Quito Cotopaxi Best Itinerary Ideas

How Many Days Do You Need in Quito & Cotopaxi?

Planning a trip to Ecuador and wondering about the ideal duration for exploring the captivating regions of Quito and Cotopaxi? The answer, as with many travel inquiries, depends on your personal preferences, travel style, and the depth of experience you seek. However, we can offer some general guidelines based on common traveler itineraries.

• Most travelers find that spending between five and seven days in Quito and Cotopaxi combined offers a balanced and fulfilling experience. This allows for a comfortable pace and the opportunity to delve into the highlights of both destinations.
• Visiting Quito and Cotopaxi in just four days is certainly possible, but be prepared for a more rushed and whirlwind adventure. You’ll likely need to prioritize certain activities and accept that you won’t be able to fully immerse yourself in everything each location has to offer.
• If you have eight days or more to dedicate to your Ecuadorian adventure, most travelers choose to extend their trip and incorporate additional stops. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings.
• The most common extensions to Quito and Cotopaxi itineraries include visits to the vibrant town of Baños, known for its adventure activities, and the lush rainforest region of Archidona, offering a glimpse into the Amazon basin.

Choosing the right number of days is crucial to crafting a memorable and enjoyable trip to Quito and Cotopaxi. Consider what you want to see and do, and then tailor your itinerary accordingly.

Recommended Itineraries for Quito & Cotopaxi

Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days

This six-day itinerary provides a perfect blend of cultural immersion and exhilarating outdoor adventures. You’ll discover the historical charm of Quito, experience the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs, and conquer the slopes of a majestic volcano.

Day	Highlights	Overnight
Day 1	Arrive in Quito, Self-Guided Exploration	Quito
Day 2	Colonial Quito City Tour, Visit the Middle of the World Monument	Quito
Day 3	Day Trip to the Papallacta Hot Springs	Quito
Day 4	Transfer to Cotopaxi, Hiking the Rucu Pichincha Volcano	Cotopaxi
Day 5	North Illinizas Climbing Experience	Cotopaxi
Day 6	Transfer to Quito Airport, Depart Ecuador

There’s absolutely no need to choose between enriching cultural exploration and heart-pounding outdoor thrills on your trip to Ecuador. This carefully curated six-day itinerary brilliantly offers the best of both worlds! Settle into a comfortable base in the beautiful city of Quito, taking your time to truly get to know the vibrant capital city, and embark on unforgettable day-trips to incredible destinations like Papallacta, where you can blissfully soak in the naturally heated thermal waters. Then, prepare for an adventure as you ascend high into the breathtaking mountains via a scenic cable car, allowing you to hike the incredible Rucu Pichincha volcano. Cap off your trip with an incredible trek to the very summit of a magnificent volcanic mountain and allow yourself a brief, but exciting exploration of the stunning Cotopaxi National Park. This itinerary offers a diverse range of experiences, ensuring a truly memorable journey through Ecuador.

Imagine yourself wandering through the historic streets of Quito, admiring the colonial architecture and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Picture yourself relaxing in the soothing waters of Papallacta, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. And feel the exhilaration of conquering Rucu Pichincha volcano, with panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. This six-day itinerary is designed to create lasting memories.

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Baños

This eight-day itinerary expands your Ecuadorian adventure to include the dynamic town of Baños, adding a touch of adrenaline and excitement to your cultural exploration.

Day	Highlights	Overnight
Day 1	Arrive in Quito, Self-Guided Exploration	Quito
Day 2	Colonial City Tour, Cooking Class, Visit the Middle of the World Monument	Quito
Day 3	Explore Local Culture at Otavalo Market, Hike at Cuicocha Lake	Quito
Day 4	Expedition to Mindo Cloud Forest	Quito
Day 5	Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park, Explore	Cotopaxi
Day 6	Explore the Quilotoa Lagoon, Transfer to Baños	Baños
Day 7	Visit the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Transfer to Quito	Quito
Day 8	Depart Quito

Experience the breathtaking natural wonders of Ecuador, venturing far beyond the bustling and lively capital city of Quito, on this incredible eight-day discovery tour. Before you journey out into the vast wilderness, you’ll settle down and make yourself comfortable, primarily in Quito, exploring its fascinating museums, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine, giving yourself the perfect start to your adventure. Take an awe-inspiring day trip to the glittering sapphire waters of the enchanting Cuicocha Lagoon, shop for beautiful and authentic handicrafts at the vibrant Otavalo Market, and hike amidst the magical cloud forests of Mindo. You’ll also have the opportunity to transfer to the remarkable Cotopaxi National Park, where you can experience sleeping in a traditional hacienda, and have endless fun in Baños—widely recognized as Ecuador’s adventure capital! This itinerary offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to truly connect with the diverse landscapes and cultures of Ecuador.

Imagine yourself bargaining for unique souvenirs at Otavalo Market, surrounded by the vibrant colors and sounds of Ecuadorian culture. Feel the mist on your face as you stand in awe of the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall. And experience the thrill of adventure in Baños, with options for ziplining, rafting, and canyoning. This eight-day itinerary is packed with unforgettable experiences.

11-Day Itinerary Including Baños & Archidona

This eleven-day itinerary caters to the adventurous spirit, adding the rainforest experience of Archidona to your journey through Ecuador. Get ready for a thrilling blend of cultural exploration, outdoor activities, and immersive nature experiences.

Day	Highlights	Overnight
Day 1	Arrive in Quito, Self-Guided Exploration	Quito
Day 2	Quito Historic City Tour, Cooking Class	Quito
Day 3	Rock Climbing at Rucu Pichincha	Quito
Day 4	Pasochoa Volcano Trek	Cotopaxi
Day 5	Bouldering at La Perrera	Cotopaxi
Day 6	Explore Cotopaxi National Park	Baños
Day 7	Rock Climbing in Baños	Baños
Day 8	Explore the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Transfer to Archidona, Rainforest Hike	Archidona
Day 9	Full-Day Rafting Adventure, Cultural Night with Cooking & Chocolate Making	Archidona
Day 10	Rock Climbing in Cuyuja, Relaxing in the Papallacta Hot Springs	Quito
Day 11	Depart Quito

Outdoorsy types with a deep passion and strong penchant for rock climbing will absolutely love this exhilarating 11-day loop in Ecuador. The thrilling trip starts in the beautiful city of Quito, the incredible UNESCO-listed capital, where you’ll have the amazing opportunity to tour the fascinating colonial sights and sample the sensational local cuisine, delicious chocolate, and locally brewed beer in one of the world’s highest cities. Then, prepare to head out into the great and expansive wilderness as you hike, boulder, rock climb, and paddle across a varied terrain that is gorgeously peppered with striking volcanoes. End this incredible adventure with two nights at an enchanting ecolodge nestled deep in the heart of the breathtaking rainforest to truly complete this adventure.

Imagine yourself navigating the rapids on a thrilling rafting adventure in Archidona, surrounded by the lush rainforest. Picture yourself scaling the rocks in Baños, feeling the adrenaline surge through your veins. And savor the flavors of authentic Ecuadorian cuisine during a cooking class in Quito. This eleven-day itinerary is designed to ignite your sense of adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Travel Between Quito & Cotopaxi

From the vibrant city of Quito, the magnificent volcano-crested national park of Cotopaxi makes for a truly spectacular day trip or even a more extended weekend getaway. The undeniable highlight of the park is the picture-perfect peak of the Cotopaxi volcano, gracefully standing as Ecuador’s impressive second-highest peak. The park boasts an array of hiking and biking trails, a wonderfully informative visitor center, not one, but two captivating volcanoes, and a wealth of recreation facilities that blend seamlessly with the gorgeous Andean scenery. Cotopaxi has rightfully earned its popularity as a must-visit destination. Conveniently, accessing this natural wonderland from Quito is surprisingly easy, with several transportation options available, including private transfers, comfortable buses, and even a scenic train journey.