Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito

Quito , Ecuador

Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito

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About this experience

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.

Available options

1 Traveler - Daily Departures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for solo taveler can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

4+ Travelers - DailyDepartures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 4 or more tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

2 Travelers - Daily Departures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 2 tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

Thursday & Sundays Departures

Thursday & Sundays departures are open and you will join a group (12 travellers max). Tour price will be less.

3 Travelers - Daily Departures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 3 tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.

What's included

Lunch

Transportation from Quito to Quilotoa and back (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY)

Guided Hike in Quilotoa Lagoon and visit to a local market (market place depends on day of the week)

Bilingual Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

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 2

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.

What's not included

Items/ activities not mentioned on the itinerary

Breakfast or other meals aside form Lunch

Gratuities

Laguna Quilotoa

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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

Note: The tour is not private. Travelers will share services with a group. Maximum people per tour is 12

Important notes

Emergency ONLY phone number (local): (593) 992747880

This day tour is subject to availability and last minute changes due to forces beyond our control (Force Majeure). This is not a private tour - travelers will share the services with a group of fellow travelers (max of 12 travelers per group)

NOTE (IMPORTANT): The following info from each traveler is a compulsory requirement in order to be included in the supplier’s insurance. Please provide this information as soon as possible (before travel date).

Names (as they appear on the passport):

Passport Number:

Date of Birth:

Emergency Phone Number:
* If travelers fail to provide this information two days prior to date of travel, the health insurance cannot NOT be applied.

NOTE (travel insurance age restriction): Travel insurance for this tour is applicable to travelers up to 69 years old ONLY. We encourage travelers of more the 69 years to hire private travel insurance, as unfortunately, they will not be covered with ours.

INCLUDES:
• Bilingual Professional Guide
• Transportation from Quito and back (at meeting point Magic Bean Restaurant)
• Guided Hike in Quilotoa Lagoon and visit to a local market (market place depends on day of the week)
• Lunch

NOT INCLUDED
• Entrance to Quilotoa Lagoon
• Other Meals
• Cost of extra activities such as horseback riding or kayaks in the Lagoon
• Tips & gratuities (optional)

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.