Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito
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.
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.
What's included in Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Avenida De Los VolcanesPass-by Only
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).
Laguna Quilotoa
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.
Inclusions
- 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
- Entry fee to Quilotoa Lagoon USD $2 per person
- Items/ activities not mentioned on the itinerary
- Breakfast or other meals aside form Lunch
- Gratuities
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
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.