From Quito: Baños and Upper Amazon Day Trip
Tungurahua Province, Ecuador
Enjoy a private day trip to Baños, considered one of the most outstanding Ecuadorian highlights, escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide. Explore the Andes and the Tropical Rainforest in one day.
Baños de Agua Santa Day Trip from Quito
This full-day tour from Quito suits travelers interested in volcanoes, waterfalls, cloud forests, and Amazon rainforest ecosystems.
Highlights
- Drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and admire active and dormant volcanoes.
- Walk through pristine tropical rainforests with lush vegetation.
- Experience adrenaline sports near towering waterfalls (optional).
- Meet local communities and learn about their lifestyles.
- Visit the world-famous Devil's Cauldron waterfall and surrounding scenic spots.
Description
Explore Baños de Agua Santa, a city located at 1,820 meters (5,971 ft) above sea level, on the northeastern slopes of the Tungurahua Volcano (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). Baños is known for its natural hot springs and serves as a gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
Your day begins with a 7:30 am hotel pickup in Quito. En route, enjoy views of prominent volcanoes including Antisana, Los Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua. Arrive in Baños around 10:15 am and stroll through the town’s streets. Visit the Virgin of Agua Santa monastery, where murals depict the eruptions of Tungurahua, which resumed activity in 1999.
Continue along the Avenue of the Waterfalls, starting with a stop at the Agoyan Hydroelectric Dam. Walk to the nearby Río Blanco community to experience the cloud forest ecosystem. Cross the Pastaza River Canyon on a 500-meter cable car to reach the Manto de la Novia waterfall. There, learn about local culture and hike down to the river. Make a viewpoint stop at the San Jorge waterfall, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Devil’s Cauldron (Pailón del Diablo) waterfall, famous for its powerful cascades. Afterwards, see the Machay waterfall, where Amazonian vegetation begins to emerge. The tour concludes with a return to Quito around 6:45 pm, having passed through more than four distinct microclimates in one day.
Includes
- Private transportation
- Certified English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees
Excludes
- Drinks
- Meals
- Adrenaline sports activities
Important Information
- This tour operates rain or shine.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
Book early and bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, and a camera. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September for clearer skies and more stable weather.
