Quilotoa Culture & Hike

$55 por persona

A full-day group tour from Quito to Quilotoa:

  • - Visit a local market
  • - Meet a local Andean family
  • - Tigua community art
  • - Mirador del Cañón Toachi
  • - Hike to Quilotoa Lake (3,900 m)
  • - Almuerzo incluido
  • Martes
  • Thursday
  • Domingo

Itinerario

“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 grupal. Garantizamos las salidas, incluso con una sola persona.

Esenciales para el Tour

Idiomas del tour: Inglés y Español.

Temperatura promedio: 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.

Recogida en Quito

Su tour de un día comienza con la recogida en dos zonas principales en Quito. Por favor, busque nuestro bus turístico blanco en estos lugares:

  1. 07:00 a.m. – Plaza Foch en frente del Café Juan Valdez.
  2. 07:15 a.m. – Plaza San Blas en el Café Zular.

Note: We recommend taking a taxi to these locations. Your guide will be there to check you in and introduce the group. Pick-ups along the way available on request.

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.

Hiking Quilotoa Crater Lake

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 ecuatoriano

Nos detenemos por un almuerzo ecuatoriano (incluido) con entrada, plato fuerte y una bebida. Por favor, indíquenos en su reserva si tiene alguna restricción alimentaria.

Regreso a Quito

Después del almuerzo, volvemos a Quito, llegando entre las 5:30 p.m. y 6:30 p.m. a nuestros puntos de encuentro originales.

  • Hacia el sur: 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.

Precio

Quilotoa Group Tour
$55 por persona

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

  • ZIncluido
  • - Guía nacional certificado y bilingüe
  • - Transporte turístico autorizado
  • - Almuerzo (menú del día)
  • Excluido
  • - Entrance fee to Quilotoa and Toachi: $3 (cash payment)
  • - Mule ride: $10 (optional, cash payment)
  • - Kayaking: $4 (optional, cash payment)
  • - Comida extra, snacks y bebidas
  • - Propinas
  • - Impuestos: Solo se aplica a ciudadanos y empresas ecuatorianas.
  • Qué llevar

Para este tour, se recomienda ropa y zapatos cómodos y estar preparado para las condiciones climáticas. Debido a que estaremos en los Andes, recomendamos llevar:

  • - Guantes, bufanda y un gorro
  • - Chaqueta impermeable
  • - Protector solar y gafas de sol
  • - Zapatos deportivos cómodos o para senderismo y medias abrigadas.
  • - Agua y snacks para tener energía

Esta lista es una recomendación para mayor comodidad, no es obligatoria.

  • Good to Know
  • - On Tuesdays, there is no market activity
  • - Este tour siempre está en inglés y español
  • - Tendrá el apoyo de nuestro guía en todo momento
  • - Recomendamos vestirse en capas para estar preparado ante los cambios de clima
  • - El guía podrá ajustar el itinerario y los horarios en caso de ser necesario

¿Dudas? Chatee en vivo con nosotros

Preguntas Frecuentes

Laguna 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: ¿Se incluyen las comidas en el tour de un día al 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 participar los niños 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 al 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.