Quilotoa Lagoon – Full Day

Full Day

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Today we will visit the picturesque volcano Quilotoa Lagoon, the Most Popular Trek in Ecuador.

This wonderful, full-day cultural tour begins with a visit to the Saquisilí (Thursday) or Pujilí (Sunday) Indigenous Markets. Not only will the crater lake literally take your breath away, but there are breathtaking landscapes along the way, and the indigenous villages are culturally very interesting too.

On the way to the Quilotoa Lagoon, we will appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the Andes, views of the famous Cotopaxi Volcano, one of Ecuador’s iconic landmarks, crossing the old Toachi Canyon in the Zumbahua Valley.

Crater Viewpoint

Finally, we arrive at the viewpoint of the Lagoon that lies at 3800 meters above sea level where we will begin the descent to the crater, you are going to be amazed knowing that it is a ring-shaped trail that connects remote villages in the high Andes in Ecuador in the Cotopaxi region, another interesting fact is that is a caldera formed by the collapse of the volcano’s crater after a massive eruption.

It is a great introduction to the country’s rural life, after approximately 45 minutes of walking, we will reach the level of the water in the lagoon, arriving at the very heart of the volcanic crater to the shores of the beautiful crystal-blue lagoon. You have the option to walk along the crater’s rim to enjoy the splendid view, or hike down a path to the crater lake. This amazing walk will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life along the way.

The return can become a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill hike. After taking fabulous photographs and exploring the surroundings of the lagoon, we go back up to the viewpoint where we will have lunch and then start our way back to Quito.

If you make reservations for a group, for several concurrent services or on certain dates, we can usually offer special prices on these occasions.

Latacunga, EC

10°C

Tour Plan

Day 01

Full Day Trip

06:45 We pick you up at the meeting point (we will confirm the meeting point after the booking). Make sure to bring with your comfortable shoes, a light jacket, and all the energy to be amazed by the stunning views of Quilotoa Lagoon and landscapes along the way.

09:30 We arrive at the Saquisilí Indigenous Market, which is one of the most colorful and complete indigenous markets in Ecuador; it is also one of the largest and most authentic markets in Ecuador. The market, as with many of the markets in Ecuador, is a chance for locals to socialize and an opportunity to wear their finest.

10:30 We start our way to the Quilotoa (USD$5 entrance fee not included in the tour price). 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 of the ability of the first to reflect the color of the sky.

13:00 Walk down into the crater where the water is - Later, we have the option to go up riding a Mule (USD$10 not included in the tour price). 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.

14.30 Enjoy a delicious Lunch and regain energy for a nice return to Quito.

17:30 On the return to Quito, make sure to bring out your camera, so you can take last-minute pictures of the beautiful landscapes.

Services included in the price

Accommodation on hotels in double rooms.
Meals are mentioned in the program.
Private English-speaking guide and transportation through all the itinerary.
Entrance fees to the mentioned places and activities.

Not included in the price

Domestic and international flights
Travel insurance
Optional excursions
Personal expenses such as tips
Alcoholic drinks
Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program
PCR COVID TEST if applies

Book your tour NOW!

Please note that the category stars given for the accommodations are estimated as local categories that do not fit international standards. Local categories are in all cases alike or higher than the ones given above.

NB: Please read all itineraries as a guide only. All routes and programs can change without notice due to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons, and the wildlife encountered during the travel. Flexibility is the key to the success of any expedition. Nevertheless, the safety and the interest of our passengers is always the first priority.

What to bring:

Sunglasses
Extra bottle of water
Waterproof jacket
A good camera –
Comfortable/hiking shoes
Sunscreen

Note:

The weather in the Lagoon area is very unpredictable, we suggest you to bring warm clothes. It is important that you have a current travel and medical insurance. PLEASE do tell your travel advisor if you have a medical issue and how is your current physical condition.