Panoramic view of the Quilotoa Lagoon with emerald green water from the lookout point.
Agricultural landscape with Andean hamlets near Quilotoa
Group of travelers walking along a rural trail on the way to Quilotoa
Hillside with purple flowers and canyons in Quilotoa area
White chapel with a turquoise cross in a village near Quilotoa
Panoramic view of the crater with green lagoon
Andean style cabins with garden in Isinliví, Ecuador
Interior of room with fireplace and balcony with view of the Andes
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Quilotoa Loop guided Tour Ecuador

Private guided 3-day tour to Quilotoa Lagoon: Ecuador Andean nature

(5 reviews)
Latacunga
3 days
Spanish and English
Starts: Pick-up from your accommodation in Latacunga at 09:00 AM
Ends: Drop-off at your accommodation in Latacunga around 5:00 PM
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour 3 Days (Private)

Experience Ecuador’s Andean highlands on a private, 3-day guided journey that blends nature and local culture. Travel through indigenous and mestizo villages, cross deep canyons and páramo landscapes, and enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped volcanoes on your way to Quilotoa Lagoon, a volcanic crater famed for its emerald-green water.

Along the way you’ll stop at 360° viewpoints, have free time for photos, and visit Andean communities. Because this is a private tour, you set the pace and tailor the stops for a more authentic experience.

Choose your comfort level:

  • Standard: selected hostels.
  • Premium: cozy lodges with extra comfort plus luggage transfer between lodges.

Included: access ticket to Quilotoa, 2 nights’ accommodation, full board, and pick-up in Latacunga (optional Quito transfers available). Technical gear is provided when required by the day’s itinerary.

Tour details

Included

  • Expert nature guide
  • Public or private transportation Latacunga - Quilotoa - Latacunga
  • Lodging in hostels or lodges
  • Meals full board
  • Baggage transport (premium version)
  • Access ticket to Quilotoa
  • Mountain equipment

Not included

  • Other beverages
  • Trekking poles (available for rent 5 USD/day)
  • Waterproof jacket (available for rent for 5 USD/day)
  • Backpack (available for rent Large: 5 USD/day - Small: 3 USD/day)

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 46 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. If you cancel between 45 and 31 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 75% refund of the amount paid. If you cancel between 30 and 16 days before the start of the tour you will receive a 50% refund of the amount paid. After this time or in case of not doing the activity, no refund will be made and it will not be possible to modify the reservation.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Latacunga - Sigchos - Isinlivi

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Starting elevation: 9,514 ft (2,900 m)

Highest elevation: 9,678 ft (2,950 m)

Approx. elevation gain: 164 ft (50 m)

Difficulty: Easy

09:00 A.M.

Hotel pick-up in Latacunga → Sigchos

Your Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour starts with pick-up at your hotel in Latacunga at 9:00 am. We board our private vehicle and drive about 1.5 hours to Sigchos, crossing classic Andean highlands scenery—rolling mountains, patchwork fields, and small villages. It’s an easy, photogenic start before the hiking days ahead.

Views of canyons and Andean fields on the way to the Quilotoa Lagoon.

Hike to Isinlivi (downhill to 8,694 ft (2,650 m))

From Sigchos, we begin a downhill hike toward Isinlivi (Isinliví), descending to 8,694 ft (2,650 m). Along the way, enjoy views of the snow-capped Ilinizas, terraced farmland, and vibrant purple lupine fields (the edible, protein-rich seeds are a local staple). We’ll arrive in Isinlivi by late afternoon, have dinner, and overnight at your selected accommodation—hostel (Standard) or lodge (Premium).

Private tour advantage: you set the pace and photo stops.

Close-up of purple lupine flowers near Quilotoa

DAY 2 Isinlivi - Chugchilan

Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Starting elevation: 9,678 ft (2,950 m)

Highest elevation: 10,489 ft (3,197 m)

Approx. elevation gain: 810 ft (247 m)

Difficulty: Moderate

Start of the hike

After breakfast, we set off from Isinlivi and descend into the Toachi River canyon, taking in wide-open Andean views and everyday rural life—small farms, grazing animals, and terraced fields. It’s a scenic stretch of the Quilotoa Loop with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Trekking trail along a river in the valley near the Quilotoa Lagoon.

Chugchilan

From the canyon floor, we climb back up to about 9,843 ft (3,000 m) and follow the road/trail to the village of Chugchilán. Here you’ll overnight according to your selected version:

  • Standard: cozy hostel with a pleasant garden.
  • Premium: comfortable lodge.

Private tour advantage: set your own pace for the descent and the final climb back to 9,843 ft (3,000 m).

Panoramic view of Chugchilán and Andean terraces on the road to Quilotoa

DAY 3 Chugchilan - Quilotoa - Latacunga

Hiking time: 6 hours

Starting elevation: 10,171 ft (3,100 m)

Highest elevation: 12,631 ft (3,850 m)

Approx. elevation gain: 2,461 ft (750 m)

Difficulty: Moderate

Quilotoa Lagoon

The highlight of the Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour awaits: Quilotoa Lagoon, one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the Andes. After about 6 hours of hiking, we reach the crater rim at 12,795 ft (3,900 m). Take your time at the viewpoints—the lagoon’s color shifts with the light and wind, from deep emerald to turquoise. (Optional: short rim walk or partial descent if conditions and timing allow.)

View of the Quilotoa Lagoon with reflections; main stop of the 3-day private tour.

Return to Latacunga

After lunch, we continue to Quilotoa village, where our private transfer meets us for the drive back to Latacunga, wrapping up an unforgettable Quilotoa Lagoon tour of 3 days.

Optional add-on: Quito ↔ Latacunga transfers available on request (pre-booking required).

Private tour advantage: set the photo stops and pace on the final approach to the rim.

Two alpacas on the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon with the crater in the background.

What to bring to Quilotoa Loop guided Ecuador tour

Before you go

In Quilotoa, the Andean weather rules: sun, wind, and cold can all show up on the same day. With the right gear, you’ll enjoy it twice as much. Here’s what to bring, what’s included, and optional rentals if you’re missing anything.

What to bring

  • Backpack: 30–40 L for day hikes. If you’re going to Campo Alto, 50–60 L works best.
  • Layer up (waterproof): base thermals, long-sleeve top, trekking pants, waterproof jacket and pants.
  • Mountain socks (bring an extra pair).
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Sun protection: SPF 50+ and lip balm.
  • Personal hygiene items and any regular medication.

Howlanders tip: at altitude, wind and sun hit hard. Pack a hat, neck gaiter/scarf, and sunglasses—you’ll feel the difference.

Included gear (tour)

  • Mountaineering boots (sizes 37–47)
  • Crampons, ice axe, and harness with carabiner
  • Helmet and glacier goggles
  • Headlamp with batteries
  • Balaclava, gaiters, fleece gloves, mittens, fleece pants, and overtrousers
  • Sleeping bag with liner and thermos
  • Purified water during the route

We’ll only use technical gear if conditions require it. Your guide will tell you what you need each day.

Optional rentals (at the office)

  • Backpack 30–40 L: USD 3/day
  • Backpack 50–60 L: USD 5/day
  • Jacket: USD 5/day
  • Trekking poles (pair): USD 5/day

Where does the tour Quilotoa Loop guided Ecuador start

Pick-up & drop-off

Day 1 starts with pick-up at your accommodation in Latacunga at 09:00. Your private guide will meet you to begin the adventure. On Day 3, after the activities, we’ll drop you back at your accommodation in Latacunga around 17:00.

Transfers from/to Quito (optional)

If you prefer to start or start & finish in Quito, you can add the Quito ↔ Latacunga transfer (subject to availability). Please note it adds travel time and must be booked in advance.

Questions & Answers

  • What climate can we find in Ecuador?

    Ecuador does not have four distinct seasons. In the highlands there are rains from October to May and drier seasons from June to September. In Quilotoa (≈3,900 m) the climate is Andean: frequent wind, cool mornings and cold nights. Temperatures approximately 5-15 °C during the day and lower at night. Wear layers and raincoat all year round.

  • What is the difference between the standard version and the premium version?

    • Standard: comfortable lodges + public transfers.
    • Premium: more comfortable lodges + private transportation and luggage porterage between lodges.

    In both options the tour is guided and private; the level of comfort and logistics changes.

  • What physical level do I need and at what altitude do we walk?

    Moderate level with demanding stretches due to the altitude. We walk between 3,000 and 3,900 meters. If you are not acclimatized, go at a leisurely pace, hydrate yourself and inform us of any medical condition.

  • Is it mandatory to go down to the lagoon crater?

    No. You can stay at the viewpoints and enjoy the views. The descent/ascent to the lake is optional and more demanding due to the slope and altitude (sometimes there are mules for the ascent; subject to local availability).

  • Can I start or finish in Quito?

    Yes, we offer extra transfers Quito ↔ Latacunga (start or start+end). They must be booked in advance and add time to the route.

  • What does the food include? Do you cater to diets?

    The tour includes full board (purified water during the route). We cater for vegetarian, vegan or gluten free with 48 hours notice. Please indicate in comments when booking.

  • Are there ATMs, mobile signal or card payment en route?

    Coverage is irregular and many stores do not accept cards. Carry cash (USD) for personal expenses. Wi-Fi is usually available in accommodations, but may be limited.

Quilotoa Loop guided Ecuador tour reviews with Howlanders

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