Quito To Cuenca


Trip Highlights & What’s Included

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Explore the impressive colonial architecture of one of South America’s most beautiful cities. (Cuenca)
  • Explore the gorgeous El Cajas National Park, a natural reserve protecting cloud forest ecosystems and numerous species of Andean flora and fauna. (Cuenca)
  • Participate in exciting activities like zip-lining and white water rafting on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. (Baños)
  • Ride the “Swing at the End of the World” where you can look out at the epic Mt. Tungurahua Volcano and the vast Ecuadorian wilderness below. (Baños)
  • Cycle the “Ruta de las Cascadas”, a scenic circuit featuring some of South America’s most gorgeous waterfalls. (Baños)
  • Toachi Canyon is a small, gorgeous canyon that is missed by many travelers. We’ll get off the beaten track and make a brief stop here to take some photos and appreciate an exquisite view of the Ecuadorian countryside. (Toachi Canyon)
  • Visit a lookout point for the incredible Quilotoa Lagoon, located inside the crater of an active volcano. (Quilotoa)

FREE EXTRA STOPS AND TOURS WITH THIS TICKET:

  • Hop off at Cotopaxi for a tour of the national park, including a scenic hike to the surface of a glacier.
  • Visit the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex in Cuenca, the largest Inca ruins in all of Ecuador.
  • Visit a lookout point for the incredible Quilotoa Lagoon, located inside the crater of an active volcano. Hop off here for a tour of the lagoon and local communities.
  • Lose yourself in the history of the Balbanera Church, the oldest church in all of Ecuador, built in 1534.
  • Explore the beautiful Laguna de Colta, a charming off-the-beaten-track lagoon where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Ecuadorian countryside.

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You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

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Stop By Stop Information

The Quito to Cuenca pass is broken down to 2 Hopstages:

Below you’ll see each of those hopstages individually, where you’ll know what to do, recommended number of nights and more!

Hopstage 1 : Quito to Cotopaxi to Quilotoa to Baños

Bus Details

Pick up from all hotels and hostels in Quito

Bus starts pickups between 6:00am – 6:30am. Your pick up time will be on your confirmation once you put your hotel/hostel.

Top Things To Do In Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, & Baños

  • Things to do in Cotopaxi:
    See the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of Ecuador’s most famous sights and one of the highest volcanoes in the world
  • Things to do in Quilotoa:
  • Visit a lookout point for the incredible Quilotoa Lagoon, located inside the crater of an active volcano.
  • Things to do in Baños:
  • Cycle around the “Ruta de las Cascadas,” a loop bringing you past some of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls.
  • Go zip-lining and take in the incredible jungle scenery from above as you soar through the sky.
  • Do some white water rafting on the nearby Rio Pastaza for some adrenaline-pumping action.
  • Visit the “Swing at the End of the World” to ride a treehouse swing over a cliff (really!) and take in a phenomenal view of the surrounding mountains.

Recommended Number Of Nights In Baños

We recommend spending at least 2 nights in Baños. Whether you prefer a canyoning expedition in the jungle or a day in the hot tub (or maybe both), Baños has something for everybody and that’s why it’s one of Ecuador’s best destinations.

As always, if you love Baños, you can hop off and stay as long as you want! You can decide this up to 12 hours before the next bus!

Hopstage 2 : Baños to Cuenca

Bus Details

Pick up from hotels and hostels in Baños (within the city center).

Top Things To Do In Cuenca

  • Visit the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex, the largest Inca ruins in all of Ecuador.
  • Wander around one of South America’s most beautiful cities and appreciate the lovely colonial architecture.
  • Take a hike in the incredible El Cajas National Park, a natural protected area home to cloud forest ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Visit the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex and experience the largest Inca ruins in all of Ecuador.
  • Stroll through Cuenca’s colorful flower market, considered one of the best in the world.

Recommended Number Of Nights In Cuenca

We recommend spending at least 2 nights in Cuenca. The city is most well-known for its splendid colonial architecture, but there are plenty of other things to do besides exploring the historic city center. This is one of our favorite stops and you’re sure to find many incredible activities here!

As always, if you love Cuenca, you can hop off and stay as long as you want! You can decide this up to 12 hours before the next bus!

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

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OUR RECOMMENDED ITINERARY

We have developed a recommened itinerary based on our expertise, with the amount of time to spend in each destination and what to do. This is just a recommendation, you are free to stay however long you want each place as we have buses running every day.

Enter a departure date and you can see our recommended itinerary starting on that day. If you don't have an exact date, just enter any and a recommended itinerary will appear.

Choose Departure Date

Quito To Cuenca

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Bus Timetable

Buses operate EVERYDAY in EVERY direction.

You can choose where our bus will pick you up in our booking system.

Follow our recommended plan here or hop on and hop off as much as you like

HOPSTAGE 1
Quito to Cotopaxi to Quilotoa to Baños EVERY DAY
Quito (Depart) 06:30 AM
Quilotoa Lagoon Viewpoint 10:30 AM
Baños (Arrive) 3:00 PM

Main activities in Baños:
Visiting the Swing at the End of the World, riding a cable car over the Pastaza River, enjoying the natural scenery, plus outdoor activities like zip-lining, cycling, or rafting.

Note about Cotopaxi:
Departures at Cotopaxi are only for those planning to take a full tour of Cotopaxi National Park.

Note about Quilotoa:
All buses visit a lookout point to observe the Quilotoa Lagoon before continuing on to Baños. Departures at Quilotoa are only for those who wish to take a full tour of the Quilotoa Lagoon.

Quito to Karina Test EVERY DAY
Quito (Depart) 06:30 AM
Baños (Arrive) 3:00 PM
HOPSTAGE 2
Baños to Riobamba to Alausí to Cuenca Tue/Thu/Sat
Baños (Depart) 07:30 PM
Balbanera Church & Laguna de Colta 04:00 PM
Cuenca (Arrive) 11:00 PM

Main activities in Riobamba: Visiting the city’s traditional markets, taking in views of the Chimborazo Volcano.

Main activities in Cuenca:
Exploring the city’s colonial architecture, visiting the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, hiking in El Cajas National Park.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

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Important Info & Notes

Who is this pass perfect for?

Departure Days

EVERY DAY

Time of Departure

06:30AM Every Day

Pick up Location

All hostels and hotels in Quito (direct pick-up)

Minimum Time Needed

2 Days

Price

$149


24, 24 & 31 DEC + 1 JAN - CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS BREAK

We will be taking a short break at the end of December for Christmas and New Year. We do this to give our bus drivers and guides time to spend with their families during these special holidays. As a business, we know this may disappoint some travelers, but we care about our employees the same way we care about our passengers and want to give them a well-deserved rest.

NO BUS ON: 24, 24 & 31 DEC & 1 JAN

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you check the bus timetables for each pass as not all routes have daily departures.

28 - 31 MARCH 2024: EASTER WEEKEND

Easter weekend holidays: Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

9 & 10 AUGUST 2024: ECUADORIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Biggest public holidays of the year. Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now

Our Buses

Ecuador Hop – #1 Bus Company In Ecuador

As well as an unbeatable safety record, Ecuador Hop is also famous for its punctuality and comfort. In South America, where things often run later than scheduled, we are very proud to say we achieve a 98.5% on-time arrival for each trip.

If comparing Ecuador Hop to other bus companies, make sure you check their safety record, past accidents, as well as their Tripadvisor page (if they even bother to have one) as often you will find there is a reason why some bus companies have “cheaper” prices than Peru Hop.

Features Of Our Buses

Short Distance Buses

  • Modern bus models: We use only up-to-date, well-maintained and high-quality buses to ensure top safety standards and comfort (this is not always a guarantee in Ecuador).
  • Climate control: We make sure the temperature is comfortable for everyone on board.
  • Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality buses will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
  • GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
  • USB ports available: Charge your mobile phone or tablet on board the bus!

Long Distance Buses

  • Modern bus models: We use brand new, state-of-the-art buses with all the latest technology.
  • Semi-bed reclining seats: All with sponge foam pads for added comfort.
  • Modern and clean toilet: Unlike public buses that often have dirty facilities or no bathroom at all, our buses all come with modern, regularly-cleaned toilets.
  • High-tech temperature-controlled air system: We make sure the temperature is never too hot or too cold.
  • LCD TV sets: Sit back and pass the long hours of travel watching some English-language movies
  • Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality vehicles will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
  • Blankets for every passenger: Each seat comes with blankets, so you’ll be able to relax and get some sleep on longer journeys.
  • GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
  • USB ports on every seat: Don’t stress about charging your mobile phone or tablet. You’ll be able to charge all your devices right at your seat!

Bus Safety Controls

  • Large team of drivers: Our drivers are not overworked/tired as is often the case on other buses.
  • Tour guide onboard: Our tour guide does regular checks on the drivers.
  • Seatbelts: We have a seatbelt for every passenger and ask our passengers to wear them at all times.
  • 24 hour GPS monitoring: Every bus is monitored from a secure point via GPS…we always know where the bus is and if it is taking any unscheduled stops.
  • Constant contact: The drivers and the guide communicate continuously by telephone with the Peru Hop office.
  • No tight deadlines: Our drivers are under NO pressure to arrive at a certain time, no need for increased speed or unnecessary risks.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now