Location : 4 hours to the south of Quito.
Altitude : 12.837 ft (3.914m)
Weather : Ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Diameter : 3Km
Accessibility : Easily accessible by road from Quito.
Description of Quilotoa Lagoon
Located 35 kilometres to the west of Latacunga, the Quilotoa lagoon has been an active volcano since November 28, 1660. Its crater now houses a lake whose colours can vary from deep turquoise blue to emerald green. Its magnificent setting makes it an iconic place to visit during your trip to Ecuador. Food points (with toilets) are available if you wish to have lunch on the crater.
The Quilotoa Lagoon will allow you to walk around the lake for 5 hours (of intermediate difficulty). It is also the starting point (or arrival if you want to do it uphill) of a superb, very accessible trek of over 2 days.
Activities in Quilotoa Lake
Trekking and hiking:
– Hike around the Quilotoa lagoon (4 to 5 hours)
– 2-day trek from the crater: Quilotoa > Chugchilan > Isinlivi, with an overnight stay at a hotel in the charming little village of Chugchilan. Superb trek that is mainly downhill and accessible to all.
– Descent on foot into the Quilotoa crater (1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours) – Note that it is possible to go up on the back of a mule, the return walk being quite difficult and tiring.
– Descente à pied dans le cratère Quilotoa (1h30 à 2h) – A noter qu’il est possible de remonter à dos de mule, la marche retour étant assez difficile et fatigante.
: Accessible to everyone
: Intermediate difficulty
Markets around Quilotoa Lagoon
Zumbahua Market: Saturday
Pujili Market: Wednesday and Sunday
The ideal is to start your trekking day with a first morning visit to the market which is held near the lagoon that day.