day trip to quilotoa from quito

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Quilotoa Day Trip from Quito: how to have the best experience

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The mountains surrounding Quito provide for some great day tours.  We had time for one tour on our first visit to Ecuador and chose the Laguna Quilotoa day trip.

Laguna Quilotoa is a stunning emerald-coloured lake in the crater of a dormant volcano, in the heart of the Andes Mountain range.  The caldera has a diameter of 3km and is becoming a popular place to visit thanks to its beauty and the hiking options surrounding it.

We generally prefer independent travel but if you are limited in time, we really feel the Quilotoa Lake tour is the best option.  Let us tell you why!

Looking for more things to do in Quito?  Check out these posts below for great ideas on places to visit and things to do in and around Quito:

• The 9 Best Things to do in Quito, Ecuador
• Cotopaxi Tour: Hike up and bike down an active volcano
• Visit the Mitad del Mundo Monument (Middle of the World)
• 7 Best Day Trips from Quito

Laguna Quilotoa Day Trip

The tours begin early, between 6:30 and 7 am, picking up passengers in both the Old Town and La Mariscal.  One of the downsides of the day trip from Quito is the time spent in transit.  However, the views as you are driven through the Route of Volcanoes are breathtaking and make the time fly by.

There are also a few stops built into the tour that add great value and break up the monotony.  Keep reading to find out what to expect.

We highly recommend CarpeDM tour company.  They are situated in the Old Town although strangely they are inside the Secret Garden Hostel rather than their own Casa CarpeDM hostel one block over.  If you stay in Casa CarpeDM, as we did, they offer a $5 discount on their day tours.

We used them on our second visit to Quito and found them to be organized, friendly and very helpful.  They even ran a tour below the minimum number of people so we wouldn’t miss out.  Not only did it mean we got a great personalized experience, but we also had an amazing guide too.

Check out this Quilotoa tour now!

Wander around an indigenous market

If possible, make sure you plan to join this day trip from Quito on a Thursday or Sunday.  The Andean town of Saquisilí comes alive every Thursday with a huge indigenous market.  On Sundays, Pujili takes a turn.  After stopping for the included breakfast, this is the first real stop on the day trip and the most interesting.

Unlike the very popular Otavalo market, these markets are 100% local.  There are no stalls selling tourist goods and we were the only group of foreigners walking around.

These markets attract locals from the nearby Andean communities where they can buy just about anything and everything.   There is a section for grains, produce, housewares, flowers, meat…  We even witnessed an elderly local people in traditional wear dragging sheep up the road they had just purchased from the animal section!

We had an opportunity to wander around and take pictures.  Many indigenous people don’t like their photos to be taken so we had to be careful not to take portraits of locals.  Be sure to show respect and either take photos from a distance or ask permission before snapping any close-ups.

READ THIS POST: The Ultimate Land-Based Galapagos Travel Guide

This is also a great opportunity to buy breakfast or some snacks for the road.  We bought some tortillas de maíz to try.  They cost just $1 for five and they were really tasty, despite being a little greasy.   Fruit and vegetable stands sell an amazing selection of fresh and delicious produce.

Just be careful – the prices are so cheap (and they are catering to local families) so one member of our group accidentally bought a giant bag of carrots for less than a dollar!

Discover an indigenous house in the Andes

Back on the bus, the next stop is a traditional house where a local indigenous family live.  While this stop felt a little too ‘forced’ and tourist-driven, it was still really interesting to see how they live.

Andean families cut their houses into the hillside for wind protection and build a grass roof that reaches all the way to the ground.  This house included one small bed, a cage with a few birds that they use to collect eggs and a LOT of guinea pigs or, cuys , which are a delicacy here.  The guinea pigs were roaming free all over the small one-room house and the surrounding area.  I guess they know where the food is.

Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador

Finally, we reached Quilotoa Crater Lake!  Due to the unique and high mineral content, this lake within the volcano’s caldera is a bright emerald colour.  Despite the cloud cover, it was stunning – we can only imagine how it looks in bright sunshine!

The tour gives you two hours to explore the area however you feel.  There is a lookout platform just as you reach the edge with a trail leading around the edge of the caldera and another heading straight down to the water’s edge.

The trail that loops the caldera is about 10km so, unless you are incredibly fit and basically run it, you’re not going to do it in two hours.  However, walking partway around will certainly give you some amazing views.

The trail down to the lake takes around 30 minutes.  At the bottom, there are kayaks to rent and a swing for pictures.  It seems everyone is trying to re-create the success of the Swing at the End of the World in Baños!  Keep in mind that the 30-minute walk down takes at least double that to hike back up.

It’s a steep trail anyway, but factor in the altitude and sandy ground that has you slipping back down with each step forward, and it’s a killer!  There are, however, mules that be rented for the return journey if you’re not sure you can make it.

Some of our group chose to walk around the top while others descended into the crater to lake level.  Two people actually made it around the entire circumference, but they had to run most of it.  We tried to do both, heading down first and hoping to make it back up with some time spare.

We hiked down and took in the views for a little while.  The climb up was much harder than either of us anticipated.  We were huffing and puffing in no time but made it back up with 20 minutes to spare.  We managed a short walk around the crater’s edge to see the views from above.

READ THIS POST: 9 Reasons we loved Salinas, Ecuador (and didn’t want to leave).

Enjoy a hot traditional Ecuadorian lunch

The bus takes everyone to a nearby restaurant for an included lunch which is well-deserved and thankfully hot.   We enjoyed hot soup, a main course, dessert and fresh juice.

Marvel at the size of Toachi Canyon

The ride back to Quito is broken up with one more stop at a canyon for a few quick pictures.  By this time for us, the clouds and rain had descended so the pictures don’t really show just how deep and impressive this canyon really is.

Cañon del Rio Toachi is long, wide and deep.  It’s really incredible to see in person.

You will be dropped off in the same location as the morning pick-up shortly after 6 pm.  It’s a long day but you’ll really feel like you saw a piece of the ‘real’ Ecuador.  The Quilotoa tour manages to combine the outdoor adventure of Cotopaxi or Mindo with the culture of Otavalo.  Of all the Quito day trips, Quilotoa seems to be the best combination of nature and culture.

Book this popular Quilotoa Lagoon tour now!

Quick Tips for a Day Trip from Quito to Quilotoa

• Try to book the tour for Thursday or Sunday to visit the market.
• Check the tour company makes a stop at an indigenous market.
• Pack layers.  It was cold at the crater, but we heated up with the climb.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat.  If the sun is out, it is extremely strong at high altitudes.
• Pack snacks.  It’s a long drive both ways with limited opportunities for purchasing food.
• Bring small change.  The local family will be collecting tips, as well as the hot chocolate you will want after hiking Quilotoa.
• Bring a change of clothes to leave on the bus.  If you get rained on, it’ll be a long drive back to town.
• Bring a rain jacket, hat and gloves.  It will be noticeably colder than in Quito.

Can you visit Quilotoa Lake without a tour?

The simple answer is yes.  There are a few options to get to Quilotoa from Quito:

The best option as far as we are concerned is to hike the Quilotoa Loop.  This popular trail can be customized in a number of ways but generally speaking, it is a multi-day hike through various remote villages.  It usually starts in or near Latacunga and ends in Quilotoa, but can be done in reverse too.  This post details the more popular options.

If you don’t want to hike for days to see the lake, public transport options are available.  From Quitumbe bus station in the south of Quito, take a bus to Latacunga, then change for a bus to Quilotoa.  This is a great option if you want to spend at least one night and really have to explore the lake and hiking trails.  However, if you only have one day it really isn’t a great idea.  You’d simply be spending too much time sitting on, and transferring between, buses.

Check out this video of the Laguna Quilotoa Day Trip

[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB5iP4jDTJU” width=800 ]

Book this day trip to Quilotoa Lagoon now!

We loved the Laguna Quilotoa day trip.  It was a fun day and we even made some new friends from the journey.  While it can be reached by public transport, if you only have a day we highly recommend taking a tour.  With more time, we would have loved to hike the Quilotoa Loop.  Next time…

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Quilotoa Lake + Quilotoa Loop Trek: Ultimate Guide

Home to a stunning volcanic crater lake you have to see to believe, Quilotoa, Ecuador is one of the highlights of Ecuador . Also known as Laguna Quilotoa, this blue-green crater lake is one of a kind, and located in one of the most beautiful corners of mountainous Ecuador; it’s a must on your Ecuador itinerary whether you’re here for a week or a month.

Also known for being the start (or end!) of the famed Quilotoa Loop trek, one of South America’s most epic multi-day treks, Quilotoa has plenty of hiking opportunities for those looking to enjoy the scenery. We visited Quilotoa at least a half-dozen times while we lived in Ecuador for several years, and each time we were even more impressed with its beauty.

Our ultimate guide to Quilotoa, Ecuador has everything you need to plan your visit. Keep reading for our Quilotoa Loop map, and to discover the different hikes in and around the Quilotoa lagoon, plus some of our top tips for enjoying the area and making the most out of your visit.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Quilotoa Ecuador

Home to the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake, Quilotoa Ecuador is easily one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador. Even after visiting multiple times, that first glimpse into the crater hits like a ton of bricks and leaves your jaw on the floor. Pictures don’t even come close to doing it justice.

While Quilotoa is home to the famous Quilotoa Loop trek, there is much more to do and see here than just completing this multi-day trek. Don’t let the fame of the trek stop you from visiting if you have less time – there are other hiking routes around the crater (easier and much shorter!). Even if you just want to see the crater and not hike a step, Quilotoa’s spectacular beauty is worth the visit.

Located in central Ecuador in the middle of the Andes mountain range , Laguna Quilotoa (the Quilotoa Lagoon) is extremely remote – to get here requires a nearly two-hour drive into the middle of the remote mountains from the nearest large city of Latacunga .

This means getting here takes some planning, though it’s more than worth it.

Thankfully, you can take easy day trips to Quilotoa from Quito – we’ve used this organized day trip from Quito when traveling with family and it was excellent; highly recommended! In addition, frequent buses connect Quilotoa to Latacunga and other nearby cities , helping the tiny town of Quilotoa Ecuador and its most beautiful attraction become one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the country .

Quilotoa Lake

The Quilotoa Crater Lake as we see it today sits within an extinct volcano and was formed during a massive volcanic explosion centuries ago . The crater was formed when the volcano’s massive cone collapsed in on itself , leaving the crater in its place, which became a lake when it filled with water.

Despite not having the typical appearance of a volcano, Quilotoa is easily one of the most spectacular volcanoes in South America !

Looking for some Quilotoa Lake facts? Here are a few we learned during our visit that might surprise you.

• The last major eruption here occurred in 1280 AD.
• This eruption was one of the most powerful recorded on Earth in the last 1000 years, with volcanic flow reaching all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Quilotoa is located within the Illinizas Ecological Reserve , a larger ecological reserve within Ecuador that includes the Illinizas, a pair of volcanic mountains nearby considered among the more challenging summits in Ecuador.

Can You Swim in Quilotoa?

No – you definitely can’t swim in the Quilotoa Crater Lake! The water in Quilotoa Lagoon is a brilliant greenish-blue due to dissolved minerals and chemicals related to the volcanic activity here.

While is not recommended to swim in the lake water, kayaks are available to rent at the bottom of the crater to explore the lake.

You may be able to see the active fumaroles (expulsions of gases from below the surface that form streams of large bubbles) within the Quilotoa lake as you kayak or complete the Quilotoa crater lake hike. These also cause hot springs in parts of the water of the lake.

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Quilotoa Elevation

It is important to be aware of the elevation you can expect to experience in Quilotoa before planning your trip. Quilotoa is 12,841 feet / 3,914 meters at the highest point of the crater rim . The elevation is similar while hiking the Quilotoa Loop, though you’ll be headed uphill and downhill at points throughout the trek.

In comparison, Quito sits at about 9,350 feet / 2,850 meters. Quito is the second-highest capital in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia .

Quilotoa elevation means that unless you’re already well adapted to the altitude, you will definitely feel the elevation here. You will likely get winded more easily, especially when walking up or downhill, or when you exert yourself too much physically.

This is something to keep in mind when you’re planning your hikes in the area – you might not be as speedy as you think. Even living at an elevation outside of Quito for two years, I could tell the difference when I visited Quilotoa that I was much higher still!

This elevation means it can get cold here quickly. Even when you’re in full sun, you’ll feel the wind and cold here. Come prepared with warm clothes, and make sure you dress in layers that you can take off.

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Check out our  Ultimate Ecuador Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Ecuador and what we never travel without.

Quilotoa Hike

While the Quilotoa Loop is by far the most famous Quilotoa hike, there is no single “Quilotoa hike” or hiking route, which is part of what makes this destination such a great one . You can plan a short Quilotoa day trip and enjoy the view, visit for a day and hike the rim, or visit for several days dedicated entirely to hiking.

These are Quilotoa’s top hiking routes:

• The Quilotoa Loop , a multi-day trek that is one of South America’s best;
• The Quilotoa Crater Hike , into the crater and down to the water , and out again;
• The Quilotoa Rim Hike , around a portion of or the entirety of the crater’s rim.

Regardless of how much time you have to spend here, I always recommend choosing to include some hiking in your itinerary if you’re looking to come to Quilotoa (rather than just making it to the viewpoint and leaving).

Even a short hike along a portion of the crater’s rim will give you more than one view, and the best opportunity to experience the beauty of the area. Beyond just the crater, the area around Quilotoa is wild and mountainous, giving you a varied and beautiful view everywhere you look.

Whatever you’re planning, come dressed in layers for the cold, well-prepared to be in such an isolated area … and mostly, ready to be wowed by the scenery at Quilotoa.

Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa Loop is why Quilotoa Ecuador is best known as a destination for hiking. The Quilotoa Loop is easily one of the most popular treks in South America , and likely the most famous trek in Ecuador.

This multi-day hike takes you around the Quilotoa Crater Lake and through the surrounding countryside to visit remote villages and past incredible vistas . Hiking the Quilotoa Loop is easily one of South America’s best adventures and part of why Quilotoa is regularly rated one of the best places to visit in South America.

While the trek is called a “loop,” the loop almost always stops and starts with a bus ride to and from the largest nearby city of Latacunga. Unless you attempt the challenging hike from Latacunga into the mountains, the actual Quilotoa Loop is more of a straight trek.

Once in Quilotoa or a neighboring town, there are several variations to this popular trek with ways to add destinations along the way.

Regardless of the exact Quilotoa Loop map you choose, hiking the Quilotoa Loop is an incredible (and extremely affordable!) trek and one I highly recommend to those travelers who can build out the time for it in their itinerary.

Best Hotels & Hostels in Quilotoa

• Hosteria Chukirawa ($ – $$)
• Hosteria Alpaka Quilotoa ($ – $$)
• Hostal Mama Hilda ($$)

Quilotoa Loop Map

This map shows the most common path of the Quilotoa Loop trek . The purple line represents the destinations most commonly trekked, and the red line represents the part of to loop most commonly completed by bus.

In this map, I’ve included the trek from Quilotoa to Zumbahua as a “trekking” portion of the path, though this is a less frequent addition to the most common 3-4 day route stretching between Sigchos and Quilotoa.

Feel free to click on the map below for a closer look at the destinations and to get a better idea of the route along the way

Quilotoa Loop Hike

The most popular routes for the Quilotoa Loop are the following:

• Latacunga > Sigchos > Isinlivi > Chugchilan > Quilotoa > Latacunga
• Latacunga > Quilotoa > Chugchilan > Isinlivi > Sigchos > Latacunga

Both of these routes start in Latacunga by taking the public bus or private transportation from Latacunga to either Sigchos or Quilotoa . While it’s possible to hike all the way from Latacunga to the start of these routes, it’s almost never attempted as it’s extremely challenging and would add a few days of hiking to your itinerary.

While there are some additional trail spurs and bonus treks to add to your Quilotoa Loop experience, the Sigchos to Quilotoa and Quilotoa to Sigchos routes are the most common.

Most people do the hike in 3-5 days and take the route that starts by taking the bus to Quilotoa.

Alternatively, you can do the popular route in “reverse,” and start in Sigchos and end in Quilotoa . If you do this “reverse” route, you get the bonus of ending the route at Quilotoa, which makes for quite the grand finale – you’ll feel like you earned every second of that immaculate view. I recommend the Sigchos to Quilotoa route, for sure!

An Easier Quilotoa Loop?

There is some talk of the Quilotoa to Sigchos route being “easier” as more of it is downhill, but there really is not much to this theory. Taking either route you will encounter major ups and downs with some strenuous hiking portions – so it isn’t exactly “easy” going either way.

Quilotoa Loop Tips

Looking for some tips before heading out to conquer the Quilotoa Loop? While the hike is relatively straightforward and paths getting clearer with every year it seems, here are some things we wish someone had told us before we embarked:

• Bring plenty of layers! Quilotoa is quite cold and windy, so be prepared with warm clothing. Even a light, packable down jacket is recommendable, even if you travel in summer.
• Do not be afraid to ask for directions! Locals, even in these remote mountain towns, are used to seeing and interacting with hikers and are quite helpful. Plus, the kids will love meeting you – they are precious.
• Bring cash! No ATMs are along the route, and you can’t use cards. Make sure to take out enough cash in Latacunga for the duration of your trip.
• Bring snacks! You’ll get hungry and want to eat all of your snacks immediately… trust me.
• Bring a poncho or rain jacket! Even if you’re traveling in the dry season, you don’t want to get stuck in a stray rainstorm. There isn’t a lot of coverage here as the elevation is too high for trees.

Quilotoa Crater Hike

For those who can’t build the full Quilotoa Loop trek into their itinerary, there are some other beautiful hikes in Quilotoa, including the classic crater hike – hiking into and out of the crater, down to the water’s edge.

This is a fantastic hike for those on a day trip to Quilotoa who want to get some hiking in while here and enjoy some incredible views of the lake.

Near the water’s edge, there are places to sit and relax, a swing over the water, plus a small stand that sells water and snacks. You’ll find kayaks for rent on the water, which is great fun and a relaxing way to spend some of the afternoon exploring the edges of the crater.

Make sure you come prepared for the Quilotoa Crater Hike by wearing layers – once you get into the crater, the crater will block the wind and you’ll get much warmer. Plus, come prepared with good sneakers or hiking boots, plenty of water, and snacks.

Be aware that the hiking path into the crater is sandy. Though there are some areas with steps built into the path, it can sometimes be tricky to navigate. Taking your time and watching your step should be enough to do the trick.

Given the extreme elevation at Quilotoa, the hike out of the crater can be a real challenge, especially with the sandy path. Be prepared for it to take double the time to exit the crater as it did to enter.

Locals rent mules to take visitors from the crater lake to the top of the crater for $10-15 – this is worth considering if you’re not yet adjusted to the altitude or not as physically fit. If you’re not looking for too much of a physical challenge, I’d recommend considering this to get back to the top of the crater!

Quilotoa Rim Hike

Other than the Quilotoa Crater Hike, the hike around the entire volcanic crater’s rim is the second most common for day-trip Quilotoa visitors .

Taking the route around the rim of the Quilotoa crater is fantastic if you’re looking for more than just entering the crater, and the views are much, much better of Quilotoa Lake and the surrounding countryside .

The hike around the rim takes about four hours (though I’ve heard of people finishing it in three, or five), and the route is well-defined. In most parts, there isn’t too much of a grade, so it is not as vertically challenging as the hike into and out of the crater.

Overall, the Quilotoa Rim Hike is about 3 km long and is generally considered an easy to moderate hike.

Quilotoa Day Trips

With just a day trip to Quilotoa, you won’t have time for much hiking in Quilotoa other than the crater hike into and out of the crater, or the rim hike . Most small-group excursions to Quilotoa from Quito include time to hike into and out of the crater – our Quilotoa tour with Quito Tour Bus (which we loved!) included time for this hike.

While both of these hikes are doable if you’re coming to Quilotoa from Quito with private transportation, it would be challenging to do either if you’ll be taking a public bus to or from Quito.

If you’re planning on taking the bus, plan on staying at least one night in Quilotoa or in Latacunga – this will give you enough time to catch the last bus from Quilotoa or the first bus from Latacunga to Quilotoa in the morning.

However, there are some very popular day trips with private transportation that can be arranged from Quito, Latacunga, or Cuenca and are rather inexpensive and will save you the trouble of having to stick to public bus schedules in this remote town.

Excursions to Quilotoa from Quito

A very popular option for visitors with a limited time is a day trip to Quilotoa from Quito . I did a full-day tour with transportation to and from Quito on one of my visits to Quilotoa, Ecuador (with my mom!) and it was a great option for our itinerary.

I can thoroughly recommend this tour from Quito with transportation included for those on a tight time frame .

While there are companies that offer day tours to Quilotoa from Guayaquil , the journey is far too long for a day, and an overnight stay in Quilotoa, or even nearby Latacunga, is really necessary to enjoy the experience given the travel time.

While private transportation and guides can be arranged from anywhere in Ecuador, some of the most popular and well-established tours are from Quito, and others include stops at Cotopaxi National Park .

Multi-Day Quilotoa Tours

There are also several multi-day Quilotoa tour options that leave from Quito, including those that combine visits to the nearby Cotopaxi Volcano in Cotopaxi National Park (a must-see destination in Ecuador!).

They often include staying in a lodge , like this popular option , which is a fantastic way to enjoy the national park.

Another popular tour is a 3-day, 2-night tour of Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and an excursion to Baños : this awesome tour is from a very popular company that I know does a great job in Ecuador. If you haven’t considered adding Baños to your itinerary, definitely look into it – it’s known for its adventure sports but is also a great place to relax.

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

How To Get to Quilotoa

Quito to quilotoa.

The drive from Quito to Quilotoa is about three and a half or four hours , depending on traffic coming in to and leaving Quito. This makes it possible to visit Quilotoa for a day trip, though it can be challenging to do unless you plan on taking private transportation .

Buses from Quito to Quilotoa

Buses from Quito to Quilotoa leave from the Quitumbe bus station in the south of Quito . Look for the ticketing booth of the “Las Illinizas” bus company , which offers direct service from Quito to Quilotoa, leaving at 5:00 p.m. every day for about $3 .

The trip takes between 3 and 4 hours.

There are many more options for buses from Quito to Latacunga, the nearest large city to Quilotoa, where buses leave every hour to Quilotoa.

Several bus companies in Quitumbe bus station offer buses to Latacunga . It is generally the easiest option for most travelers to first head to Latacunga, then take a bus to Quilotoa from there.

Latacunga to Quilotoa

Buses leave about every hour to Quilotoa from Latacunga until the late afternoon and take about two hours or two and a half hours to reach Quilotoa . The view is stunning, as you’ll wind up from the valley where Latacunga sits through the mountains.

Another alternative, if you happen to find yourself at the bus station between bus departure times, is to take a bus from Latacunga to Zumbahua, the closest town on the route to Quilotoa – there are more frequent buses headed here.

You should then be able to get a taxi or pickup truck ride from Zumbahua to Quilotoa for around $5 .

Baños to Quilotoa

Quilotoa is located close to the small town of Baños de Agua Santa (more commonly, Baños ) which is another popular destination for travelers and is particularly famous for its adventure sports .

While only a 3-hour direct drive away, there is no direct bus between the two cities, so you’ll have to travel through Latacunga if you don’t have private transportation.

Departing Quilotoa

Make sure to ask the locals when the last bus of the day departs from Quilotoa – any local will be able to tell you the bus schedule. It usually departs before the sun sets, so don’t expect or plan for a very late departure from Quilotoa.

Buses are unlikely to sell out unless it is a holiday weekend in Ecuador.

If you miss the last bus out of Quilotoa, don’t worry – you can easily take a taxi or pickup truck for around $5 to the nearest town of Zumbahua and get a bus to Latacunga from there .

Alternatively, private transport from Quilotoa all the way to Latacunga should cost around $25.

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

Visit Quilotoa

Quilotoa is quite a small town and it’s extremely remote. It’s really more of an outpost, a cluster of a dozen or so buildings near the rim of the crater lake, mostly designed to cater to Laguna Quilotoa visitors .

You can easily walk through the entire town of Quilotoa in less than five minutes, and there is not much to see beyond a few hotels and guesthouses, a few restaurants and cafes, and shops for souvenirs.

With this in mind, come prepared for the experience. Bring what you think you’ll need for the entirety of your trip – don’t expect to find a well-stocked grocery store or pharmacy here .

In some of my earlier visits back in 2012 and 2014, there was still no internet in the entire town , just to put into some perspective how remote the place is.

ATMs in Quilotoa

Unless something has changed very recently, Quilotoa does not have an ATM, and the small towns along the rest of the Quilotoa Loop trek don’t have them either. Plus, as in most of Ecuador, many places don’t accept credit cards, so make sure you come prepared to pay for everything in cash.

Bring all the cash you’ll need while you’re here, plus a “buffer” of cash just in case you end up needing more along the way than you think you will.

Stores in Quilotoa

The stores in Quilotoa are limited to tiny markets with non-perishable foods like chips and soda, and stores aimed at visitors, selling things like handicrafts.

When departing Quilotoa or Latacuna, come prepared with any products you might need from a pharmacy or grocery store while you’re in Quilotoa , as you probably won’t be able to find those here.

Where To Stay in Quilotoa

There are just a handful of Quilotoa accommodation options, probably about five small hotels and hostels in total, and many are similar in style and price. However, there are definitely some better than others, and with better amenities than others.

These two recommendations below are definitely the best options in town, including one I came back to several times (Hosteria Alpaka Quilotoa)!

Hostería Alpaka Quilotoa ($ – $$))

Hosteria Alpaka Quilotoa – I stayed here every time I visited Quilotoa! The rooms are pretty spartan, but the beds are SO comfortable .

I’m not normally one to be too picky about beds, but I specifically remember being thrilled by how comfortable the bed was, especially after a long day of hiking. Rooms have a little wood-burning stove which will keep you very toasty at night .

Hostería Chukirawa ($ – $$)

Hosteria Chukirawa – This pleasant hostel has private rooms as well as dorm rooms and has more of a friendly hostel feel with a large open space and lounge in the center of the building.

Not only is breakfast included in the price, but DINNER is included as well , so prices are a little higher than an average hostel but worth it! Most Quilotoa accommodation options include at least one meal in the price of a room, so make sure to ask!

Quilotoa Restaurants

Karu Ñan is a casual restaurant near the crater lake that sells Ecuadorian food with some burger and sandwich options thrown in as well. The restaurant is really warm and inviting, and everything I’ve tried here has been great.

This is the place to order canelazo if you haven’t tried it in Ecuador yet – it’s a warm, spiced fruit drink (alcohol optional) that is wonderful after hiking around in the cold near Quilotoa.

Happy Llama

Happy Llama is a tiny cafe that sells crepes, cappuccinos, and other great coffee options that far surpass some of the others you’ll find in town. They also have drinks in the evening, including Ecuadorian craft beer.

Plan a Trip to Ecuador

• Best Beaches in Ecuador
• Ultimate Guide to the Quito Historic Center

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

• Why hop with us?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: click here to learn the steps we`re taking for 2021 travel!

Full Day Tour Quilotoa

Price from: $59

3 Activities

1 Destination

Hotel/Hostel Pick-up & Drop-off

This is a full day tour from Quito to visit the Quilotoa Lagoon, an incredible turquoise-colored lake located inside the caldera of an active volcano. This full-day tour is a great way to escape from the city and return to Quito the same day.

Highlights:

• On the way to Quilotoa, we will stop at a viewpoint from where you can admire the famous Cotopaxi volcano. Note: The stop at the viewpoint to appreciate the Cotopaxi volcano is subject to weather conditions. If they are not suitable, the stop will be omitted to ensure the safety of the passengers.
• Toachi Canyon is a small, beautiful canyon that is missed by many travelers. We’ll get off the beaten track and make a brief stop here to take some photos of this hidden gem – Toachi Canyon
• Visit the Shalala Mirador, a modern viewing platform constructed from a wooden frame and glass walls, offering the most breathtaking views over the volcanic crater – Shalala
• Hike down to the very heart of the volcanic crater to the shores of the beautiful crystal-blue – Quilotoa Lagoon
• Before leaving for the return to Quito we will visit the traditional Quilotoa Mirador for a final view over the lake from the opposing side of the crater – Quilotoa

What this tour offers:

• 1 unforgettable destination
• Quilotoa - An extraordinary water-filled volcanic crater nestled among Ecuador’s central highlands
• 3 Incredible Activities
• Toachi Canyon – Picturesque canyon that is missed by many travelers
• Shalala View Point - Catch some of the most breathtaking views of Quilotoa lake atop this modern platform, constructed from wood and glass
• Quilotoa Lagoon - Hike down to the shore, where you can see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close
• Daily departures
• Hotel/hostel pickups & dropoffs
• Safety and comfort guaranteed

Private tour available!

Personalized service with private transport and guide. Contact us for more info!

What you’ll experience

Shalala Viewpoint

Toachi Canyon

Tour itinerary & what's included, full day to quilotoa.

07:15am - 7:50am

Direct hostel/hotel pick-up in Quito (exact time will be confirmed via email and depend on which neighborhood you are located in).

Coffee stop in the foothills of the Cotopaxi Volcano to enjoy scenic views and an optional breakfast.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Toachi River Canyon – visit the lesser known canyon, where we’ll stop at the canyons deepest point, at 100 meters deep, to take in the amazing view and learn a little about the canyon

Shalala Viewpoint – arriving to Quilotoa lake we head first to the Shalala Mirador, a modern viewing platform built from wood and glass that offers a truly unique perspective overlooking the volcanic crater. A photographer´s playground.

Guided Quilotoa Lagoon hike – guided hike down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon, an opportunity to see the breathtaking crater lake up close.

Free time to explore and relax at the lake, before beginning the trek back out.

Free time to enjoy a well-deserved lunch at one of the local community restaurants.

Free time to explore the Quilotoa community.

Depart Quilotoa and begin the trip back to Quito.

Direct drop-off at your hotel/hostel in Quito.

What’s Included

• Private touristic transport
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Onboard bilingual Hop guide
• Cotopaxi volcano viewing point
• Guided stop at the Toachi River Canyon
• Visit to the Shalala Mirador
• Guided hike to the Quilotoa crater lake
• Visit to the classic Quilotoa viewpoint
• All taxes and entrance fees included

Not Included

• Evening meal

Important Info & Notes

Departure Days

Time of Departure

07:15am - 07:50am

Pick-up Location

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

Minimum Time Needed

$59 Includes transport, tours and on board guide. *Meals not included.

Travelling between any of the dates mentioned below? Click the tab for the corresponding important information.

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.

Accommodation Information

Info about our luxury 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 Ecuador 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!

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 Ecuador 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.

Quilotoa Day Trip: How to see Laguna de Quilotoa From Quito

There are many travelers who are opting for Quilotoa day trip rather than a couple of days hike.

Laguna de Quilotoa is very famous for its mesmerizing blues and green hills . Similar to beautiful Laguna Paron in Peru , we were super excited to visit Quilotoa and we hoped to see its beautiful waters as well.

And let me tell you. Laguna del Quilotoa didn’t disappoint even a bit. In fact, it was one of the most beautiful places in South America we have seen.

Quilotoa lake should be on a bucket list of every traveler coming to Ecuador . With many cultural opportunities and outdoor activities available in Quilotoa, Ecuador will blow your mind.

And if you are not into hiking and do not want to do the whole Quilotoa loop, that’s fine. We didn’t want to hike for 3 days either. That’s why we put together a guide on how to easily see Quilotoa lake on a day trip from Quito.

Table of Contents

ABOUT QUILOTOA LAKE

Quilotoa lake or also called Laguna de Quilotoa is located in the Ecuadorian Andes in the Cotopaxi region with the capital Latacunga. Laguna de Quilotoa is not quite a lake but more like a crater or volcanic lake. Many people (including us) thought at first that Quilotoa it’s just a pretty lake but we were wrong.

Quilotoa was created around 600 years due to an immense eruption in the Andes formed the 3 km-wide crate r. And if you wonder why Quilotoa laguna has such an intense color, well, it comes from dissolved minerals in the water.

Quilotoa Coordinates : 0° 51′ 0″  S , 78° 54′ 0″  W

If you look at the water, sometimes you might see bubbles rising from the surface of the Laguna Quilotoa. As Quilotoa lake is a crater, the release of carbon dioxide gas i s the reason for the bubbles.

The color of Laguna de Quilotoa really depends on the weather and the time of the day . You can compare pictures below on how the Laguna del Quilotoa looks when it’s cloudy and when it’s sunny.

What a difference, right?

We find both very different and beautiful. What do you think?

HOW TO GET TO QUILOTOA LAKE?

During our stay in Quito, one of the hotel staff at Colonial House Inn (which is a very nice hotel) suggested that they can organize a day trip to Quilotoa from Quito . The prices completely shocked us and were told $60 . It is a standard price and most of the hotels and tours charge the same or even more. We found it very expensive and politely refused it. Especially knowing that you do not need a guide to hike around Quilotoa and renting a car is much cheaper.

So how can you get to Quilotoa on your own?

If you would like to go to Quilotoa lake by bus, it is possible, but a little bit complicated and requires you to change buses at Latacunga . There are frequent buses going from the Quitumbe bus terminal in Quito to Latacunga .

The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around $2.30. In Latacunga you can either take a taxi to Quilotoa crater or take a bus which takes around 2 hours and costs $2. Make sure to ask the bus driver, when is the last bus leaving back to Latacunga , so you do not end up stranded.

READ MORE: 12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN QUITO

If you are planning a day trip to Quilotoa, renting a car is a great option.

It will give you a chance to stop along and be flexible with your schedule.

We missed the freedom of traveling so we decided to go for a day trip to Quilotoa laguna on our own. It wasn’t very complicated as we booked it online via a comparison website that took us to Avis . We paid $40 per day.

Quilotoa is around 178 km away from Quito. It takes between 2.5 to 3 hours to get to Quilotoa, depending on the traffic in Quito.

Unfortunately or (fortunately), there was a misunderstanding with our days crossing over with an official holiday in Ecuador. We couldn’t pick up the car at 8 AM as agreed due to holiday, so we literally had to wait outside in the cold in front of the gate. We got nicely rewarded and we could return the car to the airport the next day without paying any extra fees.

So make sure to check the dates for your pick up and the opening hours during holidays and non-holiday days. Don’t expect the rental company to adjust their opening hours accordingly.

SEE MORE: Visit the 15 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN SOUTH AMERICA

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Once you arrive in Quito, we highly suggest you acclimatize your body before you come for a day trip to Quilotoa laguna. Ecuador has many mountains that lie high above the altitude we (Europeans) are used to.

Spend at least three days in Quito , otherwise, altitude sickness might hit you and ruin your whole day. Trust me. It can happen.

INTERESTING FACT : Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world after La Paz in Bolivia, with an altitude of 2,849 meters (9,350ft) above the sea level.

QUICK TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ALTITUDE SICKNESS

If you would like to read more on how to prevent altitude sickness , read our guide from Laguna Paron to find more. But just to quickly explain, that Laguna de Quilotoa lies at 3.914 meters.

Some people do well with altitude and some don’t. I am not particularly coping well with the altitude sickness, however, it is possible to make it. Make sure to drink enough water , take many breaks and never push yourself. If you do feel unwell, it’s better to stop.

I know that it can be annoying to always stop and everyone is overtaking you (horses and people) but forget about it, listen to your body.

Also, what would definitely help is to make a coca tea or just take some coca leaves with you.

If you are looking for another awesome day trip from Quito , then you need to check out MITAD DEL MUNDO guide , which will tell you how to get to the middle of the world.

“EASY” DAY HIKE AT QUILOTOA

Once you arrive at the small village of Quilotoa , there is a huge parking lot. From there you need to walk through the hill to the Quilotoa Lake. Laguna de Quilota is not very far, around 5 minutes’ walk. We stopped at the small restaurant which is next to the parking lot as it was raining. We waited until it stops and then we continued. They have a very nice hot choco.

The first impression of Laguna de Quilotoa is amazing. This spot is mostly very busy as some travelers just want to have quick snap and are not into hiking that much.

The hike is not very difficult, as at first, you will go down the path . It should take you around 1.5 hours . If it’s raining, the path is often muddy and slippery , which makes it a bit dangerous. If you feel like that you can’t handle altitude sickness, then you also have an option to hire a horse (especially going up).

Although I had the impression that the horses are small, the path is tough and full of rocks too. And I can imagine that many horses must get injured. So we decided not to support this activity and go on our own.

We also didn’t want to take a horse as we wanted to stop on the way and take photos . Quilotoa is a very fascinating place . We couldn’t believe that such a place exist.

For many locals, this activity is the only source of income and as a tourist, you will be definitely asked if you want to take a horse. Very similar to Rainbow mountain hike where locals also offer that service which actually saved my life. Some of the curves are a bit tight and I have to say that it can be annoying and a bit scary to have horses walking so close next to you.

EXTRA TIP: I can also imagine, that when it’s dry and it doesn’t rain, that the path can get really dusty , because of the horses, so maybe have a scarf to cover your mouth.

Depending on how much time you have and how you feel, you can continue all the way down to Quilotoa lake and get very close to the water.

Just keep in mind that going up the hill is very hard in the mountains with such an altitude. Ascending the 280m back up will definitely take you much longer than 1.5 hours. Again, do not push yourself as the air up there is thinner and makes it very hard to breathe. If you do not feel well, just stop and catch your breath.

The sky was closing really fast and the bad weather with rain picked up, so we decided to stop our hike in the middle and go back. I won’t lie, going up was very challenging and I wasn’t the only one. There were many people around who had trouble breathing.

Nico was doing fine but I was really struggling. I didn’t take any coca leaves with me, so I guess I was punished for my stupidity. Do not make the same mistake.

KAYAK AROUND LAKE QUILOTOA

If the weather is nice, we would definitely suggest you rent a kayak and paddle around beautiful Laguna del Quilotoa.

If you are missing some good beach vibes , then you need to visit one of the nicest beach towns in Ecuador . It is called Montanita and we wrote a full guide on how to get there best things to do on Montanita Playa. Also, Puerto Lopez is a great getaway to Isla de la Plata and Los Frailes beach.

QUICK STOP AT THE CRATER QUILOTOA

There is a huge canyon very close to Quilotoa Lake, which was also created due to eruption in the Andes. The crater is located just 200 meters from Quilotoa laguna. You can stop here either before you get to the parking lot and once you will be leaving Quilotoa. It is very impressive for sure.

STOP ALONG THE WAY

On our way back to Quito we stopped a couple of times to admire landscapes of Ecuador. And let me tell you, the scenery is so stunning.

We just stopped and observed either people chasing their lamas, alpacas or sheep and just soaking in the beauty .

Locals are a bit shy and since we don’t speak Spanish fluently, it is hard to communicate, but we really loved the experience. Locals were waiving at us and we were just curiously staring at each other. And this is the main reason why we rented a car for our day trip to Quilotoa. While traveling in South America, we took mostly buses and we never really had a chance to be flexible. We were really happy with our decision.

WEATHER IN QUILOTOA

The weather in the mountains is always changing and you cannot know for sure how the weather will be like. Checking the weather forecast app won’t be very helpful either.

However, as you are surrounded by the Ecuadorian Andes , the weather is mostly cloudy, especially in the afternoon. Mornings are often sunny, but that really depends on the season. That is why it is very important to start your hike to Quiloota early in the morning, so you can experience the sun in the morning and see how the color of the water is changing.

However, if you would like to visit Quilotoa you can come all year round. The only difference is the temperature.

As you might know, Ecuador is crossing an imaginary line called the Equator . That means the length of days is more or less always the same. Amazingly, Ecuador has 12 hours of sun every day for the whole year.

And if you would like to see the equatorial line, you need to head to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, which is located only 25 km from Quito. We wrote a full guide on how to get to MITAD DEL MUND O and what to do there, so have a look before you visit.

EXTRA INFO : At Equator, latitude is defined to be 0° and Equatorian line divides our planet Earth into two hemispheres: Southern and Northern hemisphere.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR HIKE IN QUILOTOA LAKE

If you are going for a day trip to Quilotoa, there are a couple of things you should have on you.

• SNACKS: There are few little stores in the village of Quilotoa if you didn’t pack any before your hike. Make sure to choose sugary snacks, rich in proteins, which helps you to deal with altitude sickness.
• WATER : Don’t forget to pack enough water to prevent getting severe headaches and dehydration.
• WATERPROOF SHOES AND JACKET : It does rain a lot in the Andes, and we got pretty wet there. I guess that poncho would be also a great thing to have.
• A WATERPROOF CASE FOR YOUR BACKPACK: We didn’t have any cover for our backpack , which obviously was a mistake as it was heavily raining. Nico had to walk back faster, so he could get our backpack with photography gear to safety.
• SUN LOTION: Despite it is a mountain trip, you need to be aware that you are at around 3.800 meters above the sea level. And when the sun shines, you can get easily burnt. We love to use Raw Elements, which are chemical-free (use Gigi10 for 10% off on your entire order).

QUILOTOA LOOP

If you thinking about being adventures and still do a hike there is an optional hike around the Laguna de Quilotoa. It is often called a multi-day village to village hiking track.

This can be a great way to explore Quilotoa more in-depth, as you will be stopping at several villages along the way such as Sigchos, Isinlivi, Chugchilan, and Quilotoa crater .

The entire Quilotoa loop is 40 km and it takes from two to five days , depending on how much time do you have. And if you are scared that you will get lost, don’t worry, the Quilotoa trail is well-signposted.

• SIGCHOS 2850 meters
• ISINLIVI 2950 meters
• CHUGCHILAN 3200 meters
• QUILOTOA CRATER 3800 meters

As you can see the Qouilotoa loop graduates regarding the altitude which is actually nice as you can acclimatize better. If you are interested in checking the Quilotoa loops and its stops, click here for a full guide.

Into exploring the area of Quito? Check 2 or 3-Day Tour to Baños with Cotopaxi & Quilotoa

IS DRIVING TO QUILOTOA SAFE?

Absolutely! We felt super safe when driving to Quilotoa and would recommend to anyone willing to be free and flexible.

The roads are very well maintained and with many lanes. It is very different than driving in Colombia, as they have speed cameras on the highways. So the only thing which you should be careful about is speeding.

We always stick to the speed limit, but once we went over 10 km per hour by an accident. Because we are international travelers we were charged a hefty fine which was 120 euros ($135). There are some rules which apply differently to foreign drivers, so watch your speed and you should be fine.

If you are still wandering about the safety in South America , make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on SAFETY TIPS IN SOUTH AMERICA

WHERE TO STAY IN QUITO

If you only coming to visit Quilotoa lake for a day, then you need to find accommodations in the capital of Ecuador, Quito. In Quito, you can choose from many options. We definitely suggest you stay close to the city center.

We stayed in two hotels and we really liked them, check out Colonial House Inn and Hostal El Arupo . They have both affordable rooms in the heart of Quito. You can also have a look at Airbnb , and if it’s your first time using Airbnb, get  $37 off on your first stay .

We really felt like that day trip to Quilotoa was just enough and we really enjoyed the trip. However, you also have an option to do the Quilotoa Loop and hike for several days, if you like.

Enjoy your hike to Laguna de Quilotoa and we hope that you will have a great time. Don’t forget to stop along the way and look out for cute alpacas and llamas.

Not sure where to go next after visiting Quito? We highly recommend visiting the Pacific coast of Ecuador . Definitely check out: Montanita beach , Isla de la Plata and Los Frailes beach . We wrote full guides about them, so check it out before you go.

Would you also like to visit Quilotoa? If you like the article, make sure to pin our guide DAY TRIP TO QUILOTOA FROM QUITO .

DISCLAIMER :  Please note, that some of the links mentioned above are affiliate links and we will earn a little percentage of the sale if you purchase through our links at  no extra cost  to you. This helps us to keep our website running. We highly appreciate your support .

About The Authors

Since I was little I always wanted to see the world. Travel to new places, get to know new cultures, see how other people live. I love beaches and I love discovering tropical destinations. That is why, together with my partner Nico, we created this blog to share with you the most beautiful beaches and stunning holiday destinations which we visited during our travels.

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16 Comments

This is a trip that I hope to make sometime next year. Those views are amazing! Love your photos ?

Thank you very much Jen. We have never thought that Ecuador has such an stunning places accept of Galapagos. You will definitely love exploring Ecuador.

I have never heard of this place, but it looks incredible! I would love to travel to Ecuador and explore places like this.

Thank you Cristina, Ecuador is such a unique country, I am sure you will love it as much as we did.

What a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.

Happy you enjoyed it Margarida 🙂

The color of this lake is absolutely mind blowing! I can imagine that hiking here and even kayaking must be fantastic! Really a good trip idea!

Thank you Ophelie, Laguna de Quilotoa is indeed a very beautiful place.

This is a very useful post as not only do you include tips on visiting Laguna de Quiltoa as a day trip from Quito but you have general tips for visiting Ecuador. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much Hazel 🙂 So happy you enjoyed the post and tips on Ecuador.

Wow! This place looks absolutely amazing. Now, I totally go have to go to Ecuador. Your photos are amazing too.

Thank you so much Taylor, so happy you enjoyed the photos and hope you can visit Ecuador soon 🙂

Oh my gosh, the colour of that water is insane! Thanks for putting this on my radar ?

You are very welcome Charu 🙂

Your pictures are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Aaaw, thank you so much Emma, happy you enjoyed the photos and the article.

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Cotopaxi Volcano + Laguna Quilotoa Day Trips

When visiting Quito, Ecuador , there is no shortage of wonderful things to do and see, from the UNESCO World Heritage historic city center to a quick trip to Mitad del Mundo , the equatorial line at Latitude 0” 0’ 0.”  However, we always like to “opt outside” for at least a few days of each of our trips, and Ecuador is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise.   

There are two quick and easy day trips from Quito that are absolute musts in our book, which we will cover in this post: the Cotopaxi Volcano and the Quilotoa Crater Lake . Both are adaptable to a variety of activity levels and are not too far from Quito.

If you’re looking for another day trip option from Quito, check out this fantastic guide to the one-of-a-kind Otavalo Market from our friends at Home to Havana.

Before we go into the details about these two amazing day trips, a note about altitude .

Table of Contents

Quito and its surroundings measure up at over 3000 meters (9000 feet) above sea level. We cannot stress enough that this elevation is no joke.  

In fact… We urge you to take a few days to adjust to the altitude prior to attempting either of these hikes.  

Full disclosure-slash-embarrassing story: we didn’t follow our own advice, and booked our day trip to hike Cotopaxi Volcano for our 2nd full day in Quito. We thought (incorrectly) that being young/active/in great physical shape alone would be enough to overcome a change in altitude. The joke was on us, though, as we spent the entirety of the hike wheezing and light-headed– not exactly ideal. 

So take it from us– let your body rest and adjust, you’ll have so much more fun that way. For more altitude tips, see our Atacama guide here .

And now onto the good stuff… Two spectacular day hikes, really close to Quito.

While we usually prefer to use public transit or plan our day trips independently, due to time constraints we opted to use a tour company this time. We were super pleased with the tour company that we used for both day trips: Ecuatraveling . There were about 15-20 people with us on each tour, and each trip cost $50 USD each, so $200 total for both of us for both trips. 

Ecuatraveling offers two pickup options ( Magic Bean restaurant if you’re staying near Plaza Foch or Plaza San Blas if you’re staying in the historic area like we did) and picks up early in the morning– a little before 7AM. We absolutely love this– it allows you to really make the most of your day. 

Recommended Reading

3 days in boquete, panamá, 5 days in quito, biking baños: your guide to la ruta de las cascadas, here are 5 quick tips for both tours:.

• Wear layers . We visited in August and the temperatures on these hikes varied widely. We took layers on and off throughout the course of both days.
• Bring snacks. The Cotopaxi visit included a surprisingly filling breakfast, but lunch isn’t included on either trip, and it can be a long and hungry day, with few options for food in either place.
• Bring sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. You’re able to refill your water inside the Ecuatraveling van.
• Sit near the front of the van if possible, to best hear the guide. Both of our guides stood in the front of the van the whole time, and it was easiest to hear them this way!
• Make sure to tip your driver and guide — the tip isn’t included in the price of the tour and they put a lot of work and care into making the day special for you.

We were able to sample some fresh-baked breakfast goodies and really enjoyed walking around the market (we went to Saquisilí, since we signed up for the tour on a Thursday.) 

Note: Unfortunately, our van got a flat tire while we were here, leading to quite a delay– the driver had to call someone to come fix it, and our trip was delayed by about 2 hours. While we enjoyed getting to explore more of Saquisilí, especially climbing to the top of the neat staircase in the photo above, we got to the Laguna much later than we were supposed to. However, this really didn’t detract from the experience, and our guide was super gracious about it. 

From Saquisilí, the tour goes on to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, or Laguna Quilotoa .

Quilotoa is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been-- absolutely awe-inspiring.

Fun fact: the Laguna is actually a collapsed volcano, known as a caldera lake . Located in the western part of the Ecuadorian Andes, it is 3 kilometers wide and over 200 meters deep! Known for its other-worldly turquoise waters and spectacular views, you can’t miss a visit if you’re in Quito for any length of time. 

For the truly adventure-seeking, the Quilotoa Loop (also called the Quilotoa Traverse ) is a 3-day hike that goes all the way around the Laguna. For daytrippers like us, there is also the option to trek down to the water’s edge and back up again (560m round trip) in the span of an afternoon.

When you arrive, the tour budgets in a few hours for you to hike down to the Laguna’s edge and back up again. While this may seem sufficient, keep in mind that it took us pretty much the whole time to complete the circuit, and we walk quite quickly.  

The way down was quite challenging and very slippery , as the path is made of soft sand that sometimes goes past ankle-depth. Our sneakers were so constantly filled with sand that we took them off for periods of time to get better traction, and often had to hold on to the rock faces on either side to avoid sliding. The trail was also quite crowded in some places , with people progressing at varying speeds, stopping for photos, making way for mules, etc. making it quite slow going. 

All this to say, keep in mind that you will likely not have a lot of time to look around at the bottom if you go with a tour. 

When you get to the bottom, you can rent kayaks ($3 USD) to paddle around the Laguna itself. However, as mentioned above, it took us so long to get to the bottom that we had to start heading back to the top after only a few minutes. We were very disappointed that we didn’t have time to go kayaking, as we had been looking forward to that.

The path up is actually easier and quicker than the path down , as it is easier to get traction on the sandy paths at an incline than a decline. However, it is  quite steep — be prepared to pause to catch your breath relatively often. 

We’d be remiss not to mention the elevation again here, as we definitely felt it on the hike back up. Again,  we urge you to give yourself a few days to acclimate to Ecuador’s altitude  prior to attempting the Quilotoa or Cotopaxi hikes in this post. Altitude sickness can really put a damper on your experiences, and can be deadly at its worst– not something to mess around with.

Like we said before, it took us the majority of the allotted time to complete the circuit, and we would’ve liked to have more time to explore at the bottom and rent kayaks. This is definitely something to keep in mind when you visit–  if you visit with a tour, there is a good chance you won’t have time to kayak. 

By the way, if all the huffing and puffing isn’t your scene, or if you’re not feeling well altitude-wise, it’s absolutely fine to skip the hiking circuit. 

The views from the overlooks at the top are stupendous, and while we really enjoyed the physical exertion and scoping out the bottom of the Laguna (albeit briefly), we actually preferred the views from the top, if forced to choose. The overlooks allow you full and unobstructed panoramic views of the water, as well as the Andes around.

Note also that you can also hire mules for the path down or back to the top, but we don’t recommend doing this. The animals looked exhausted, unhappy, and borderline-malnourished, which was really sad to see.

After reuniting with the tour group, we made our way back to Quito. The tour also includes a visit to the Toachi Canyon Crater on the way back (above left photo .) We didn’t arrive back in Quito until about 8PM, so this was certainly a very full day! 

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Oh, Cotopaxi… where to begin. This was one of our favorite hikes of all time, despite feeling pretty icky from the altitude (see above for that particular embarrassing story.)

Ecuatouring picks up in the same places as the Quilotoa tour (Magic Bean or Plaza San Blas) at the same time, a little before 7AM. This time, we stopped in the Chaupi community, an indigeneous tribe from the area, for breakfast. The breakfast was delicious and really filling– eggs, multigrain pancakes, fruit, and other goodies, with piping hot coffee, juice, and restrooms. 

From there, you continue on to Cotopaxi National Park . The van stops a few times for you to take photos of the volcano from a distance (like the photo above), and to pick up a guide employed by the park. This guide was a huge asset, and we really enjoyed his presentation. He also served as the leader of the hike, with the Ecuatouring guide staying at the rear just in case. 

The parking area is located at about 4600 meters above sea level , and this is where your hike commences. The first leg of the hike goes up to the Refugio (refuge) at 4800 meters , where you have a brief break, and then continues on to the glacier   at 5000 meters . 

Something really interesting about this hike was that despite only technically ascending 400 meters in height, this hike was very challenging. It is mostly comprised of switchbacks, so those 400 meters took our group over 2 hours to complete.

Again, you don’t have to hike. A few participants in our tour stopped at the Refugio, and some others didn’t hike at all– it’s totally up to you. 

But that said, the views on this hike are absolutely beyond description. It was really cold, and we were really struggling with the altitude, but this remains one of our favorite hikes ever. The glacier is awe-inspiring, and the views of the national park sprawling out around the volcano were truly a highlight.

After you finish trekking around the glacier and taking photos of the magnificence of the volcano, it’s time to go back down to the parking area. 

Similarly to Quilotoa, going down is tricky. Despite its clay color, the ground is very sandy and silty, making it slippery and very easy to lose footing. We actually spent much of our descent on our butts, sliding back down. You will definitely get dirty on this hike! 

From the parking area, you can either ride back down to the entrance of the park on mountain bikes or in the van. Tegan had recently torn her meniscus and was supposed to be “resting” (oops), so the hike was more than enough for her. Alex opted to do the mountain bike ride, and ended up being one of the few people in our group to make it all the way to the bottom. The van stopped over and over again to pick people up who had either fallen off their bikes or were finding the experience too scary. 

In hindsight, despite being huge biking enthusiasts, we wouldn’t recommend the biking portion . In addition to all the switchbacks and sharp turns, the ground is really rocky and steep, meaning that you have to go very slowly to avoid being thrown over your handlebars. This essentially translates to clinging to your brakes for dear life all the way down the mountain. While “mountain biking down a volcano” sounds really fun and exhilarating in theory, in practice it was more of a hassle than anything else. 

Near the entrance to the park, there’s a stop at the Lago Limpiopungo , which has a lovely walkway area where you can see local wild horses in the distance, as well as views of neighboring Ruminahui Volcano .

On the way back, we stopped at a guinea pig farm, as well as back in the Chaupi community for lunch prior to heading back to Quito. Tip: be sure to request vegetarian food if you’re a vegetarian! 

What did you think of these two day trips? Let us know in the comments! 

Don’t miss our guides to other gems in Ecuador, from Quito to Cuenca , Mitad del Mundo , Banos , and more. Check out our Ecuador landing page here .  

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It looks so beautiful! And the altitude … OMG, is there enough oxygen to breathe after so much effort?:))

It is most definitely a challenge!

Thank you for bringing back such great memories or Quilotoa. I visited over 20 years ago now ( can’t believe it’s been that long). We took a horseback riding tour. Which after a couple of hours riding, never really being on a horse before I realized was overly ambitious.

Wow, that sounds like an amazing trip! I hope we’re both able to go back soon 🙂 It was truly unforgettable!

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Everything you need to know about Quilotoa Loop

• September 21, 2018

Only a 4-hour drive from Quito is one of the most stunning destinations in Ecuador: the Quilotoa Crater. Formed nearly a thousand years ago following the collapse of a volcano, this crater offers visitors a multitude of outdoor activities, among which the Quilotoa Loop Tour is the most popular.

In the following blog, we’ll give you tips on how to get to the Quilotoa Loop from Quito, and what you need to know before undertaking the journey.

How to get to the Quilotoa Loop from Quito

To get from Quito to Quilotoa (the start of this tour), you’ll likely need to pass through Latacunga first, though your route and mode of transport may vary depending on your trip plans:

Public transport

To get from Quito to Quilotoa by public transport, you’ll need to first go to the Quitumbe bus terminal , located in the south of Quito. To get to the terminal, you can either take a taxi (depending on the time of day, this can cost between $10-20 dollars) or the trolley line headed South. If you decide on the trolley, make sure you travel by day and always keep an eye on your belongings.

Quito to Quilotoa (direct)

Only one bus company in Quitumbe, “La Illinizas”, offers direct service from Quito to Quilotoa, leaving at 5:00 p.m. every day for about $3. The trip takes around 3 hours.

Quito to Latacunga

Buses leave from the Quitumbe station in Quito to Latacunga every 10 minutes and cost $2.50. The trip from Quito to Latacunga only takes about 1 hour.

Latacunga to Quilotoa Crater

Once in Latacunga, you can grab a bus straight to the crater, which takes about 2 hours for $2. The buses only leave a few times a day, starting at 9:30am. If you’re only planning on visiting Quilotoa for the day, make sure to ask the bus driver when the last bus leaves from Quilotoa, likely around 3pm.

Latacunga to Chugchilán

If you’re planning on spending the night in the area, you can take a bus to Chugchilán, a small town about 40 minutes drive from the Quilotoa crater. Chugchilán, specifically, is a great jumping off point for those that want to hike the Quilotoa Loop and have more time to explore the surroundings.

Wanderbus Ecuador

Alternatively, you can get from Quito to Quilotoa on the Wanderbus, which leaves regularly from Quito at pre-selected, convenient pick-up points. Wanderbus is an excellent option for those that don’t wish to deal with the headache of figuring out public transport and facing potential safety risks.

For instance, the Jacamar Pass goes from Quito to Baños three times a week, stopping by Cotopaxi and the Quilotoa crater on the way. If you wish to stay in the Quilotoa area for a few nights, simply hop off the Wanderbus and hop back on when it passes through a couple of days later.

Quilotoa Loop itinerary – an overview

Contrary to popular belief, the Loop is not simply a hike around the rim of the Quilotoa Crater. Far from it! It is actually a customizable, multi-day trek in the region surrounding the Quilotoa crater and into/around the crater itself.

The general route for the Quilotoa Loop goes from:

Quilotoa > Chugchilán > Isinlivi > Sigchos

Many visitors like to start from Quilotoa and head north to Sigchos since the elevation decreases in this direction, which is ideal for beginners. For a more challenging trek, consider starting from Sigchos.

Depending on your level of experience and your travel plans, you can choose to only do part of the Loop in 2 days, or complete the full loop, which takes 4 days. To make the most of this trek, however, we recommend spending at least 3 days on the trail.

Please keep in mind that you may have to add a day at the beginning and end of your trip to arrive and depart the Quilotoa area.

Unlike other multi-day treks, the Quilotoa Loop doesn’t require you to bring along camping equipment. At nearly all of the small towns you’ll visit, you’ll find an affordable hostal that will also provide useful instructions (and sometimes maps) about the next leg of your journey.

Quilotoa Loop Day Trip  

If you’re interested in experiencing this activity in just one day, go directly to the Quilotoa Crater. You’ll have enough time to explore the crater and grab a bite to eat at a restaurant nearby.

Hike around Quilotoa crater

This hike takes you around the rim of the crater, providing incredible views of the crater itself and the surrounding landscape. This is a relatively easy hike, though there are a few narrow spots, and takes about 6-8 hours to complete, depending on your level of fitness and pace.

Hike into the crater

This downhill trek will take you right up the the turquoise waters of Quilotoa lake, where you can rent a canoe for an hour or more and explore this eerie, beautiful place. At over 4,000 meters in altitude (13,000 feet), the hike back up the crater is quite challenging. If you don’t think you’ll manage, you can always hitch a ride up the crater on a donkey.

Quilotoa Loop 2 days – Quilotoa to Chugchilán

If you only have 2 days to do the Quilotoa Loop, we suggest you try not to cram too many activities into each day.

On Day 1, do either of the suggested hikes from the previous section in and around the Quilotoa Crater. That night, stay at one of the hostels near the crater.

On Day 2, start early and begin your hike to the town of Chugchilán. The hike will take you 5 – 7 hours to complete. To read more about this segment of the hike.

Quilotoa Loop 3 days – Quilotoa to Chugchilán to Isinlivi

Doing the Loop over 3 days gives you a chance to visit a few more towns in the area and, because you’d be starting from Quilotoa and hiking downhill, this trek isn’t strenuous. To read more about each of the segments of the hike, jump down to the Complete SECTION.

• On Day 1, hike the 4-6 hours from Quilotoa to Chugchilán.
• On Day 2, hike the 4-6 hours it takes from Chugchilán to Isinlivi.
• On Day 3, hike the final 3-4 hours from Isinlivi to Sigchos, your final destination.

Complete Quilotoa Loop 4 days – Quilotoa to Chugchilán to Isinlivi to Sigchos

The complete Quilotoa Loop takes at least 4 days, depending on how much time you want to spend in each area, and depending on your pace.

Quilotoa – Chugchilan

The trail that takes you between these two towns (11.8 km / 7.33 miles) is one of the most beautiful day hikes in all of Ecuador. Depending on your fitness level, this hike takes between 4 to 6 hours.

At the beginning of the trail, you’ll hike around the rim of Quilotoa’s volcanic crater lake for about one hour. Then, you head down into the valley to arrive at the town of Guayama. During this part of the trail, you’ll enter a canyon and cross the Shihui River at 2,800 mts (9,200 ft). The final stretch involves ascending the canyon for at least one hour until you arrive to Chugchilán. While this hike isn’t extremely challenging, pay close attention to the route and, as always, the weather.

This hike is mostly downhill; however, the final stretch is steep and challenging. It also can be difficult to find the route, especially if the weather is cloudy. There aren’t many signs along the trail, so if in doubt, ask for detailed instructions from your hostal and if they have a map, that’s even better.

Please note that doing this hike in reverse (Chugchilán to Quilotoa) is far more challenging and mostly uphill, taking at least another couple of hours to complete.

Make sure that you have enough time to complete the hike before the afternoon weather moves in; never leave Quilotoa after 1:30 p.m. If you’re hesitant about doing the hike yourself, hire a local guide for $15-20.

• Total hiking distance: 11.8 km (7.33 miles)
• Hiking distance Quilotoa – Guayama San Pedro: 5.2 km (3.23 miles)
• Hiking distance Guayama San Pedro – Chugchilan: 6.6 km (4 miles)
• Hiking time (including stops): 5 – 6 hours
• Altitude Lake Quilotoa: 3914 mts (12,841 ft)
• Altitude Guayama San Pedro: 3,260 mts (10,800 ft)
• Altitude canyon (lowest point): 2,800 mts (9,200 ft)
• Altitude Chugchilán: 3,200 mts (10,500 ft)
• Chugchilan – Isinlivi

The distance between these two towns is 12km (7.46 miles), resulting in a hike of about 4 to 6 hours in duration. There aren’t many signs along the trail, so ask your hostal for instructions or a map.

To start this trail, you’ll need to head out of Chugchilan on the road going towards Sigchos. After about 30 minutes, you’ll see a road on your left going past the cheese factory. Pass this and continue walking until you see a white house with a wooden sign. You’ll see a grassy trail going down on the right. Follow this trail to the first houses of Chinalo. Remember you will have to pass the small villages of Chinalo, Itualo, and the Toachi River. From here, follow the trail onwards, following the instructions provided by your hostel. Never hesitate to ask the locals for directions as well!

Isinlivi – Sigchos

The distance between these two towns is 14km (8.7 miles) and this route is relatively well-marked; there are numerous signposts and spray-painted colors. The trail remains flat, for the most part, and the complete hike takes around 3 to 4 hours.

On this trail, you’ll descend 441 mts (1446 ft) and climb 497 mts (1632 ft). From Llullu Lama, head left and take the first big grassy trail going down to the right. Follow this trail going straight at the crossing – down to a little stream, cross it and follow track up to the road. Follow this road for about 10 minutes. Just before you come to some tall eucalyptus trees, take the grassy track heading down to the left, which leads to the small community of Cochalo de Isinlivi. From here you will have to follow the trail and, thanks to efforts by the Cloud Forest Hostel, it’s possible to find yellow and red signs that indicate the way to Sigchos or Isinlivi.

Nonetheless, make sure to confirm the route regularly with the locals and follow the instructions that the hostel has given you. This is a windy trail that follow a road with very few vehicles. There is a bus leaving Sigchos back to Latacunga at 2:30 pm each day. There are usually other buses at 1:30pm and 4:00pm.

Quilotoa Loop weather:

The Ecuadorian Andes have two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season takes place between June, July, and August. During this time, mornings are usually clear and sunny, however you have to consider that the weather in the mountains can change quickly. Be prepared for all types of weather during the dry season! Due to the altitude of the Quilotoa Loop, the temperatures in most towns range from 0°(32F) to 16°(60F).  

Quilotoa Loop checklist / packing list

• Travel light – leave your luggage and other unnecessary possessions with a hostel at the start of your trek.
• Cash – the last ATM you’ll come across will be in Latacunga, and many of the hostels in the Quilotoa area don’t accept credit or debit cards. Make sure to take out enough cash for your trip and keep it in a secure place.
• Shoes and socks – bring a reliable pair of shoes and socks, preferably waterproof hiking boots and wick dry socks, and sandals to wear when not hiking
• Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunblock, chapstick/lip salve
• Water – carry at least 1 liters of water with you at all times
• First aid kit
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Water protection for backpack
• Windbreaker and rainproof jacket
• Layers for the cold (fleece, under armor, gloves, hat)
• Swimsuit (there are jacuzzis at some hostels and you never know when you’ll want to jump into a river!)
• Toilet paper isn’t always available in public toilets. Make sure to have some handy!
• Snacks: trail mix, cookies, chips/crisps, tuna, wraps, chocolate, sandwiches, etc.

Quilotoa Loop route

You may be wondering why this route is called a loop when in fact it doesn’t circle back to the trailhead. One popular version of the route loops hack from/to Isinlivi along a different route via the village of Malingua Pamba. However, many tourists end up starting from Quilotoa, and due to time constraints, don’t loop back and instead end in Sigchos.

That said, the Quilotoa Loop is highly customizable and there’s no wrong way to go about it. If you search for more details online, you’ll be overwhelmed with the various itineraries that exist and the scarcity of clear maps. It’s important to remain flexible and, while hiking, confirm the route regularly with the locals and follow the instructions that your hostel has given you.

In terms of elevation, as mentioned earlier, the route from Sigchos to Quilotoa is uphill and significantly more demanding.

For the hikers among you that wish to explore some of the Ecuadorian Andes on foot, the Quilotoa Loop is an adventure you can’t pass up!

As you plan your trip, remember to give yourself enough time to see more than just the crater, as the neighboring towns and landscapes around Quilotoa are spectacular. Also, in getting to Quilotoa, consider your mode of transport and choose an option that won’t add unneeded stress to your trip.

If you’re traveling down on the Wanderbus, our guides will provide information on routes to take and the best hostels in each town. Since other like-minded trekkers may also be on the bus, you might find a small group to travel with as well!

Are you ready to begin your journey to Quilotoa? Make a reservation with Wanderbus Ecuador today.

Ecuador 10-day itinerary.

Though ten days in a country offers a better feel of what that country has to offer, Ecuador doubles-down on offering the experience of nature at its most extreme and most diverse… If 5 days takes us up and down the Ecuadorian rollercoaster, 10 days is double the fun. So, sit back and enjoy the

Ecuador 5-day itinerary

Five days in Ecuador is clearly not enough to get to know the country well, but there’s one thing that five days in Ecuador can do. And that is give you a peek at its amazing diversity and distinct “worlds”. Just for that experience alone, 5 days in Ecuador is an exciting adventure that few

Ecuador Tours with local private tour guides

Tourism and travel have evolved throughout the years and we could say that, in this day and age, people are more and more inclined to seek travel experiences in which they control every last part of their journeys. Far have we travelled from the antiquated vision of the 1970s tourist, walking around with a camera

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Quilotoa Tours

What can we offer for you , quilotoa tour.

We do start from your hotel from Quito. Private and personalized day tour.

Quilotoa-Baños

2 day private tour from Quito to Quilotoa with a night in Baños and back to Quito.

Quilotoa-Cotopaxi

2 day private tour from Quito to Quilotoa with a night in Cotopaxi and back to Quito.

   Private Tour

Quilotoa & Cotopaxi

    Baños Town

Artisans & hot springs

    Indigenous

View points & crops

      Volcanoes

Andes & landscape

What Do You Know

About richard hernandez.

Highly recommended tour guide who offers tours on TripAdvisor .

Richard is a professional certified local guide, speaks fluent English and his native Spanish . 23 years of experience and expertise for adjusting the best itineraries based on your tour expectations. Customized tour services to Quilotoa crater lake from Quito. Private tours for couples, families or friends.

Quilotoa Indigenous

In 1985: 20,000 people for the parish of Zumbagua was frequently mentioned; the entire region might have twice that number of indigenous inhabitants. The inhabitants of these high, cold grasslands probably moved here from the hot lowland areas.

Cotopaxi Indigenous

The indigenous people who live in the Cotopaxi area do not have a distinctive ethnic name for themselves beyond that of “Naturales” (natives, autochthonous people) or speakers of “Inga shimi” (Quichua).

Speak To Richard Hernandez at

098-619-3500

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Quilotoa Day Trip

Full day 07h00 - 20h00

Medium activity, pickup 07h00, english and spanish.

Quilotoa Tour from Quito

• Quilotoa look point
• Trekking to the Quilotoa Lagoon
• Artisan Workshop in Tigua

Pick-up and drop-off in the 3 main areas: Carolina, Plaza Foch, Plaza Grande

Visit a traditional house

Visit a traditional house in the moor and learn about the guinea pigs.

Second stop

Hike and visit the Quilotoa Lagoon

The crater of the dormant volcano forms a bowl that collects the azure waters of the lagoon. Its color is due to the accumulation of sulfur. According to legend, this was the scene of the battle between the Quilotoa gods who lived on the surface and Toachi, who was under the lake, because that aroused envy the ability of the first to reflect the color of the sky.

Visit a crafts workshop in the Community of Tigua

Color is the protagonist of the stories that narrate the crafts of Tigua, works that are manufactured by the community of the same name. These paintings bear geometric and figurative forms, typical of the pre-Columbian and colonial times respectively.

Fourth stop

Enjoy the Andean Landscape

We will observe from the car the Toachi River Canyon that covers almost 30 kilometers in length with a drop of 100 meters, offers an unusual Andean landscape as a result of the eruptions of the Quilotoa volcano.

Enjoy your comfortable return to Quito. Drop-off at your hotel is also included.

End of tour

The Quilotoa day tour from Quito includes

• Tourist Transport
• Bilingual Guide (Esp – Eng)
• Entrance to the Quilotoa Lagoon
• Visit the Tigua crafts workshop

Not included

• Other details not specified
• Breakfast and lunch

What to bring

• Hiking shoes

The Quilotoa Lagoon is a captivating natural wonder nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes. Renowned for its stunning turquoise color, this crater lake offers a surreal landscape that mesmerizes visitors. It is a perfect spot for hiking and panoramic views, surrounded by towering mountains. Adventurers can also descend to the crater’s bottom to explore the lagoon up close. Nearby villages provide an authentic cultural experience with friendly locals and traditional handicrafts. Quilotoa is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and adventure in Ecuador. Take advantage of the opportunity to witness the breathtaking allure of Quilotoa Lagoon.

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Shared tour

$ 49 adults $ 40 children (6 to 12 years old)

Salidas en fechas específicas

Small groups

$ 59 / person (4+ passengers) $ 60 / person (3 passengers) $ 85 / person  (2 passengers) $155 / person (1 passengers)

Private Tour

$ 79 / person (5+ passengers) $ 89 / person (4 passengers) $109 / person (3 passengers) $149 / person  (2 passengers) $239 / person (1 passengers)

Similar experiences

Visit the turquoise lagoon in the crater of the volcano

Hiking and relaxing in the hot springs pools

Tour to the largest craft market in Latin America

Tour to the National Park and hike to the refuge

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How to Plan a Trip to Quilotoa Lake in Ecuador

Quilotoa Lake (Laguna Quilotoa) is one of the most beautiful crater lakes in Ecuador. Therefore, taking a trip to Quilotoa Lake is becoming more and more popular amongst visitors to the country. There are many ways you can visit the crater lake, depending on how much time you have and how much you enjoy hiking.

In this blog post we’ve put together the most popular ways you can get to Quilotoa Lake and what hiking options you have around the lagoon. We hope this will give you an idea of how much time you’ll need to plan for Quilotoa Lake when you’re putting together your Ecuador itinerary.

If you’d like to see our trip to Quilotoa Lake, then check out our dedicated  Baños video  on our  YouTube Channel.  For more Ecuador videos check out our  Ecuador Playlist.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

About Quilotoa Lake in Ecuador

Located to the south-west of Quito, to the west of the city of Latacunga, is the stunning Quilotoa Lake (Laguna Quilotoa). Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. It has a beautiful 3 km wide caldera lake which attracts visitors from all over the world. The crater was formed after a volcanic eruption in 1280. The volcano has been dormant ever since.

Quilotoa lake has a beautiful green and turquoise colour which comes from the dissolved volcanic minerals from its past eruptions. It is about 250 m deep, although the level of the lake has been slowly declining. The highest point along the crater is 3,914 m (12,841 ft), and the tiny town of Quilotoa is around 3,850 m (12,631 ft).

• How to Spend 3 Weeks in Ecuador
• 7 Best Day Trips and Multi-Day Trips from Quito, Ecuador

Depending on how long you spend in Ecuador and how much you enjoy hiking, you have the option to visit Quilotoa Lake as a day trip, multi-day trip or multi-day hike.

Day Trip to Quilotoa Lake

In case you don’t have too much time or you don’t fancy hiking a lot, then a day trip is the best option for you. There are multiple places you can take a day trip to Quilotoa Lake from.

Quito. The most popular place to visit Quilotoa Lake from is Quito, as it’s located about a 3 hour drive to the south-west of the capital. If you’re on a day trip from Quito, you’ll most likely only be able to do the hike down to the shore of the lagoon. Day-tours normally also include a few extra stops at viewpoints, markets and other places along the way. You can check out this day tour from Quito.

Baños. A less popular place to take a day trip to Quilotoa Lake from is Baños. The lagoon is located about the same distance from Baños as it is from Quito. We actually took a day trip from here, and ended up having a private tour. This was great because we could have slightly more control over the day and weren’t stuck in a big group. You can check out this day tour from Baños.

Multi-Day Trip or Hike to Quilotoa Lake

For those who enjoy hiking and would be able to fit a multi-day adventure into their Ecuador itinerary, a 2-3 day trip to Quilotoa Lake is perfect.

By planning on staying in the area for a few nights, you’ll get to experience this part of the country a bit more than you would on a day trip. During your multi-day adventure you can complete the Quilotoa Loop , which takes you through multiple remote villages, starting from Sigchos and finishing in Quilotoa. This is actually similar to what we did in the Sacred Valley in Peru.

If this multi-day hike sounds like a lot of effort then you can always just base yourself in Latacunga, explore the city, and then visit Quilotoa Lake from there. This is great if you can only allow for an overnight stay in the area before heading to other destinations such as Cotopaxi National Park or Baños. If you still want to do some hiking, then this itinerary is perfect for completing the Quilotoa Lake rim hike. We’ll go into a bit more detail on these hikes in the sections below.

Hikes Around Quilotoa Lake

There are a few different hikes you can complete around Quilotoa Lake, some of which we’ve already briefly mentioned above. You can check out our AllTrails map , which details three popular routes as follows:

• Quilotoa Lake descent hike – red route;
• Quilotoa Lake perimeter hike – green route; and
• Quilotoa Loop – purple route.

1. Quilotoa Lake Descent Hike (A Popular Hike for Those on a Day Trip)

A popular hiking option for those visiting on a day trip is to hike down to the shore of the lake from Quilotoa village. It’s a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) out-and-back trail with about 350 m of elevation gain.

Don’t be fooled by the short length of this trail though. It is actually quite a challenging hike for a few reasons. Firstly, the trail is very steep and also slippery. If you have knee problems, you might struggle with the descent. Although, we did see some visitors walking down in small heels. I need to know their secret of how they don’t twist an ankle!

Of course, the way down is just one of the challenges. You’ll have to climb back up that same steep hill. Again, that’s not the easiest thing to do at around 3,800 m above sea level. If you think you would struggle with the uphill, you can always rent a mule to take you back up.

Once you’ve reached Playita you can just enjoy your surroundings or rent a kayak for a fun activity on the lake.

2. Quilotoa Lake Rim Hike (A Great Hike for Those on a Multi-Day Trip)

If you decide to do a DIY multi-day trip to Quilotoa Lake, then you’ll have the chance to hike along the crater’s rim. Since this trail is nearly 11 km (7 mi) long, you would need to dedicate most of the day to completing it.

You can stay in Latacunga and take a bus from there to Quilotoa village early in the morning. Depending on when you’re visiting, it’s always best to start your hike early, as clouds can roll in later on and you might end up hiking without any views.

The trail is very up and down and can be challenging for some. You’ll have gained around 550 m of elevation by the end.

3. Quilotoa Loop (The Best Multi-Day Self-Guided Hike in Ecuador)

The Quilotoa Loop is a well-known multi-day self-guided hike in Ecuador. The nearly 40 km (25 mi) long trek connects remote villages in the Andes such as Sigchos, Isinlivi, Chugchilan, and Quilotoa.

On average, hikers complete the Quilotoa Loop in about 3 days. You can always extend it by a day or two if you find the trek difficult. Or you can make it shorter by starting in Isinlivi. The trail will take you through valleys, along rivers, and up mountains and you can really enjoy the remoteness of being in the Ecuadorian countryside. You’ll be hiking between 2,800 m and 3,900 m and will have a lot of descents and ascents. At the end, your reward will be Quilotoa Lake, one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the country.

To get to the trailhead, you would first need to travel to Latacunga from where you can take a local bus to Sigchos. You can leave your big bag at your accommodation in Latacunga, as most hotels and hostels will offer this service at an affordable price. We had a similar arrangement when we hiked the Valbona Pass in the Albanian Alps. Then, once you’ve reached Quilotoa village, you can just take a local bus back to Latacunga.

Entry Fee to Quilotoa Lake

It’s worth noting that you will have to pay a $2 USD entry fee to the village of Quilotoa. If you’re on a tour, then this might be included in the price, but it’s worth confirming when you’re booking.

Where to Eat on Your Trip to Quilotoa Lake

If you’re visiting with a day-tour, then we highly recommend reading about what’s included in your package. Many tours will stop for breakfast en-route to Quilotoa, but this breakfast is hardly ever included in the price. More often than not you will only get lunch included, but it’s worth double checking before your trip.

If you’re on a multi-day adventure, then we recommend booking an accommodation with breakfast included. There are plenty of places to eat in Latacunga if you’re staying there to visit Quilotoa Lake. You can find a few local places offering food in the village of Quilotoa too.

If you’re hiking the Quilotoa Loop, then you can book accommodations that offer breakfast and dinner. In addition, you can usually also pay extra for the place to prepare you a packed lunch, so all three meals will be sorted for you. We recommend coming prepared with some additional healthy snacks that you can consume over the course of your multi-day hike though. In terms of drinking water, we recommend investing in a filtered water-bottle to reduce your plastic waste. You can buy bigger bottles of water in the small villages to cut down on using lots of small plastic bottles too.

Where to Stay on Your Trip to Quilotoa Lake

If you’re visiting on a day trip, then of course you’ll be back at your original destination by the evening. However, if you’re planning to do a multi-day trip, then you can base yourself in Latacunga .

For those wanting to complete the Quilotoa Loop, we recommend booking a night in the main villages along the trek. Most hikers spend the night before their first hiking day in Latacunga, which is easy to get to from Quito. It is a much bigger place, which means you’ll have more options to eat and buy snacks for the upcoming hike. You can always store your luggage here and then pick it up when you return from Quilotoa. Then you can spend the next few nights in Isinlivi , Chugchilan and Quilotoa .

How To Avoid Altitude Sickness at Quilotoa Lake

Whether you’re just visiting with a day-tour or completing the Quilotoa Loop, you’ll be at high altitude. If you’re planning on taking a day-trip from Quito, we recommend spending a few days there to acclimatise before visiting Quilotoa Lake.

To be honest, if you spend a few days in Quito , which is already at 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level, then you’ll most likely be fine.

If you want to hike the Quilotoa Loop, then we suggest visiting places such as the TeleferiQo in Quito or Cotopaxi National Park first, to get used to being way above 3,500 m (11,482 ft).

Final Thoughts on a Trip to Quilotoa Lake in Ecuador

Whilst we would’ve loved to visit Quilotoa Lake on a multi-day adventure, we’re still happy that we decided to visit on a day trip from Baños. The lake was just as beautiful as we’d seen it on photos beforehand, so overall it was totally worth the long time spent in the car to get there. Having a private tour gave us the chance to have a bit more control over the day, but also to get to know our guides and learn a bit more about Ecuador.

Have you ever visited Quilotoa Lake in Ecuador? If you did, did you take a day trip or multi-day trip to Quilotoa Lake? If not, would you visit this beautiful crater lake in Ecuador? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

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loads of info! and great photos! beautiful lake too. 😍

Thank you Karan, Quilotoa is a fantastic place.

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• May 15, 2021
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Quilotoa Crater Visit: 3-Day Loop Trek vs Quito Day Trip

Quilotoa loop vs day trip from quito comparison.

Here’s a breakdown and comparison of the costs, timings and advantages and disadvantages of the Quilotoa Loop vs visiting the crater on a day trip from Quito.

We’ve also included the overnight stay as a third option for those of you who want to visit the Quilotoa Crater without a tour. This option may work best for travellers continuing south through Ecuador.

 Here’s a simple comparison table to help you decide:

So, which choice is best for you? The Quilotoa Loop or a day trip from Quito?

To summarise:

• If you are looking for adventure, love hiking, and love nature then go for the 3-day Quilotoa Loop trek
• If you are short on time and aren’t heading south at all, but really want to see the crater then go for the day trip from Quito
• If you are short on time or just don’t like trekking but are heading south on to Banos or Guayaquil afterwards, then go for the overnight stay.

QUilotoa Loop Guide

The Quilotoa Loop is a 3-day self-guided trek through the Andean mountains. It’s popular among backpackers and hikers looking to get off the beaten tourist path and have an adventure.

The trek starts from the town of Latacunga , where you then take a bus to the first of 3 small towns in the countryside. From here you find the beginning of the trail and start trekking.

Each day you trek around 15km to the next town and stay there the night.

Most people bring a small backpack (40L) to keep the weight down as it can be a tough trek. Each day you descend into a valley (which is the easy bit) before climbing back out. Doing this with a 40L backpack makes it a lot harder.

Then next day you do a similar trek taking you to the next town, before finally reaching the town of Quilotoa on the final day.

For the full guide on the Quilotoa Loop and how to prepare for it, head to the post below:

• How To Plan and Hike The Quilotoa Loop

How Long Does The Quilotoa Loop Take?

The Quilotoa Loop takes 3 days minimum to complete.

However, you can decide to stay extra nights in each of the towns you stop at to extend the trip. There are other hiking trails and places to explore from each town.

Backpackers will also want to consider planning an extra day after, either in Latacunga or Quilotoa, for rest and recovery. Your legs will be destroyed.

Overall, we recommend planning 5 days into your itinerary for completing the Quilotoa Loop:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Latacunga, packing and planning
• Day 2 – Bus to Sigchos, start the trek from Sigchos to Isinlivi
• Day 3 – Trek from Isinlivi to Chugchilan
• Day 4 – Trek from Chugchilan to Quilotoa
• Day 5 – Extra day at Quilotoa Crater or return to Latacunga

Check out our Ecuador backpacking itineraries to see how you can fit the Quilotoa Loop into your plans:

• The Essential Ecuador 1 Month Backpacking Itinerary
• How To Spend 3 Weeks Backpacking Ecuador

Quilotoa Loop: Pros and Cons

Here are some things you will want to consider when deciding on whether to do the Quilotoa Loop or just stick to the day trip from Quito:

One of the best things about the Quilotoa Loop is it’s a great way to stick to a budget.

Each day you spend around $33 , most of which goes on the hostel (and includes your breakfast and dinner). The rest of your money goes on buying a packed lunch for the day and then any extra drinks or snacks you have in the evenings.

For the full budget breakdown and to see how much we spent, check out this post:

• The Quilotoa Loop Budget: How To Spend Under $100 in 3 Days

Quilotoa Crater Day Trip Guide (From Quito)

The information in this part is based on a Quilotoa crater day tour offered by CarpeDM , a tour company in Quito.

The tour costs $5, lasts the full day (10-12 hours) and starts at 6.30 AM for breakfast in Quito.

If booked on a Thursday or Sunday, you will stop at a small town to visit the local indigenous market. Then you will drive to the Quilotoa Crater.

You will have lunch in Quilotoa and then you get 2 hours at the crater for walking around, taking pictures and kayaking on the lake if you want before returning to Quito.

Here is the tour itinerary:

• 06:30 AM – Meet at offices in Quito for breakfast
• 09:30 AM – Explore Saquisili/Pujili (only on Thursday or Sunday)
• 10:30 AM   – Depart for Laguna Quilotoa
• 13:30 PM – Lunch at Quilotoa, begin descent into Laguna
• 15:00 PM – Explore Laguna – optional kayaking
• 15:30 PM – Return ascent to crater
• 16:30 PM – Begin drive back
• 19:00 PM – Arrive in Quito

We’ve heard good things about the CarpeDM tour company. They can be found inside the Secret Garden Hostel in the old town if you are looking to speak to someone in person.

• CarpeDM – Quilotoa Crater Tour From Quito

Or here’s an example from Viator (costing $69) if you want to book online:

• Viator – Quilotoa Full Day Tour From Quito

Quilotoa Day Trip From Quito: Pros and Cons

This option will be best for travellers short on time and who aren’t travelling far from Quito:

In our opinion, if you are short on time and looking to do a day trip from Quito to see more of the country then this isn’t the best choice.

Cotopaxi National Park is an hour and a half drive from Quito and Cotopaxi Volcano is a must-see. You will spend less time on transport and get more out of the day whilst seeing one of the best sights in Ecuador. If you’re looking to book a day tour from Quito then we suggest going with Cotopaxi over Quilotoa. 

For more information on tours to Cotopaxi from Quito, check out the post below:

• The Best Day Tours From Quito: Are They Worth It?

Quilotoa Crater Without A Tour

The final option is to travel to Quilotoa by yourself without a tour and stay overnight.

This is the best option for those of you who don’t want to do the full 3-day hike but are still travelling around Ecuador afterwards. Most backpackers will go on to Banos or Guayaquil after visiting Quilotoa.

We wouldn’t recommend visiting Quilotoa without a tour and returning to Quito all in one day. This would be a hectic day with a lot of time spent on public transport. We think it’s best to stay one night so you get more time at the crater.

The cost of this option is dependent on the hostel you book and where you eat but you should aim for roughly $40-60. A hostel should cost $20-30, the entrance fee to Quilotoa is $10 and then $10 for a meal. If you can, try to book a hostel that includes breakfast and dinner.

Quilotoa Crater is one of our 12 reasons for visiting and backpacking Ecuador. For more great reasons, check out the post below:

• 12 Great Reasons Why You Should Visit Ecuador In 2022

How To Get To Quilotoa From Quito

To get from Quito to Quilotoa, you need to take an early morning bus from the  Quitumbe bus terminal  in Quito to  Latacunga . Buses are frequent, so you shouldn’t be waiting for long. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and costs around $2.

Once you reach Latacunga, you need to jump on a second bus to Quilotoa . This takes around 2 hours and costs another $2.

If you leave Quito early in the morning, you should be in Quilotoa by the afternoon and you will have time to check out the crater or even complete the trek around it. Or you can wait and do it in the morning.

Be sure to check out our guides on Quito if you are staying there for a while:

• The 19 Best Things To Do In Quito As A Backpacker
• The Perfect 3-Day Quito Itinerary
• The 10 Best Backpacker Hostels In Quito

Things To Do In Quilotoa

Walk around the crater – The best thing to do at Quilotoa is the hiking trail around the crater. The trail is 10km and takes between 3-4 hours to make it all the way around. There are several viewpoints around the edge, and you will get incredible views of the crater and surrounding mountain scenery at every point.

Make sure to bring a good windbreaker and a hat as the wind is powerful at the crater. Check out our Quilotoa Loop packing list for recommendations:

• Quilotoa Loop Packing List

Rent a kayak – you can walk down to the lake and rent a kayak. Kayaks cost $5 to rent.

Where To Stay In Quilotoa

Hostels and hotels in Quilotoa can be more expensive due to the number of tourists visiting the crater on tours. A lot of hostels offer breakfast and dinner included in the price to cater to the hikers completing the loop.

The town is small and basically, a single road that leads up to the crater viewpoint, so you won’t have any trouble finding your place.

Here are our top picks for where to stay in Quilotoa:

• Hostal Chukirawa – from $30, includes breakfast and is popular among solo travellers – Booking.com
• Martita’s House Hostal – from $20 and includes breakfast and dinner – Booking.com
• Runa Wasi Quilotoa – from $20 and includes breakfast only – Booking.com

We stayed at Chukirawa and loved it. The twin private room was cosy, with a warm, powerful shower which was much needed after three days of trekking. The rooms have a small log burner in them, and a member of staff will come in the evening to light it, making it even cosier.

The breakfast is like all the others you get in Ecuador – fruit, eggs, bread, and jam. The restaurant in the hostel has a wide range of food options to suit most people for dinner as well.

All the hostels on the loop are great and do a lot to make hikers feel welcome and well-rested. For more information on our favourite hostels on the loop:

• The Best Hostels On The Quilotoa Loop

Quilotoa Crater Without A Tour: Pros and Cons

Go for this option if you aren’t a big hiker but want to see the crater anyway:

If you are continuing to travel Ecuador after Quilotoa then the next logical step should be Banos. Be sure to check out our guides so you have the best time there:

• Banos 4 Day Itinerary & Guide

If you are planning an extended South America trip , then don’t miss out on our expertly planned itineraries that take you on the best routes around the continent:

• 4 Epic 1-Month South America Backpacking Itineraries
• The Perfect 3-Month South America Itinerary
• How Much Does It Cost To Travel South America For One Month?

Popular South America Posts

For more popular posts on South America that include everything from expertly curated itineraries to detailed country guides, check out some of the posts below:

• The Ideal 1-Month Backpacking Itinerary For Peru, Bolivia & Chile
• How To Budget For A Month In South America 
• The Perfect 2-Month South America Itinerary For Budget Backpackers
• The Ideal 3-Month South America Backpacking Itinerary
• 4 Perfectly Planned 10-Day Itineraries For South America 

Popular Ecuador Posts

For more popular posts on Cusco from restaurant guides to hostel lists, check out some of the posts below:

• The Best Things To Do In Quito As A Backpacker
• How To Visit Cotopaxi National Park
• The Complete Guide To The Quilotoa Loop 
• How To Visit Pailon Del Diablo In Banos
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Joe Bayfield

Hi I'm Joe Bayfield, Bayf for short. I love South America and want people to visit this incredible continent. I’ve travelled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and also lived in Lima, Medellin and Buenos Aires. I write detailed South America itineraries to help you plan your next adventure!

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Quilotoa Loop 3-day hike vs day trip to the crater lake

The Quilotoa crater lake is one of the highlights of Ecuador. A gorgeous deep blue lagoon in the heart of an active volcano, right in the midst of the Andes. This astonishing landmark can be visited without a guide by either a 2 to 3-day hike, known as the Quilotoa Loop or as a day trip from the main cities of the country. Here are all the details you need to know to properly visit the Quilotoa Crater Lake.

South America is a hot destination at the moment and the Quilotoa Crater is a firm favourite among the best things to do in Ecuador. The main reasons are that Quilotoa is accessible , cheap and purely breathtaking.

Imagine rolling mountains and dry valleys overlooked by a few of the highest active volcanoes on earth. In the middle, a 3-km wide crater filled with deep blue water which, on sunny days, reflects the light and the surrounding craggy cliffs.

Well for once, this is not just one of these places you can only reach by joining a tour, trekking for days with camping gear and dried food or even spending a fortune to have the chance to admire the view for only a few minutes… Nope! You can visit the Quilotoa Crater Lake in a day, for $5 . Maybe 2-days if you want to spend more time there.

Oh, hey hang on there… if you really want to, you can also hike  the loop for less than $70 per person for 3 days… Are you not convinced yet? Keep reading, we’ll share with you our best tips and photos whether you are looking into hiking the Quilotoa Loop or prefer visiting for a day.

QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE: DAY TRIP VS QUILOTOA LOOP HIKE

• The Quilotoa Crater Lake, Ecuador

What to do at the Quilotoa Laguna?

Hiking the quilotoa loop without a guide, where do you start the quilotoa loop from, how to get to the start of the trek, is the trail well indicated.

• How much does a DIY hike of the Quilotoa loop cost?
• Can you do the loop without hiking?

From Quito/Latacunga

• Join a tour
• Where to stay near the Quilotoa crater?
• Where to stay on the Quilotoa Loop?
• Essential Information

Planning a trip to Ecuador? Read our dedicated backpacking guides to prepare for your trip

• Isla de la Plata Ecuador – bird and whale watching tour
• 5 budget-friendly day trips from Quito
• Baños de Agua Santa – 4 amazing things to do on a budget
• Cotopaxi National Park: Hiking to the Volcano Refuge Without A Tour
• Ecuador beaches: 5 amazing towns along the coast

The Quilotoa Crater Lake | Ecuador

The Quilotoa Crater is found in Ecuador , 180 km south of the capital city Quito . It is one of the many volcanos that is dotted along the northern part of the Andean chain, such as Cotopaxi volcano . The region is in fact, highly renowned for its high altitude and its volcanic activity.

The Quilotoa is an active volcano that last erupted in the late 13th-century during which, the top of the volcano collapsed creating a 3-km wide caldera. Since t hen, the caldera has filled up with water to form a beautiful crater lake.

• Admire the landscape : That’s not a surprise, but it worth mentioning it. From the rim of the crater, the view over the lake, the surrounding mountains and valley are breathtaking. If you do not feel like walking around, take a seat at the wooden terraces near the car park, and take in what you see. It’s not an everyday landscape.
• Hike down into the crater: You can take a 30-min stroll inside of the crater to get closer to the lake, but be aware that it is very steep and the way back up may take a good hour (or more). If you are not enthusiastic about this workout at 3,900 m above sea level, we understand and so do the villagers. This is why, once at the bottom, you can rent a donkey to ride up the caldera – about $10 for 45 minutes ride. But in fairness, if you take your time, you can do it. So why not take the challenge and give the donkey a well-deserved rest?
• Rent a kayak : once at the bottom of the caldera, you can rent a kayak and go exploring the lake on your own. Last we checked it was $3.
• Hike all the way around the crater   rim : This is a nice walk that constantly goes up and down and takes you all around the crater. You are sure to not miss a single angle of its beauty. We wouldn’t recommend doing it if the wind is strong as it can get a bit dodgy. 
• Camp inside the crater: the ultimate experience is to actually camp right on the side of the lake, in the campsite called “Columpio de Playas De Quilotoa”. If you are lucky and the sky is free of clouds, there are no doubts you will have a magical night filled with shining stars.

Note:  you do not have to pay $2 to enter the crater anymore. The access is free wherever you arrive from.

Quilotoa is also known for its beautiful 2 to 3-day hike called the Quilotoa Loop or Quilotoa Traverse . With its affordable cost and impressive landscapes, this off-the-beaten-path adventure is a favourite when it comes to budget backpacking and lover of nature or outdoor sports.

If you are looking to experience the Ecuadorian countryside with its remote farms, lost in the midst of rolling mountains, you are in the right place. The Quilotoa loop links small quiet villages where the time seems to have slowed down and where it feels good to lay back and relax after a good walk. It is a gorgeous hike where you will cross rivers, traverse valleys, hike up steep cliffs and come across small Quechua communities living and working in these highlands.

The Quilotoa loop is however not for the fainted heart . Whether you choose to keep the Crater Lake as your final reward or use it as the starting point, meaning hiking steadily up or going mostly down, you need to acknowledge the fact hiking at altitude can be difficult. The trek isn’t technically complicated which is why it can be easily done without a guide. Yet, expect to be challenged at times and remember to always keep your focus on your breathing and balance. You will also need to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep hydrated and avoid headaches due to the shortage of oxygen and intense sun.

NEXT: Cotopaxi volcano without a tour

You will more than likely start your day in Latacunga where you can either take a bus to Isinlivi/Sigchos or the Quilotoa Crater. If you choose the first option, the hike will mostly go up. This will leave the gorgeous mirroring waters of the crater until your last day as a reward for your efforts. You can also choose to complete the hike in 2 or 3 days depending on where you start and end.

By starting in Sigchos , you will need to hike 4 to 5 hours on a well-marked trail to Isinlivi where you will spend your first night, then to Chugchilan the next day before reaching the crater on day 3. If you start in Isinlivi , you save a day of hiking. We would, however, recommend getting into town early in order to enjoy your stay longer at one of the best hostels in South America: the Llullu Llama (see below).

The reverse route (from the crater to Isinlivi or Sigchos) is easier but you won’t have a lot of time to spend at the crater if you need to hike 6 hours to Chugchilan. Some prefer staying in Quilotoa village or near it before starting the hike the next day.

From Latacunga it is very easy to get to either Sigchos/Isinlivi or the Crater rim. For this, you will have to take a local bus from the main bus terminal in Quito in the morning. If you prefer to transit directly from Quito (like us), you will need to catch the first bus of the day from the Terminal Terres tre Quitumbe  to Latacunga and change the bus. It is a great option if you are planning on going back to Quito after, so you can just leave your bags in your hostel and head to the trail without worrying about your belongings.

If you are travelling north to south or south to north, it is better to travel to Latacunga, spend the night there (leave your bags in your hostel’s luggage storage) and hop on a bus to the start of the trail the next morning.

GREAT READ: Visiting Isla de la Plata and whale watching

Most of the signs are made by the hostels along the trek (good advertising) but can disappear with bad weather or be obsolete from a day to another (in case of an issue with the trail such as landslides). Sometimes different signs from different hostels direct trekkers in opposite directions… (!) But a lot of efforts have been made in the last few months to improve the signalisation along the trail. You will probably get lost a couple of times but that’s part of the Quilotoa Loop experience .

Just make sure to have an offline map on your phone and enough battery to use the GPS – we recommend Maps.me which was really useful for us. Hostels also provide detailed itineraries but that might sometimes be out of date. Team up with the other hikers, it may be just as fun to look for the trail together… 

HOW MUCH DOES A SELF-GUIDED HIKE  OF THE QUILOTOA LOOP COST?

Hiking the Quilotoa Loop isn’t that expensive. All the hostels offer breakfast and dinner in their rates which make the organisation of the hike easier. You will only need to carry supplies to make sandwiches for lunch and your favourite snacks. You can buy all you need near the bus station at the huge commercial centre “Supermercados Santamaria”,  on the Carretera Panamerica . If you prefer not to carry snacks, there are small shops in the villages with very limited supplies. These will be more expensive, but the money will help the community.

Cost of a 3-day hike (per person) – From Quito, returning to Latacunga

TRANSPORT Quito city centre to Quitumbe bus terminal: $0.50 – 30 minutes Bus: Quito to Latacunga: $2.30 – 2 hours Bus: Latacunga to Sigchos: $2.30 – 2 hours Bus: Quilotoa to Latacunga: $2 – 2 hours

ACCOMMODATION 1st night – private room at  Llullu Llama : $20 pp – 3-course meal and full breakfast included 2nd night – private room at  Cloud Forest : $15 pp – dinner and breakfast included 3rd night – private room at  Sendero de Volcanes  Latacunga.- $8.50 pp

FOOD & EXTRAS Groceries in Latacunga: $10.75 for 2 Beer – $10.50 for 2 Water – $2.50 for 2 Snacks (chips & fruit): $3 for 2 Lunch in Quilotoa (menu del dia): $5 each

TOTAL COST FOR 2 : $132 TOTAL COST PER PERSON, PER DAY:  $22

Can you DO the loop without hiking?

Yes, you can! But unless you have a car, it might take a bit of time to hop from one village to another as you will depend on buses, milk trucks and local villagers. Our recommendation is to try to hitch-hike and not only depend on local transportation. The villages on this route are Saquisili, Panchaloma, Sigchos, Isinlivi, Chugchilan, Quilotoa, Zumbahua and Pujili.

Take a Quilotoa Crater Day Trip

If you don’t have enough time or don’t feel like hiking 3 days at high altitudes, that is fair enough. The good thing about the Quilotoa Crater Lake is that you can visit on a day trip from either Latacunga, Baños or Quito. For once, the beauties of this planet are not only reserved for the hikers and the long-term travellers like Torres del Paine in Chile or the Maragua Crater in Bolivia! The second good news is that you do not need a guide and can easily get there on your own.

Take an early bus from the terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Latacunga ($2 – 2 hours) and change there to Quilotoa. You will pay at the bus terminal of Latacunga ($3) for local transport to Zumbahua and a jeep ride until Quilotoa (2 hours). The entire journey should take 4 to 5 hours depending on how long you have to wait in Latacunga for the next bus. To come back, there will be a direct bus from Quilotoa to Latacunga where you can change to get back to Quito.

As a day trip, Quito-Quilotoa-Quito means a lot of time spent on transportation. It is absolutely possible, however, we would recommend spending the night in Quilotoa or Latacunga in order to have more time on-site to enjoy the Quilotoa Crater Lake. If you come from the Cotopaxi National Park , go to the main highway and flag bus heading to Latacunga and follow the above itinerary.

You can take a bus heading to Quito and ask to be dropped in Latacunga. Note this bus doesn’t enter in the city and that you will be left on the side of the highway (stop known as “ La Lateral “) and will need to catch a taxi to get to Latacunga bus terminal.

You can also choose to go to Ambato by bus and change to Latacunga. The issue is that you will also need to take a taxi in Ambato because the place you are dropped off isn’t the same spot as the one the bus to Latacunga leaves from.

In both cases, coming from Baños is tricky because of the multiple changes. It is the same situation if you were to do the reverse route, from Latacunga to Baños. If we had to pick one, we would go to “La Lateral” as the buses are more frequent than to or from Ambato. For day trips from Baños, visitors usually prefer to hire a private driver or take a day tour.

Getting to Quilotoa by car

If you are not fond of buses and multiple changes, you can rent a car and visit the Quilotoa Crater for a day. It may be a bit less budget-friendly but it will save you a lot of time and you will also be able to visit places that you cannot reach by bus.

There is a free car park in Quilotoa village, less than 300 m away from the crater rim. It is the best way for people in a rush, travellers with young children or anyone with difficulties to walk.

Likewise, it is an excellent choice if you are a group as you can split the cost by 4 or 5. Worldwide rental car companies have stores in Ambato, Riobamba and Quito but you can also find local agencies in smaller towns.

Where to stay near the Quilotoa Crater?

Here is a list of different places where you can stay in the region of the Quilotoa Crater. This should help you prepare for the hike but also if you decide to visit the crater for a day with an overnight nearby.

Hostel Sendero de Volcanes : this is where we stayed after our hike. The hostel is quiet, clean with a kitchen and a rooftop bar. They also have a travel agency and organise trips to Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños. The price was very affordable: $17 for a double room with a shared bathroom or $10 for a dorm. Not sure if the breakfast was included as we had to leave very early in the morning to hike the Cotopaxi volcano on our own.

We liked the fact it was lively and that most people were getting prepared for the different hikes in the area. A great thing if you are looking for travel buddies. =>>> Also on booking.com.

Hotel Endamo : We had been recommended the Hotel Endamo in Latacunga, but it was a bit above our daily budget. If you are travelling with your family or are not travelling on shoestring, it is the perfect place. It offers ensuite rooms with king-size beds and an excellent location. =>>> Have a look here at the photos and type of rooms available.

Where to stay along the Quilotoa Loop?

Eco-lodge Llullu Llama : This hostel is a must-go-to. Even if you don’t want to hike the Quilotoa Loop, take a bus and spend the night there! Llullu Llama is a Mountain Lodge loved by hikers that have now become one of the most important parts of the Quilotoa Loop experience. Entirely made of wood, the lodge offers rooms for all types of wallets. From single beds in dorms to private doubles, cabanas and luxury cottages.

The terrace overlooks a gorgeous valley and the sunset is one of the best we have seen in Ecuador. At night, the 3-course dinner is served on familial tables contributing to the incredible atmosphere of the hostel, creating exchange and experience sharing.

The hostel also has a spa (steam room and jacuzzi) available for $10 but was offered to us for free during our stay to apologise for construction work (we had not noticed). It is worth the extra money. =>>> Here is a link to check Llullu Llama’s availabilities and rates .

Chugchilian

Cloud Forest : On our second night, we chose to stay at the Cloud Forest just because it had multiple hammocks that looked very appealing to us after a long morning hike! The cloud forest is a huge wooden house offering a lot of rooms to hikers. For only $15 per person, we thought it was a very affordable place to stay for a private double-ensuite room, considering dinner and breakfast were included in the price.

The Cloud Forest is right on the side of the trail of the Quilotoa Loop and therefore cannot be missed. It has large terraces and yes, a lot of hammocks. We didn’t leave them for a second. It was just so good to rest in the sun with a nice book. Highly recommended. =>>> Also on, booking.com .

For similar offers, you can also look at the Hostel El Vaquero and the Hostal Taita Cristobal .

For those preferring to stay in Quilotoa for a night, either after the Quilotoa Loop hike or as part of a day trip, you should have a look at the Hostal Chukirawa  which includes dinner and breakfast in their fees. =>>> Click here for more details.

Essential Information before hiking the Quilotoa Loop

• Find Travel buddies on Facebook groups: Backpacking Ecuador –  South America Backpacking / Traveling –  Backpacking South America
• Leave all your belongings that you won’t need at your hostel in Latacunga, Quito or Baños. Only take a small bag with what you need to hike, no need to carry heavy stuff at 3,500 m! You can pick up food and water along the way, but it would be a good idea to have something with you. Most hostels will store your stuff while you are away. It is usually free and safe. Just make sure the luggage storage is correctly locked.
• From Sigchos to Quilotoa, the trek takes you from 2,600 masl to 3,900 masl . This is high altitude . If you are not used to staying this high, it is recommended to acclimatise for a few days before. It is important to stay hydrated and to go back down if you get sick. For more information follow this link and talk with your doctor prior to your travel.
• Weather can change drastically at this altitude and temperatures can drop really low. Make sure to bring clothes for all weather that don’t weight a lot or take up too much space.
• Be careful on the rim at the Quilotoa Crater if it is windy . The trail is very narrow in parts and the cliffs are very steep. When the wind blows strongly, sit down onto your feet rapidly and wait for it to calm. Do not put a cover on your bag. In strong winds, it can act as a parachute which is highly dangerous.
• We would also recommend using hiking poles when you hike in altitude. On top of keeping your ankles and knees from injuries, it helps with the balance and saves a lot of energy. In a low oxygen environment, saving effort is key.
• Bring also good hiking shoes to avoid hurting yourself on loose rocks and think about convertible hiking pants. The weather can change quickly and you will be able to change from pants to shorts in no time!
• Be aware of farm dogs . Like anywhere else in the world, farm dogs protect their land and will show aggressiveness if you get to close to their territory.  A strange thing that works extremely well, is to fake (or not) grabbing something on the floor. In dog language, this means danger and it will run away. A good practice is to always keep stones in your pocket in case dogs approach you too much. If you use the fake grabbing technique you will be just fine anyway.
• There are no ATMs along the Quilotoa Loop and hostels will more than likely not take credit cards. Make sure to bring enough cash with you. Ecuador uses the US Dollar as the national currency.
• Accommodations have access to the internet and provide free wifi. This was not always the case. But let’s make a pact and use the Quilotoa Loop as an excuse to disconnect from the world for a few days!

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ABOUT THE  AUTHOR

Jen  –  Owner, writer & photographer – has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. She has visited more than  60 countries  and set foot on every continent in the world!

>>  Favourite countries : New Zealand, Bolivia, Iceland. >>  Wishlist : Svalbard, Japan, Botswana, Alaska. >>  Philosophy : “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Jen is a coffee nerd, passionate about  photography ,  wildlife  and  outdoor activities . Her organisation and curiosity make her a great travel companion always looking for DIY and off-the-grid adventures. For more info, check out the About page .

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I love this post. So many details and very useful for our coming trip. We will do the Loop and can’t be more thankful for the itinerary, tips and places to stay recommendations. Thanks Marie

Cheers Marie! Hope you enjoy your hike. It is one of the best!

I guess I’ll go with hiking because it’s much fun and needs you to be an athletic kind of.

Just wanted to say that I found your blog wonderful to read. I’m planning a trip to Ecuador and this just made me even more excited. Again love the blog.

Hi Jenny, my wife, two boys (4 and 9), and I are wanting to spend some time in Quilotoa area hiking some of the sections. We want the boys to experience the people and the culture of the area but small legs couldn’t do the whole 3 day hike, what sections of the trail were the most interesting? Quilotoa to Chugchilan to Isinlivi to sigchos?

Hey Jerome, so sorry for the delay upon my response; I seem to have completely missed this comment. Apologies. From my experience, each section had its difficulties, but the first part is definitely the easiest for young children. From Isinlivi towards the crater, the trail can be quite narrow with unprotected verge and sharp drop and there are also several rivers crossings which are no more than falling trees. The 3rd section is the hardest one and might be a bit too much for young kids. So I would say it may be best to start in Sigchos and walk …  Read more »

Cheers Colin. Hope your trip went well!

2-Day Trip | Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour

2-Day Tour w/ hotel

• USEFUL INFO
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• Ecuador Tours
• Quito Tours

2-Day Trip of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour from Quito

Embark on a Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour! Take a 2-day trip through the Avenue of the Volcanoes towards two of the most important landmarks in the Ecuadorian Sierra: Cotapaxi and Quilotoa Tour . On day one, visit Cotopaxi Volcano and climb up to the first refugee, take an optional bike ride afterwards. Lodge in the comfy Chuquiragua lodge and get ready for your next adventure. On day two, ride towards Quilotoa Crater Lagoon for an amazing hike and visit Tigua artisan’s town to end you adventure before returning back to Quito.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Drive through the unforgettable mountain villages settled on the Avenue of the Volcanoes on your trip to Quilotoa and Cotopaxi.
•  Enjoy a stunning scenery, crisp mountain air at Cotopaxi National Park at a short drive from Quito.
•  Step into the Paramo biodiversity at Limpiopungo Lagoon, climb up to the glaciers (depends on weather conditions).
•  Enjoy an optional biking adventure on the ladders of Cotopaxi Volcano.
•  Visit the different towns and get enriching encounters with local culture
•  Walk and down to the beautiful turquoise waters of Quilotoa Caldera

INQUIRE MORE HERE

From quito to cotopaxi volcano.

Meet at 6:45am with the guide and the group at the designated meeting point in Quito.

At 7am we leave by car driving south of Quito for approx. 1.5-hour through the Pan-American highway aka. Avenue of the Volcanoes. We’ll then reach the park entrance of Cotopaxi National Park and the get ready to enjoy a fresh Andean-style breakfast.

Drive through pine forest and soon reach the Interpretation Center Mariscal and get to know the volcano and its unique fauna and flora.

Afterwards, and depending on the physical abilities of the group, drive towards Limpiopungo Lake located at 3.800 m or Rinconada camping zone, to enjoy a hike around this stunning environment to observe birds and the magnificent view of Cotopaxi Volcano

Get your helmets, gloves on and begin your bike adventure. Bike on dirt roads through volcanic ash and a tundra landscape for about 7 kilometers until the North gate of the Park and continue along the Paramo landscape until reaching the main entrance of the park. 10 km. approx. – ride on paved road). Cross the main gate and bike along a short pine forest single trek to reach the main road (optional).

A stop between activities will give us time to enjoy a well-deserved lunch to regain strength.  

Say goodbye to the volcano and get in the van again to drive back. Drop-off at Casa Sakiwa in Machachi (Standard Rooms).

Machachi to Quilotoa Lagoon and back to Quito

Pick-up form Casa Sakiwa. The first stop will be Latacunga City at Cotopaxi Province. From this point, head west for a 1-hour drive through the unforgettable Andean scenery towards the village of Quilotoa.

Visit a local town and get in contact with the Andean culture (either Saquisilí or Pujilí). Get the chance to mix with the rich Andean culture of the local community that inhabits the surrounding area by visiting either Saquisil, Pujili or Zimbahua Indian markets (depends on the day). 

The lovely town of Zimbahua comes right before we start hiking down towards the turquoise colored Quilotoa Lagoon. Trek around this natural wonder of water holding strong minerals, formed by the collapsed volcanic caldera. From the rim hike down towards the banks of the lagoon and then climb back up.

Have lunch at a local restaurant and then stop at the small town Tigua (famous for the Tigua art – paintings made with chicken feather brushes over sheep hide canvas – a celebration of the mountain life, the festivals, the legends, and traditions of the area). In the late afternoon, head back to Quito.

NOTE : This is a sample itinerary. Please keep in mind that due to the nature of this tour and the given that Cotopaxi is an active volcano, this itinerary may vary.

USEFUL INFO FOR YOUR COTOPAXI AND QUILOTOA TOUR

Climate & Altitude Conditions (IMPORTANT)

Though this tour is categorized as soft adventure, please note that you will be traveling from an altitude of 4,810m (15780 ft) above sea level once reaching the first refugee at Cotopazy and at 5,000m if you choose to ascend to the Cotopaxi Volano glaciers (depending on the weather conditions). It is important that you are prepared beforehand for this kind of altitude and make sure you are up to the hiking and biking challange. There are smoother options for this trip as well if you don’t feel like climbing to the first refugee. We recommend acclimatizing first. Please inform us of any known medical conditions before the excursion.

The weather in the area of the Quilotoa Lagooa is unpredictable so please bring warm and waterproof clothing. Quilotoa is located at 3,800 masl and the temperatures usually hovers around the 12°so we recommen acclimatizing at least one day. Please, don’t make this excursion you first right after arriving Ecuador. The hike is easy and you need no climbing expertise, however, we do recommend to climb back up from the lagoon on a mule or horse. Swimming in the lagoon is not recommended.

What to bring:

Warm clothes, Eaterproof jacket Gloves Sunscreen Hat Hiking shoes Extra pair of socks. Extra pants

Clothing Suggestions:

Comfortable and warm clothes (appropriate for location) Comfortable hiking shoes Waterproof jacket Sunglasses, hat or cap with visor, gloves and sun screen Extra pair of shoes and socks Walking stick

Please feel free to tip your local guides and drivers if you are content with their services. Even if not compulsory, it is regarded as gratitude gesture to the people who will take care of you during the trip. But please remember, it is not a must.

Please be aware that the prices may vary, so in order to GET THE BEST PRICE for the dates you desire please fill out the request form below.

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