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
1 / 8

Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour​ Ecuador

Join a 3-day Quilotoa Loop guided tour with a local guide, departing from Latacunga or Quito

(6 reviews)
Latacunga
3 days
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Latacunga at 09:00 AM
Ends: To your accomodation in Latacunga at 05:00 PM
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Experience the Andean highlands of Ecuador on this 3-day Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour, a journey that combines breathtaking landscapes with authentic local culture. Travel through indigenous and mestizo villages, cross deep canyons, and explore the unique páramo ecosystem, with panoramic views of snow-capped volcanoes along the way. The adventure ends at the spectacular Quilotoa Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake famous for its striking emerald-green waters.

Throughout the route, you will stop at scenic viewpoints, enjoy free time for photos, and visit traditional Andean villages where you can learn more about local life and culture. The Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour is available as a private experience or in small shared groups of up to six travelers, allowing for a relaxed pace, flexible stops, and a more authentic experience.

Choose between a premium private tour, featuring comfortable lodges and luggage transport, or a standard shared tour with carefully selected accommodation. Both tour versions include the access ticket to Quilotoa Lagoon, two nights of accommodation, full board, and transfer from Latacunga, with the option to add transportation from Quito.

Tour details

Included

  • Certified guide (Spanish and English)
  • Private or shared transportation to and from Latacunga (depending on the option selected)
  • Accommodation in hostels or lodges (depending on the option selected)
  • Full-board meals during the tour
  • Luggage transport (premium private tour only)
  • Access ticket to Quilotoa Lagoon

Not included

  • Additional beverages
  • Backpack rental (30–40 L): USD 3 per day
  • Trekking poles rental (pair): USD 5 per day

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

  • If you cancel 46 days or more before the tour start date, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid.
  • If you cancel between 45 and 31 days before the tour start date, you will receive a 75% refund of the amount paid.
  • If you cancel between 30 and 16 days before the tour start date, you will receive a 50% refund of the amount paid.

After this period, or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued and the reservation cannot be modified.

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)

Difficulty: Easy

09:00 A.M.

Pick up in Quito or Latacunga

The 3-day Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Latacunga at 9:00 AM. If you selected the Private Transfer from Quito extra, pickup will take place in Quito at the agreed time.

From there, we will travel by vehicle for about 1.5 hours to reach Sigchos, enjoying scenic views of the surrounding Andean mountains along the way.

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

Hike to Isinlivi

Once we arrive, we will begin a downhill hike to about 8,694 ft (2,650 m) as we head toward the village of Isinlivi. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the snow-capped peaks of the Ilinizas Volcanoes and pass through scenic farmland.

You will also see traditional crops such as corn fields and the striking purple lupine flowers, whose seeds are edible and rich in protein.

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)

Difficulty: Moderate

Beginning of the hike to Chugchilan

After breakfast, we will start the second day of hiking. The trail descends into the Toachi River Canyon, where you will enjoy spectacular views and experience the traditional rural life of the Andes.

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

Arrival to Chugchilan

We will continue along the trail and climb again to about 9,843 ft (3,000 m) until we reach the road, from where we will keep walking to the village of Chugchilán. If you choose the standard tour, you will spend the night in a small hostel with a lovely garden. If you select the premium option, you will stay in a comfortable lodge.

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)

Difficulty: Moderate

Quilotoa Lagoon

Today you will visit one of the most spectacular highlights of this tour: Quilotoa Lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the world. After about 6 hours of hiking, we will reach the crater rim at 12,795 ft (3,900 m) above sea level.

Take some time to enjoy the breathtaking views and watch how the lagoon’s waters shift in different shades of emerald and turquoise depending on the light.

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

Return to Latacunga

After lunch, we will continue hiking until we reach the village of Quilotoa, where a vehicle will pick us up for the return journey to Latacunga, marking the end of this 3-day Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour​ Ecuador.

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

What to bring to Quilotoa Loop Guided ​ Ecuador tour

In the Quilotoa, the Andean climate can change quickly: sun, wind, and cold may all appear on the same day. With the right gear, the experience becomes much more comfortable. Below you will find our packing recommendations, what is included in the tour, and optional rental equipment in case you need it.

What we recommend bringing:

  • Premium private tour: Small backpack (20–30 L) for daily hikes. Your main luggage will be transported between accommodations.*
  • Standard shared tour: Medium Backpack (30–40 L) to carry your personal belongings during the trek.*
  • Layered and waterproof clothing: warm layer (fleece or merino wool), thermal base layer, short- and long-sleeve shirts, quick-dry hiking pants, waterproof jacket and pants
  • Hiking boots
  • Trekking socks (bring an extra pair if possible)
  • Gloves and a warm hat
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat or cap
  • Swimsuit for the optional spa at the first accommodation (premium private tour only – USD 5 per hour)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medications or prescriptions
  • Trekking poles

*In your daypack, you only need to carry waterproof clothing, an extra layer, your camera, sunscreen, the packed lunch (included), a water bottle, and anything else you may need during the hike (such as a change of clothes or personal toiletries).

Howlanders Tip: At high altitude, the sun and wind can be intense. Bring a hat, scarf or buff, and sunglasses—you will appreciate the extra protection.

Included in the tour:

  • Rain poncho.
  • Thermos with tea.

Optional rental (at the office)

  • Medium backpack 30–40 L – USD 3 per day
  • Trekking poles (pair) – USD 5 per day

Where does the tour Quilotoa Loop Guided ​ Ecuador start

Day 1 starts with pickup from your accommodation in Latacunga at 9:00 AM. Your guide will meet you there to start the adventure.

On Day 3, after completing the activities, we will drop you off at your accommodation in Latacunga at approximately 5:00 PM.

If you prefer to start or finish the tour in Quito, you can add the optional Quito ↔ Latacunga transfer service (subject to availability). Please note that this option increases travel time and must be booked in advance.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the climate like in Ecuador?

    Ecuador does not have four clearly defined seasons. In the Andean highlands, the rainy season generally runs from October to May, while June to September tends to be drier. In Quilotoa (about 12,795 ft / 3,900 m), the climate is typically Andean, with frequent wind, cool mornings, and cold nights. Daytime temperatures usually range between 41–59 °F (5–15 °C) and can drop significantly after sunset.

  • What is the difference between the standard and premium versions of the Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour?

    • Standard option: Comfortable lodges with shared transportation.
    • Premium option: Higher-comfort lodges with private transportation and luggage transport between accommodations.

  • What fitness level is required and at what altitude will we hike?

    A moderate fitness level is recommended, as some sections can feel more demanding due to the altitude. During the hike, we walk between 9,843 ft and 12,795 ft (3,000–3,900 m) above sea level. If you are not yet acclimatized to the altitude, we recommend hiking at a comfortable pace, staying well hydrated, and informing us in advance of any medical conditions.

  • Is it mandatory to hike down to the Quilotoa crater?

    No. You can stay at the viewpoints and enjoy the panoramic views of the crater. The hike down to the lake is optional and can be more demanding due to the steep slope and high altitude. For the ascent back to the crater rim, mules are sometimes available for hire, subject to local availability.

  • Can I start or finish the Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour in Quito?

    Yes. The Quilotoa Loop Guided Tour offers optional Quito ↔ Latacunga transfers, allowing you to start the tour in Quito or both start and finish there. These transfers must be booked in advance and will add extra travel time to the itinerary.

  • What meals are included and do you accommodate special diets?

    The Quilotoa Loop Tour includes full-board meals, as well as purified water during the hike. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with at least 48 hours’ notice. Please mention any dietary requirements in the booking comments when making your reservation.

  • Are there ATMs, mobile signal, or places to pay by card along the route to Quilotoa Lagoon?

    Mobile coverage is limited and irregular, and many small shops do not accept credit cards. We recommend bringing cash (USD) for personal expenses.

    Wi-Fi is usually available at the accommodations, although the connection may be slow or limited in some areas.

Quilotoa Loop Guided ​ Ecuador tour reviews with Howlanders

Loading...

Other tours that might interest you

Other travelers also booked

from ‌
Trustpilot