Itinerary Quito, Cotopaxi & Baños

Seasonality: July is an excellent time to visit Ecuador, as it is the dry season in the Andes. Expect mild temperatures and clear skies, perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$1400
🏨 Accommodations	$980
🧳 Gear	$200
🗺️ On-site	$800
Total	$3380

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇪🇨 Quito - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏛️ Historic Center (Centro Histórico) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • UNESCO-listed; colonial plazas, churches, local life — free walking tours available.
• [ ] 🛕 La Compañía de Jesús Church ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Ecuador’s most ornate baroque church; gold-leaf interior — arrive early to avoid crowds.
• [ ] 🏙️ El Panecillo & La Virgen de Quito ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Panoramic city views from this volcanic hill — taxis recommended for safety.
• [ ] 🏛️ Basilica del Voto Nacional ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Iconic neo-gothic basilica; climb its towers for unique vistas.
• [ ] 🎨 Casa Museo Guayasamín & Capilla del Hombre ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Ecuador’s most renowned artist; thought-provoking works about humanity and Andean culture.
• [ ] 🌳 Parque La Carolina ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Locals’ favorite city park; great for people-watching, street food, and open-air fitness.
• [ ] 🏙️ Barrio La Floresta ⭐ (~2h)
  • Hip, artsy district; murals, art house cinemas, independent coffee shops.
• [ ] 🛕 Iglesia de San Francisco & Plaza San Francisco ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Beautiful 16th-century church set on a lively plaza.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Plaza Foch ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Bustling nightlife area, casual bars, and live music — popular with locals and travelers.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Mercado Central Quito ⭐⭐⭐
  • Classic market for hornado (roast pork), ceviche, and fruit juices — $4-8 per meal.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ TelefériQo (~2.5h)
  • Cable car up Pichincha volcano for a stunning view/hike — weather dependent.

---

🇪🇨 Cotopaxi National Park (Latacunga area) - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Cotopaxi Volcano Summit Hike ⭐⭐⭐ (~7h)
  • Iconic 5,897m active volcano, trek to the refugio (4,800m); summit only for experienced/alpinists—option to hike the lower glacier for most travelers.
• [ ] 🌳 Laguna Limpiopungo Walk ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Scenic lake at the foot of Cotopaxi; wildlife viewing—ideal acclimatization hike.
• [ ] 🏞️ Parque Nacional Cotopaxi visitor center ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Learn about the park’s ecology, volcanology, and local culture.
• [ ] 🗺️ Hacienda Adventure (horseback riding / mountain biking) ⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Guided rides or bike tours through the páramo landscapes — most haciendas offer day tours.
• [ ] 🌳 Chilcabamba Cloud Forest Trail ⭐ (~2h)
  • Lush forest hike with views of Cotopaxi on clear days; birdwatching.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Hacienda El Porvenir Fireside Bar ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Rustic lounge with local drinks and Andean ambiance—enjoy after a long hike.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Hacienda breakfast (Andean-style) ⭐⭐⭐
  • Warm canelazo, fresh cheese, eggs, maize cakes — included in hacienda stays.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Saquisilí Indigenous Market (Thursdays) (~2h)
  • Vibrant market for local crafts and produce.

---

🇪🇨 Baños de Agua Santa - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🌉 Pailón del Diablo Waterfall ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Must-see, powerful waterfall; walk along scenic paths — bring rain gear.
• [ ] 🚴 Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall cycling route) ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)
  • Downhill bike route past multiple waterfalls; stop for ziplining/bungee jumps — bike rentals widely available.
• [ ] 🏞️ Termas de la Virgen ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Thermal baths in the heart of town; relax after a day’s adventures.
• [ ] 🏛️ Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa Basilica ⭐⭐ (~0.5h)
  • Baños’ striking main church, adorned with local miracle stories.
• [ ] 🎨 Street Art & Murals Walk ⭐ (~1h)
  • Explore Baños’ colorful public art scene.
• [ ] 🌳 Swing at the End of the World (La Casa del Árbol) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Giant swing overlooking Tungurahua volcano; iconic photo stop.
• [ ] 🏞️ Canyoning Adventure ⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Guided descent of waterfalls by ropes—book with an accredited tour operator.
• [ ] 🌳 Mirador de Bellavista ⭐ (~1h)
  • Hike or drive to a panoramic viewpoint above town.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Leprechaun Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Popular with travelers—live music, open-air garden, cocktails.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Mercado de Baños ⭐⭐⭐
  • Sample llapingachos (potato patties), fresh trout, and sugarcane juice—$3-8 per meal.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Amazon Basin Day Excursion (~7h)
  • Jungle day trip to nearby Puyo—visit indigenous villages, spot monkeys/birds (long day, extra cost).

---

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇪🇨 Quito

• [ ] 🎬 Que tan lejos (2006) — ⭐ 7.1 — Road movie highlighting Ecuador’s landscapes and idiosyncrasies — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 📺 Andes Mágicos (2018) — ⭐ 8.2 — Spectacular Andes docuseries featuring Ecuador — Netflix

🇪🇨 Cotopaxi

• [ ] 🎬 The Devil’s Nose (2013) — ⭐ 7.0 — Documentary about Ecuador’s dramatic train route (includes Cotopaxi region) — YouTube

🇪🇨 Baños

• [ ] 🎬 Yakuaya (2013) — ⭐ 7.3 — Ecuadorian documentary exploring water, rivers, and Amazon culture — YouTube

---

🍜 Local specialties

🇪🇨 Quito

• [ ] Ceviche de camarón
• [ ] Locro de papa (potato/cheese soup)
• [ ] Empanadas de viento

🇪🇨 Cotopaxi

• [ ] Canelazo (warm spiced drink)
• [ ] Queso de hoja
• [ ] Roast cuy (guinea pig, regional delicacy)

🇪🇨 Baños

• [ ] Melcocha (hand-pulled sugar cane candy)
• [ ] Llapingachos (potato patties)
• [ ] Fresh trout (trucha)

---

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇪🇨 Quito

1. 🌤️ Centro Histórico
2. 🌙 Plaza Foch
3. 🛍️ Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal
4. 🏨 Hotel Casa Gardenia
5. 🍽️ Mercado Central Quito

🇪🇨 Cotopaxi

1. 🌤️ Cotopaxi Volcano
2. 🌙 Hacienda El Porvenir Bar
3. 🛍️ Saquisilí Market (Thursdays)
4. 🏨 Hacienda El Porvenir / Chilcabamba Lodge
5. 🍽️ Hacienda dining room

🇪🇨 Baños

1. 🌤️ Pailón del Diablo
2. 🌙 Leprechaun Bar
3. 🛍️ Calle Eloy Alfaro shops
4. 🏨 Hotel La Floresta / Hostal Monte Carmelo
5. 🍽️ Mercado de Baños

---

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Quito
• [ ] 🚅/🚌 Quito → Cotopaxi (Latacunga area)
• [ ] 🚅/🚌 Cotopaxi → Baños
• [ ] ✈️ Quito → London

---

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Quito	3	Hotel Casa Gardenia (3*)	$300
Cotopaxi	3	Hacienda El Porvenir / Lodge	$420
Baños	4	Hotel La Floresta (3*)	$260
Total	10		$980

---

Enjoy your Andean adventure—Ecuador in July offers the best mix for hiking, volcanos, and rich cultural immersion!