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Photo gallery for Quito to Cuenca 4 or 5-Day Tour with Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños and Chimborazo

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By Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$2,136 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 5d
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Most tours pack in so many stops that you end up spending half the trip in a car. Ours is different — every destination on this route gets the time it deserves, so you actually experience Ecuador instead of just passing through it.

    Over 4 or 5 days, travel the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to Cuenca with a private bilingual guide. Hike the slopes of Cotopaxi, stand at the edge of Quilotoa's crater lake, feel the thunder of Pailón del Diablo, take in the drama of Devil's Nose, explore the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, and arrive in colonial Cuenca — never rushed, always immersed.

    Come home saying “I really felt like I was there.”

    Highlights

    • Unhurried exploration along the iconic Avenue of the Volcanoes
    • Expert local guides who know every trail, storey, and hidden detail along the route
    • Experience local indigenous culture and markets first-hand
    • Small-group format for a personalised experience
    • Superior tour includes hand-picked boutique haciendas and top-rated hotels

Activity location

  • Laguna de Limpiopungo
    • Latacunga, Ecuador

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Laguna de Limpiopungo
    • Latacunga, Ecuador

Check availability

Standard 4-Day Shared Tour

  • Activity duration is 5 days5d
    5d
  • English

3-night Standard Accommodation: - Casa Sakiwa (Cotopaxi)

  • Isla de Baños (Baños)
  • Hotel Asher (Riobamba)
    Similar properties selected if unavailable
    Duration: 4 days
    SUV / Van / Minibus: Based on group size
    Small-group tour
    Pickup included
Starting time: 7:00 AM
Price details
NZ$2,135.66 x 1 AdultNZ$2,135.66
Total
Price is NZ$2,135.66

Mid-range 4-Day Tour

  • Activity duration is 5 days5d
    5d
  • English

3 night Medium-Range Hotels: Casa Sakiwa (Cotopaxi)
Hotel Floresta (Baños)
Hotel Shalom (Riobamba)

Similar properties if unavailable.
Duration: 4 days
SUV / VAN / Minibus
Small Group Tour
Pickup included

Starting time: 7:00 AM
Price details
NZ$2,491.90 x 1 AdultNZ$2,491.90
Total
Price is NZ$2,491.90

Standard 5-day Shared Tour

  • Activity duration is 5 days5d
    5d
  • English

4-night Standard Hotel : - Casa Sakiwa (Cotopaxi)

  • Isla de Baños (Baños)
  • Hotel Asher (Riobamba0
  • Posada del Rey (Cuenca)
    Or similar if unavailable
    Duration: 5 days
    SUV / Van / Minibus: Based on group size
    Shared Tour Small Group
    Pickup included
Starting time: 7:00 AM
Price details
NZ$2,848.14 x 1 AdultNZ$2,848.14
Total
Price is NZ$2,848.14

First Class 4-Day Private Tour

  • Activity duration is 5 days5d
    5d
  • English

3 night First-Class Hotels: Stay at premium hotels such as Hacienda La Cienega, Hotel Spa Sangay, Hacienda Abraspungo, or similar based on availability.
Duration: 4 days
SUV / VAN / Minibus: Based on group size
Pickup included

Price details
NZ$2,848.14 x 1 AdultNZ$2,848.14
Total
Price is NZ$2,848.14

Mid-range 5-Day Tour

  • Activity duration is 5 days5d
    5d
  • English

3 nights Mid-Range Hotels: Casa Sakiwa (Cotopaxi)
Hotel Floresta (Baños)
Hotel Shalom (Riobamba)
Posada del Angel (Cuenca)
Similar if unavailable
Duration: 5 days
SUV / Van / Minibus
Small Group Tour
Pickup included

Starting time: 7:00 AM
Price details
NZ$2,743.05 x 1 AdultNZ$2,743.05
Total
Price is NZ$2,743.05

First Class 5-Day Private Tour

  • Activity duration is 5 days5d
    5d
  • English

First-Class 4–5★ Hotels: Staying at premium hotels such as Hacienda La Cienega, Hotel Spa Sangay, Hacienda Abraspungo and Hotel Santa Lucia or similar
Duration: 5 days
SUV / Van / Minibus: Based on group size
Pickup included

Price details
NZ$3,382.50 x 1 AdultNZ$3,382.50
Total
Price is NZ$3,382.50

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Accommodation included: 3 nights for the 4-day tour OR 4 nights included for the 5-day tour
  • Inclusions
    Executive transport: SUVs (2-3 pax), Minivans (4-6 pax), or Minibuses (7-20 pax)
  • Inclusions
    Licensed bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish)
  • Inclusions
    Entrance fees and activities as specified in the itinerary
  • Exclusions
    Service charge (Optional based on your satisfaction)
  • Exclusions
    Something not specified here in
  • Exclusions
    Optional activities: horseback riding, adventure sports, Devil’s Nose Train

Know before you book

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Quito to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park

  • 3 stops
  • Meals: lunch
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Cotopaxi area, Tailored to Your Selected Hotel Category

Laguna de Limpiopungo

  • 1h 30m
  • Admission ticket included
Upon arrival at Cotopaxi National Park, we explore the unique high-altitude páramo ecosystem surrounding Limpiopungo Lagoon. With Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m) rising dramatically in the background, enjoy a gentle walk while learning about the biodiversity of this fragile Andean environment and its ecological importance. This is an excellent opportunity for wildlife observation and panoramic photography.

Cotopaxi National Park

  • 2h
We will drive up to the Cotopaxi parking area at 4,500 metres above sea level, where the ascent begins towards the José Rivas Refuge at 4,810 metres on the slopes of Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s second-highest peak at 5,897 metres and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, as well as one of the country’s most iconic highlights; this challenging yet rewarding hike can be adjusted to your fitness level and pace, and once at the refuge you may rest, warm up with a hot drink or soup, acclimate to the altitude, and, if weather and conditions allow, continue towards the glacier for an even closer encounter with this majestic Andean giant.

Rondador Cotopaxi

  • 1h 30m
  • Admission ticket included
After the hike, we descend from the high slopes of Cotopaxi and continue to a traditional local restaurant, Rondador, located on the outskirts of the park, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Andean cuisine in a warm, rustic setting. Following lunch, don’t forget to ask for a few carrots to feed the friendly llamas in the garden, a charming and memorable experience, before taking in one last spectacular view of Cotopaxi rising over the páramo. Later, transfer to your selected nearby hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 2: Quilotoa Crater Lake & Andean Scenic Landscapes

  • 3 stops
  • Meals: breakfast
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Cotopaxi area, Tailored to Your Selected Hotel Category

Quilotoa

  • 4h
Embarking on a journey southward along the celebrated ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes,’ we will reach the majestic Quilotoa Lake. This stunning crater lake, nestled in Ecuador’s Andes, is renowned for its 250-meter depth and vibrant turquoise waters coloured by dissolved minerals. It is a treasured destination for those in pursuit of awe-inspiring vistas and the excitement of hiking. Guests have the option to trek down to the crater’s edge or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the rim. For those desiring additional adventure, kayaking and horseback riding are available for an additional fee.

Canon del Rio Toachi

  • 15m
  • Admission ticket included
A geological marvel in Ecuador, formed by pyroclastic flows from the Quilotoa volcano’s eruption around 1280. It’s a favourite spot for outdoor lovers, and we’ll be making a brief stop to enjoy the scenery.

Galeria del Primer Pintor de Tigua - "Julio Toaquiza Tigasi"

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket included
The Tigua painters of Ecuador are celebrated for their vivid sheepskin paintings that capture the essence of Andean life and traditions. Visiting Tigua offers a chance to see these artworks come to life and to connect with the indigenous culture through community engagement and learning about their sustainable lifestyle.

Day 3: Baños Adventure: Tree House, Route of the Waterfalls & Pailón del Diablo

  • 3 stops
  • Meals: breakfast
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Baños or Riobamba, Tailored to Your Selected Hotel Category

La Casa del Arbol

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
After a scenic 40-minute drive from Baños, we begin with a short uphill walk to the iconic Tree House, home of the famous “Swing at the End of the World.” This viewpoint, featured in National Geographic, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tungurahua Volcano and surrounding valleys. The area is surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with flowers that attract hummingbirds, making it a true paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Banos

  • 3h
We continue along the renowned Route of the Waterfalls, a spectacular canyon road that follows the Pastaza River through lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs. Along the 45-minute drive, we stop at several viewpoints to admire cascading waterfalls and take photos of the surrounding landscapes. For those seeking extra adrenaline, there is the option to cross the valley in a cable car (tarabita) suspended above the river gorge. Adventurous travellers may also choose to participate in activities such as zip lining, bungee jumping, giant swings, and other adventure experiences, available for an additional cost paid directly on site.

El Pailón del Diablo

  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
Our final highlight is the impressive Pailón del Diablo, one of Ecuador’s largest and most powerful waterfalls. A scenic two-kilometer walk through forest trails and hanging bridges leads us to close-up viewpoints where you can truly feel the force of the cascading water. This natural wonder is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country and a memorable finale to the day.

Day 4: Chimborazo Volcano Highlands & The Legendary Devil’s Nose Route

  • 3 stops
  • Meals: breakfast
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Ingapirca or Cuenca (Fourth night included only in the 5-day tour option)

Mount Chimborazo

  • 3h
  • Admission ticket included
We will drive through the dramatic highland landscapes for approximately two hours to reach the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, home to Ecuador’s highest peak and the point on Earth closest to the sun when measured from the planet’s centre. Surrounded by vast páramo plains and roaming vicuñas, this impressive volcano offers a unique high-altitude experience. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a one-hour hike towards the second refuge at nearly 4,875 metres above sea level. This is a spectacular destination for geology and volcanology enthusiasts, where you can witness striking evidence of the Earth’s geological history. The hike is flexible and can be adjusted according to your interests and fitness level.

The Devil's Nose Train Ride

  • 3h
  • Admission ticket not included
Discover one of Ecuador’s most dramatic Andean landscapes at the legendary Devil’s Nose Mountain, an extraordinary feat of railway engineering carved into near-vertical cliffs. This iconic route, once considered a masterpiece of railway construction, continues to captivate visitors with its breathtaking scenery. The Devil’s Nose Train now operates from Friday through Sunday. If your itinerary falls on one of these days, we can gladly assist with booking the train tickets in advance. On non-operational days, the experience can still be enjoyed from scenic viewpoints or via a short guided hike along the mountain trail, offering equally impressive panoramic views of the zigzagging railway and surrounding valleys.

Cuenca

  • 2h
Continue your journey south through the scenic Andean highlands towards Cuenca, enjoying changing landscapes of mountains, valleys, and traditional villages along the way. Upon arrival in the city, we will provide a comfortable drop-off at either Cuenca Airport or your selected hotel, marking the conclusion of your 4-day tour. End of services for the 4-day itinerary.

Day 5: Cuenca City Tour — Choose Your Afternoon Adventure: Cajas or Ingapirca Ruins

  • 3 stops
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch
  • Accommodation: Not included

Cuenca

  • 4h
Cuenca earns its UNESCO World Heritage status at every turn — and this guided half-day tour shows you exactly why. Walk through the historic centre, admire the iconic blue domes of the New Cathedral with its gold-leaf altar, and soak up the colour of the local flower market. A visit to Homero Ortega's hat factory reveals the true storey behind the famous Panama Hat — spoiler: it's entirely Ecuadorian. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

Ingapirca Ruins

  • 4h
  • Admission ticket included
Just two hours from Cuenca stands Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca archaeological site and a place where two powerful civilisations left their mark. Explore ancient temples, ceremonial platforms, and the iconic Sun Temple — a testament to the fascinating blend of Cañari and Inca cultures that once thrived here. With expert guides bringing the history to life, this is one of those stops that turns a sightseeing moment into something you'll actually remember. Drop-off at your preferred location — either the airport or your selected hotel.

El Cajas National Park

  • 4h
  • Admission ticket included
a short drive leads you into one of Ecuador's most otherworldly landscapes — Cajas National Park, a high-altitude reserve where hundreds of glacial lakes shimmer between rolling hills and ancient Polylepis forests. The ever-shifting weather adds a mystical quality that makes every visit feel different. Hike through the páramo, stand at the continental divide, and breathe in some of the cleanest air on the continent. Raw Andean nature at its finest. Drop-off at your preferred location — either the airport or your selected hotel.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Laguna de Limpiopungo
    • Latacunga, Ecuador

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Laguna de Limpiopungo
    • Latacunga, Ecuador

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