Day Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon From Guayaquil

Guayaquil , Ecuador

Day Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon From Guayaquil

Active

12h - 15h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour will start from Guayaquil at 02:00 AM the departure due to the distance of this destination from Guayaquil.

The Quilotao lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful due to its location and the nature and fauna that the place offers us.

Definitely a magical place to explore.

Available options

Day Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon

Shared Excursion<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide

Lunch

Transportation

Hotel pick up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

The guide will pick up you in the lobby of the hotel, The time to arrive to Quilotoa is 6 Hours from Guayaquil

Pick up at 2:00 AM. We begin the tour by picking up guests at their hotel and then heading to Quilotoa Lagoon, Cotopaxi Province. The trip has a duration approximately of 6 hours. Once we arrive, we will have time for guests to have breakfast before beginning the descent into the lagoon (Breakfast is optional)
We will enjoy a panoramic view of the lagoon where our guide will explain the area before the descent. At this point, we will be able to take photos. The descent will take approximately 1:30 minutes, and the ascent will take approximately 2:30 minutes, depending on the guests' physical condition. (Mules or horses can also be rented for the ascent; this is optional). We will enjoy a typical lunch in Quilotoa. On the way back, we will make a short stop at the Toachi River to photograph a beautiful pine forest from the canyon's tourist viewpoint. The service ends and we return guests to their hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Kayak activity

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

We provide Multilingual guide

Meeting point

Meeting spot given by the operator (near the hotel of the passenger)

About Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest and most populous city, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and strategic location along the Pacific coast. It serves as the country's main port and offers a mix of urban energy, colonial charm, and natural beauty with the nearby Pacific beaches and the Guayas River.

Top Attractions

Malecón 2000

A modern waterfront promenade along the Guayas River, featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's a great place to enjoy the city's skyline and river views.

Architecture/Entertainment 2-3 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Sembradores Park

A beautiful urban park with lush gardens, walking paths, and a lake. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Santa Ana Hill

A historic neighborhood with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and a hilltop church offering panoramic views of the city.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free (church donation optional)

Guayaquil Zoo

A zoo housing a variety of animals, including jaguars, monkeys, and flamingos. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.

Nature 2-3 hours $3-$5

Salado Beach

A popular beach located about 20 minutes from the city center, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Beach Half-day to full day Free (rentals and facilities may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

A dish made with fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, typically lime, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. It's often served with side dishes such as sweet plantain, popcorn, or boiled corn on the cob.

Appetizer Contains seafood, gluten-free if prepared without soy sauce

Encebollado

A hearty soup made with flaked albacore fish, yuca, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It's a popular hangover cure and comfort food in Ecuador.

Soup Contains seafood, gluten-free

Arroz con Mariscos

A flavorful rice dish cooked with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, squid, and mussels. It's a staple of coastal Ecuadorian cuisine.

Main course Contains seafood, gluten-free

Humitas

A traditional dish made from fresh corn mixed with butter, eggs, and sometimes cheese, wrapped in corn husks and steamed. It's a popular snack or side dish.

Side dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Hiking Wildlife watching Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

June to November (Dry season)

This is the best time to visit Guayaquil with pleasant weather, less rain, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-32°C 72-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Ecuador Time (ECT, UTC-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Guayaquil is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Be cautious of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil

Getting around

Public transport

The Metrobus system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's affordable and widely used by locals and tourists alike.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown (Centro Histórico) Urdesa Samborondón

Day trips

Puerto López and Machalilla National Park

200 km (124 miles) from Guayaquil • Full day to overnight

Puerto López is a charming coastal town and the gateway to Machalilla National Park, which offers beautiful beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife.

Balcázar

100 km (62 miles) from Guayaquil • Half day to full day

Balcázar is a small town known for its historic church and traditional crafts. It's a great place to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture and enjoy local cuisine.

Santa Elena Peninsula

120 km (75 miles) from Guayaquil • Full day to overnight

The Santa Elena Peninsula offers stunning beaches, clear waters, and a variety of outdoor activities. It's a popular destination for relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Guayaquil International Fair (Feria Internacional de Guayaquil) • October Carnaval de Guayaquil • February/March (before Lent) Fiestas de Guayaquil (Guayaquil Festivities) • July

Pro tips

Visit the Malecón 2000 waterfront promenade for stunning views of the Guayas River and the city skyline
Explore the Santa Ana Hill neighborhood for a glimpse into the city's colonial past and panoramic views
Try local street food from vendors along the Malecón 2000 and in the Mercado del Arte
Take a day trip to the Santa Elena Peninsula for beautiful beaches and outdoor activities
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to help you communicate and connect with locals