Quilotoa Culture & Hike

$55 per person

A full-day group tour from Quito to Quilotoa:

- Visit a local market
- Meet a local Andean family
- Tigua community art
- Toachi Canyon viewpoint
- Hike to Quilotoa Lake (3,900 m)
- Lunch included

Martes
Jueves
Domingo

Burger King

Itinerary

“Put on your hiking shoes, I want to show you the most beautiful view in the Andes.”

Every Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Este es un tour en grupo. Garantizamos salidas, incluso con una sola persona.

Tour Essentials

Tour languages: English & Spanish.

Average temperature: 8–18°C (46–64°F)
Expect weather with sun, clouds, and strong wind. Light rain is possible, and temperatures drop when the sun is hidden. Mountain weather can change quickly.

Pick Up in Quito

Your day tour begins with an easy pick-up from the two main areas in Quito. Please look for our white tour bus at these locations:

07:00 AM – Plaza Foch, en frente de Juan Valdez Café.
07:15 AM – Desde Plaza San Blas Café Zular.

Note: We recommend taking a taxi to these locations. Your guide will be there to check you in and introduce the group.

Local Market Visit

Our first stop is an authentic local market usually Saquisili (or Romerillos on Sundays). You will have time to see local products, try fresh fruits, and buy snacks for the day.

Note: The market visit is not available on Tuesdays.

Andean Family & Tigua Art

We visit a traditional highland home to see how the local community lives. You will see alpacas and cuy (guinea pigs) and learn about life in the mountains.

Tip: These families live from community tourism; if you enjoyed the visit, a small tip is a great way to show your thanks.

Along the way, a local artist from Tigua may join us to explain their famous colorful folk art.

Toachi Canyon

On our way to Quilotoa, we stop at a viewpoint to see the impressive Toachi Canyon, a natural landmark formed by volcanic activity.

Caminata por la Laguna del Cráter Quilotoa.

When we reach Quilotoa crater (3,900 m), you can hike down the trail to the lake shore to see the water up close. Going down takes about 45 minutes (easy), but the walk back up can take 1 hour and 15 minutes because it’s steep.

Tip: You can rent a mule for the climb up or choose to stay at the top and enjoy the view.

Free Time at the Lake

Enjoy time at the bottom of the crater to relax by the shore.

Optional: If time, weather and availability allow, you can rent a kayak from the local community on the spot (not available for pre-booking).

Almuerzo típico ecuatoriano.

We stop for an Ecuadorian lunch (included) with a starter, main course, and a drink. Please let us know about dietary restrictions in your booking.

Return to Quito

After lunch, we head back to Quito, arriving between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM at our original meeting points.

Heading South: If you are going to another destination, let our guide know. We can drop you off at a public transport point or arrange a private transfer.

Note
Our itinerary may change based on the weather or other factors. Your guide will always make the best decision for the group. All times are approximate and may be adjusted during the day.

Precios

Quilotoa Group Tour

$55 per person

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

ZIncluye

- Certified & bilingual national guide
- Authorized tourist transport
- Lunch (menu-type meal)

Excluido

- Entrance fee to Quilotoa and Toachi: $3 (cash payment)
- Mule ride: $10 (optional, cash payment)
- Kayaking: $4 (optional, cash payment)
- Extra food, snacks and drinks
- Tips
- Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies

What to Pack

For this tour wear comfortable clothing, shoes and be ready for weather conditions. Since we’ll be in the Andes, we recommend bringing:

- Gloves, scarf, and a hat
- A waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes and warm socks
- Water and snacks for energy

This list is a recommendation for extra comfort, it’s not required.

Good to Know

- On Tuesdays, there is no market activity
- This tour is always in English and Spanish
- Our guide is always there to support you
- Wear layers to stay ready for changing weather
- The guide may adjust the itinerary and schedule if necessary

Questions? Chat Live with us

Preguntas Frecuentes

Laguna del Cráter Quilotoa

P: ¿A qué hora comienzan los tours de un día a la Laguna Quilotoa?

The tour departs early to make the most of the day. We have two meeting points in Quito: Plaza Foch at 07:00 AM and Plaza San Blas at 07:15 AM. Please arrive a few minutes early so the group can leave on time.

P: ¿Están incluidas las comidas en el tour de un día a Quilotoa?

Yes. A traditional Ecuadorian lunch (starter, main course, and drink) is included in the price. We recommend bringing your own water and some light snacks for the hike.

P: ¿Es difícil la caminata hasta la Laguna del Cráter Quilotoa?

The hike down to the lake is easy and takes about 45 minutes. However, the hike back up is very steep and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Because of the altitude (3,900m), it can be physically demanding. If you prefer not to walk back up, you can rent a mule from the local community for $10.

P: ¿Pueden los niños participar en el tour de un día a Quilotoa?

Yes! Children are welcome. The cultural visits to the local market and the Andean family are very popular with families. If the hike is too much for small children, they can stay at the top viewpoint with a guardian or ride a mule back up from the lake.

P: ¿Qué debo llevar para el tour de un día a Quilotoa?

Because the weather changes quickly, we recommend dressing in layers. Bring a warm waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must, as the reflection of the sun on the lake is very strong. Also, please bring small cash for the $3 entrance fee and optional activities like mules or kayaking.

P: ¿Hay baños disponibles durante el tour?

Yes. There are restrooms available at our breakfast stop, at the local market, and at the top of the Quilotoa crater. Please note that local community restrooms usually charge a small fee (around $0.25), so it is helpful to have coins ready.