Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito

Quilotoa loop tour takes you for a full-day trip to hike in Quilotao Lagoon and its surrounding areas. Visit Saquisilí, Zumbahua and Tigua Villages. Drive through the unforgettable mountain villages settled on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Get close to the local community and farmers in the surrounding areas and experience enriching encounters with local culture. Join a group of fellow travellers and discover the beauty on the Andean landscape.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Avenida De Los Volcanes, Riobamba Ecuador

Early in the morning, the trip starts by driving 89 km south from Quito through the Panamericana Hwy. aka “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”. 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).


Stop At: Laguna Quilotoa, Laguna de Quilotoa, 070701 Ecuador

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. In the late afternoon, head back to Quito.

The weather in the area of the Quilotoa Lagoon 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 recommend acclimatizing at least one day prior to this trip. 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 (cost not included in the price of the tour). Swimming in the lagoon is not recommended.



Informacion Adicional
"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, walking stick"
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Note: The tour is not private. Travelers will share services with a group. Maximum people per tour is 12"
"Not recommended for travelers with back problems"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"



Duration: 8 Hours
Start location: HELADOS CAPRICHITO FRESH “4 A”, Mariscal Foch E4-215, Quito 170143, Ecuador

Cancellations and refunds: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Included

• Transportation from Quito to Quilotoa and back (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY)
• Bilingual Guide
• Guided Hike in Quilotoa Lagoon and visit to a local market (market place depends on day of the week)
• Lunch

Not Included

• Entry fee to Quilotoa Lagoon USD $2 per person
• Items/ activities not mentioned on the itinerary
• Breakfast or other meals aside form Lunch
• Gratuities

Facilities