Top Quito Day Trips - page 4

Most important thing first! Although it turned out it was only me who had booked the adventure for the particular date it was still carried out. So if you book it you can be assured it will not be cancelled due to that reason. From the time I got picked up at my hotel until I was dropped off it was all perfectly carried out by Jorge! The stop to get provisions had a lot of good things to choose from to pack in the backpack. And they do not joke when they say it's the "no touristic way". Getting to Cotopaxi was an adventure in itself. 🙂 The horse riding was nice and fun. One can do it without much prior experience, like me, as they were really helpful. The walk up to the base camp was an easy hike when it comes to the trail, but the height takes its toll. Small steps in a calm pace will take you all the way up. All in all it was a really good tour! Jorge was super nice and helpful and I can really recommend booking it if you want a different Cotopaxi tour.

Easy going, fun, friendly tour guide and people along the way. The short visit to the locals in the hill was great along the way. The lake itself is beautiful with great weather. The water was blue and scenic. Was able to even rent a kayak into the water as well as ride the donkey back up if you’re not feeling the hike back up. Irene the tour guide was informative and helpful throughout the journey. She is enthusiastic and patient the whole way. She has good tips and advice along the trip including food places and reasonable prices. Andres the driver was professional and very good on the road. Was able to nap most of the way there and back.

Ernesto was awesome!! First and foremost, I have to give mad props to our guide. He was so kind and enthusiastic and the man had knowledge and answers for everything. Very cool guy. He took pictures on his camera for the other traveler and myself throughout the day and it was so kind of him to share those pics. The drive from Quito is long, but pretty. When you reach Banos, the views just get better. The cable car above the waterfall was thrilling. The Devil's Cauldron waterfall was so pretty. He gives you an option on which way you would like to hike it, but keep in mind there are a lot of steps either way if you have wobbly knees. Buy the mangos at the end! One dollar for a refreshing snack. He took us to an adventure park where both of us on the tour jumped off a high bridge. It was thrilling and for me, very affordable compared to USA prices. You can also pay a little extra to get photos taken. Lunch was in town. He shows you a few options to choose from, but we both opted for the local mercado where locals were selling cheap and delicious local cuisine. We had the fish soup and it was so yummy!! Also, a juice. I highly recommend this mercado over all the single restaurants he shows. Finally he takes you to the famous swing on the hill. It's very fun and charming. We didn't get to see the volcano because of the clouds, but hopefully you will! It's a long day, but it's so fun. Go with Ernesto. He's top notch. And don't forget, gratuity is appreciated for the locals! :)