Quilotoa Lake full day trip

Quilotoa Lake full day trip

This cultural tour takes us to one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador and South America, the amazing Laguna Quilotoa, and surrounding villages. On day trips that occur on Thursday’s, we start our day with a visit to the famous local market of Saquisilí. On other days when the market is closed, we visit the first missionary church in Ecuador, located in Pujili, instead. Continuing our trip, we pass through the indigenous villages of the area which provide a fantastic chance to see the TRUE ECUADOR. When we arrive at the spectacular Laguna Quilotoa, we hike down to the Laguna and back up again in a stunning two-hour hike tour. It is possible to hire mules for part of the trek. Paying special attention to the culture and rural life of indigenous Andean people, this trip is a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty of Ecuador in all of its forms.

Travel program

Itinerary:

Day 1: Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) – Quilotoa Lagoon and Shalala Lodge (3500 m)

Detailed Program


Day 1: Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) – Quilotoa Lagoon and Shalala Lodge (3500 m)
We’ll leave from Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) in the morning and will drive the Quilotoa Lagoon; during the tour we will stop at an Indian hut. After we will visit the Tigua community to observe the leather crafts that people make in these place.
The tour will take us about 4 hours later, we’ll arrive the viewpoint where you can observe the magnitude of the crater and its lagoon background.
We will descend along an irregular road; the walk will take us one hour until arrived bottom of the lagoon, there we will have taken photos and rest. After lunch we will back to Quito in about 3 hours driving.

What's Included


Services included in the prices:
  • Entrance fee in quilotoa lake
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Menu lunch (if option selected)
  • Saquisilí indigenous market (only thursday)
  • Indigenous community family
  • Tigua community painting gallery
  • Bilingual guide

Not included:
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation and meals while in Quito
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch (if option not selected)
  • Gratuities (optional) Tips
  • Mule ride ($10.00usd, subject to change)
  • Kayak rental ($4.00usd, subject to change)
  • Other non-specified expenses
What to bring:
  • Warm clothing (layers)
  • Sun block
  • Sun glasses
  • Gloves
  • Scarf
  • Wool hat
  • Original passport
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Extra snacks and water
  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Camera

Prices & Dates


Dates & Prices: To be determined / Contact us! ✓
Country / Location: Ecuador
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
Legend Booking-information
EZZ - Single room supplement
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