Quilotoa and Baños: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ecuador's Gem
Description: Experience the unmissable beauty of Quilotoa and Baños. Known for Quilotoa Lake, a surreal volcanic crater, and Baños, a vibrant town famous for its hot springs and adventure activities, these spots are highlights of Ecuador’s natural allure.
Just a few hours from Quito, Quilotoa and Baños offer travelers a unique journey into the heart of Ecuador. With breathtaking landscapes and lively local culture, these destinations showcase the best of raw and local Ecuador. This guide will share our top tips and insights to make the most of your visit to Quilotoa Lake and Baños.
1. Laguna de Quilotoa
Laguna de Quilotoa is one of Ecuador's most spectacular sights. This volcanic crater lake stuns visitors with its vibrant blue-green hues, set against the rugged Andean landscape. Standing at 3,914 meters above sea level, the lake offers scenic views and peaceful surroundings, making it a favorite for hiking and photography.
To travel from Quito to Quilotoa by local buses, start at Quitumbe Terminal in Quito, located about 45 minutes from the historical center. The trolley is an affordable and convenient way to get there, costing $0.35 per person. Once at Quitumbe, ask employees (in blue uniforms) about buses to Latacunga or head straight to the counters. The journey to Latacunga takes approximately 2 hours and costs $2.50 per person.
Upon arriving at Latacunga's terminal, you’ll find frequent buses heading to Laguna Quilotoa for $2.50 per person, with a travel time of around 1 hour. At the entrance to Quilotoa village, there’s a $2.50 entry fee. After a brief 5-minute walk, you’ll encounter the magical sight of Quilotoa Lake, nestled in the mountains.
After your visit, the best option is to return to Latacunga for the night. The bus schedule for return trips is posted at the village entrance, so you can plan accordingly. Arriving back around 4 pm, you’ll have time to check into your hotel, grab a meal, and enjoy the local charm of Latacunga.
2. Baños
Baños de Agua Santa, commonly known as Baños, is a lively town surrounded by lush mountains and famous for its thermal waters. The town’s natural hot springs, stunning waterfalls, and adventure sports make it an unmissable stop for nature and adrenaline enthusiasts alike.
The following day, from Latacunga’s terminal, you can take the 12 pm direct bus to Baños or, for flexibility, catch a bus to Ambato and transfer there. Once at Ambato’s terminal, staff at the counters can guide you to a connecting bus to Baños.
Upon arrival, you’ll immediately notice Baños' vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by green mountains. The town is well-known for its thermal hot springs, where we recommend Termas El Salado and Termas de la Virgen. The springs are open from 5 am to 8:30 pm with an entry fee of $4 per person. It’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a peaceful soak.
An iconic experience in Baños is the Chiva train tour, which takes you to 3-4 waterfalls, including the popular Cascada del Diablo. This 3-hour tour costs $2.50 per person with options to enjoy ziplining and bungee jumping along the route (activities range from $2 - $5). The entry fee to Cascada del Diablo is $4
For more adventure, Baños offers activities like rafting and canyoning. Local tour agencies can help organize these activities, making it easy to enjoy even more of Baños' natural beauty.
Where to Stay in Latacunga and Baños
Latacunga: This town is both safe and welcoming, with many accommodation options in the historical center:
Hotel Central – Our stay and highly recommended $
Hotel Latacunga $
Hostal Tiana $
Latacunga Hostal $
Hostería Cotopaxi $
Villa de Tacvba $$
Baños: Known for its relaxed, safe atmosphere, Baños offers an array of charming stays:
Garden House Hostel – Our stay, highly recommended $
La Petite Auberge $
Hostal Plantas y Blanco $
Hostal Transilvania $
Hotel Donde Ivan $
La Casa Verde $$
How to Get to Quilotoa and Baños
From Cotopaxi International Airport : The nearest airport to both Quilotoa and Baños is Cotopaxi International Airport. It provides easy access to these destinations, and from there, you can explore further with local transportation.
By Public Buses from Quito :
From Quito to Quilotoa:
Bus: Quitumbe Terminal to Latacunga - $2.50 per person, 2 hours
Bus: Latacunga to Quilotoa - $2.50 per person, 1 hour
From Latacunga to Baños:
Bus: Latacunga to Ambato - $1.15 per person, 1 hour
Bus: Ambato to Baños - $1.15 per person, 1 hour
From Quito to Baños:
Direct Bus: Quitumbe Terminal to Baños - $5 per person, 4 hours
Where to eat in Latacunga and Baños, discover the best restaurants
Both Latacunga and Baños are home to many excellent eateries. We’ve listed some well-rated spots that are popular among locals, including a few that we tried ourselves:
Restaurants in Latacunga:
El Gringo y La Gorda $
Mercado de la Plaza $
Restaurante Tradiciones Latacungueñas $
Restaurante Nápoles $ (vegetarian options)
Chugchucara Restobar $$
Restaurants in Baños:
Casa Hood $
Café Good $
Café Mariane $
Plantas y Blanco $ (vegetarian options)
Swiss Bistro $$
Visiting Quilotoa and Baños will give you an unforgettable taste of Ecuador’s natural and cultural splendor. Whether you’re here for scenic views, adventure sports, or a relaxing dip in the hot springs, both locations promise a memorable journey into the heart of Ecuador.
