scenery was gorgeous! The hike was challenging just due to the altitude but worth it for the views and seeing the Refugio. Guide Andres had so much great information about the history, people, geography and animals in the area. He was friendly and helpful and answered any questions I had about the area. Highly recommend this tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maddy C 
 
 
 
 Verified Book it – you won't regret it!
Absolutely incredible experience – 10/10! I cannot recommend this tour enough! I booked a private day trip from Quito to Chimborazo, and it was truly one of the highlights of my nearly two months exploring Ecuador. I honestly can't believe more tourists don't visit Chimborazo — it is absolutely breathtaking, and such an amazing place to experience. I was picked up directly from my apartment, we stopped for breakfast, and then headed out toward Chimborazo. Irene was an absolutely FABULOUS guide — incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely passionate about Ecuador. I learned SO much from her throughout the day, and that is saying something, as I've already spent nearly two months exploring Ecuador! She shared so much fascinating information about the landscape, history, culture, and the area around Chimborazo. Jimmy was our driver and was equally wonderful. He has such a great sense of humor and was an excellent, very safe driver. He also came along on the hike with us, which was such a nice surprise! He also recommended a delicious restaurant for lunch. Irene and Jimmy were both so kind and made the entire day feel easy, fun, and comfortable. As a 22-year-old woman traveling alone, I also want to emphasize how truly safe and secure I felt the entire time. I was completely comfortable with both Irene and Jimmy, and they took such great care of me throughout the day. I never once felt worried or uncomfortable traveling so far from Quito on my own. And, the PHOTOS! Irene and Jimmy took FABULOUS pictures of me — genuinely better than anything I could have taken myself. They knew exactly where to stop and how to capture the scenery, and I came away with so many incredible photos and memories from the day. The hike itself was also amazing. I personally found it less difficult than hiking Cotopaxi, although the altitude is definitely challenging and should not be underestimated! The landscape is absolutely surreal, and being up there surrounded by that incredible scenery is an experience I will never forget. If you're considering doing this tour, book it! Especially if you're traveling alone, I could not recommend Irene and Jimmy more highly. They were knowledgeable, funny, kind, professional, and made the entire experience unforgettable. This was one of the best days I've had in Ecuador, and I am so grateful to them both! It's so worth it.