Private Quilotoa Lagoon and Toachi Canyon Including Local Family Visit

Quito , Ecuador

Private Quilotoa Lagoon and Toachi Canyon Including Local Family Visit

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(2 reviews)

12h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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About this experience

This one day cultural tour takes you to the beautiful one and only Quilotoa Lagoon. Situated in Ecuador South America. The Quilotoa Volcano is a water-filled caldera in the Ecuadorian Andes with a 3- kilometers (2 miles) wide crater. It was formed 14.000 years ago, leaving an astonishing turquoise volcano crater lagoon. Explore the Saquisili (Thursday) or Pujili (Sunday) towns and visit a native family. Hike down to the lagoon shores. Have a traditional highlands dish for lunch and visit the Tigua community on your way back to Quito

Available options

Quilotoa Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

24/7 assistance in Dutch, English and Spanish

Private transportation from and to Quito’s hotel (urban zone)

Professional driver.

Meals as described in the itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Explore Saquisili/Pujili (Thursday/Sunday) and visit a native family.

Stop 2

When you arrive at Quilotoa, you will hike down to the crater, explore the Laguna shore and get back up again, in a stunning hiking tour. It is possible to hire mules for part of the trek.

Arrive to the Tigua community.

What's not included

Optional mules rent ($10)

Optional 30 min. kayak trip in the lagoon ($5)

Optional tips for guide

Additional food or beverages.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This Quito tour is a Private / Individual Tour. This means you the same guide during your tour. There won’t be any other guests during the tour, only your travel party.

Important things to bring: warm and waterproof clothing, water, sun block, sunglasses and passport.

Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precaution to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat ‘street food’, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).

The operator cannot take any responsibility for any illnesses or missed meals & tours due to an illness.

It is mandatory to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

Time Disclaimer: We recommend this private tour to start no later than 08:00 am because you will enjoy the tour at a good pace and you will not miss out on any activities. If you choose for a later departure time it might be possible that you will miss some activities due to traffic or other circumstances.

The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, availabilities, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

In order to process your reservation please help us with all this information:

Hotel Information for Pick-up

Whatsapp phone number (in case you use Whatsapp and would like us to contact you that during your stay via Whatsapp)

For all guests:

Passport numbers

Date of birth

Nationality

Food restrictions

Medical restrictions

Transportation included is from and to Quito’s hotel, located in the Quito urban Zone. It does not include Valleys, Tababela or hotels close to the airport. The extra charge of $ 40 (for the round trip per group) must be paid directly to the driver.

Important notes

Contact: Rebecca Adventure Travel office is based in Quito, Ecuador (Time zone: UTC -05.00). Please note that between office hours you can call our office phone (+593-26007590). You can reach us on the emergency phone (+593-980051675) 24/7 for EMERGENCIES, please don’t call us for availabilities or general questions.

Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-17:00 and Saturday 9:00-17.30

Voucher: Please note you receive from the operator an updated travel voucher based on your travel details, flights and availabilities. You will receive this updated travel voucher in general 2 weeks before departure via the Viator chat. If you haven’t received this please send us a message. Your standard Viator voucher is NOT your personal travel voucher and CAN’T be used during your trip.

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.