Itinerary (3 Days, 2 Nights)
Day 1. Quito – Cotopaxi – Baños: Departing south from Quito we visit the Cotopaxi Volcano and its national park. Via the “Avenue of Volcanoes,” we continue to the indigenous village of Salasaca, where weavers are well known for their tapestries. Before arriving to Baños, we pass over the Pastaza Canyon and admire its impressive scenery. Optional lunch. Accommodations at a local hotel.
Day 2. Baños: In the morning, we will visit the surroundings of Baños, including El Pailon del Diablo; a beautiful waterfall where we can have a chance to walk through the cloud forest. Optional lunch. In the afternoon, you may decide to go bike riding, crossing the Pastaza gorge by cable car or just soak up in the local hot springs (crowded on weekends). Accommodations at a local hotel.
B
Day 3. Baños – Quito: Return to Quito by a different route. From Baños back to Pelileo and on to Pillaro along dirt and cobblestone roads. Traveling through the Patate Valley, one of the prettiest warm valleys of the Inter – Andean region, we come to the Pan – American highway around Ambato. Optional lunch en-route. Afternoon arrival to Quito.
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Highlights
Baños Nestled between the Pastaza Canyon and the Tungurahua Volcano, it is the playground for activity and but also a place of relaxation. There are hot springs, great cafes, a beautiful town square and lines of little stores where the locals weave melocha (toffee) on the sidewalk.
Cotopaxi National Park Descend the slopes of one the world’s highest volcanoes enjoying magnificent views of snow-capped volcanoes as you pedal through a lunar landscape full of lakes, Inca ruins, and giant boulders spewed from the volcano long ago. With some luck, you might spot a condor!
Salasacan Weavers For centuries the Salasacan weavers have been turning wool into clothing, but the tapestry is a relative new endeavour. Sometime in the last 50 or 60 years they discovered the potential for sales of more colorful woven items such as the very popular wall hangings that in recent years have garnered international acclaim for quality and beauty.
Details
Meet / Depart
Hotel of your choice, Quito, Ecuador.
Includes
Transportation
English Speaking Guide
2 nights at local hotel in chosen category in Baños
Pailón del Diablo entrance fee
Meals as listed in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Not Included
Meals not listed
Entrance to hot spring
Cotopaxi National Park entrance fee $10
Anything not specified
Activity Level
Easy
