Journey to Cotopaxi National Park and Arrival in Baños

We begin the day by departing from Quito, leaving the bustling city behind as we journey south along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the towering volcanoes that line the horizon, with clouds rolling through the valleys below like mystical cauldrons. As we approach Cotopaxi Province, the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, known as the «neck of the moon» in indigenous languages, looms into view.

Our first stop is Cotopaxi National Park, where we’ll visit Laguna de Limpiopungo, a tranquil lake fed by the waters of the Rumiñahui Volcano. Surrounded by the park’s diverse wildlife, you may spot Andean condors, eagles, and deer, as well as ducks and frogs at the lake’s edge. From here, we embark on a walk to the Incan ruins of Pucará, an ancient fortress that once guarded the trade routes between the highlands and the Amazon. After soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes, we’ll conclude our day with a drive to Baños, a picturesque town nestled in the cloud forest, where we’ll enjoy a warm welcome, a delicious dinner, and a restful night’s sleep.