Laguna Quilotoa

Laguna Quilotoa is the highlight of the Quilotoa Loop, a spectacular volcanic crater lake sitting at 3,900m elevation with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. The small village of Quilotoa lies southwest of the lake, offering basic accommodation run by local indigenous people. The area has developed into one of Ecuador's most important tourist attractions, with government-provided infrastructure supporting visitors.

The Quilotoa crater is protected by the Reserva ecológica Los Illinizas. The volcano consists of a 3-km wide caldera surrounding a 224-meter deep lake. Local communities around the lagoon offer opportunities to experience traditional culture, explore artisan markets, and try regional food.

At 3,800 metres altitude there is a mountain climate that can quickly change from warm and sunny to cloudy and very cold. The nights are cold year-round. The best time for hiking is during the dry season (June to September), though the crater rim offers views in any season.

Quilotoa is accessed via the Quilotoa Loop, a ring-shaped trail connecting remote villages in the high Andes in the Cotopaxi region. Most visitors arrive from Latacunga, with shared taxis or buses to Zumbahua, then onward to Quilotoa village. The journey involves winding mountain roads.

Pedestrian entry to the crater area is free, but entering the village with a car costs $2. This fee includes unlimited access to the crater and the lake.

Quilotoa is a very small village where everywhere is a 5-minute walk. The Quilotoa Loop connects remote villages in the high Andes, with the next villages approximately 12 km away in either direction through beautiful Andean mountain scenery.

Hike along the Quilotoa Loop in either direction through beautiful Andean mountain scenery. The crater lake circuit takes 3½–4½ hours and is about 9.5 km with constant up and downs, passing through Monte Juyende (3940 m), the highest viewpoint. Views of Cotopaxi volcano appear in the distance. Beware of numerous paths—getting lost on narrow trails over huge cliffs can be dangerous; get a map and review it with locals before departing. You can bathe in the lake, though it has a light foul smell and is very cold. Canoes can be rented for $2 per hour.

There is a small tourist crafts market near the entrance to the laguna walk. For provisions, there are few small grocery stores in Quilotoa, but the choice is very limited and prices are high.

Remember you are at 3,900 meters high and weather can change very quickly from warm and sunny to cloudy and very cold. The crater loop may be problematic if rain starts while you are at the middle. Don't go without a map and knowing precisely which path to take—alternative trails reach maximum levels of technicity, effort and danger according to alpine difficulty rating standards. Acrophobic people should know some parts of the trail are very high with steep cliffs.

Latacunga is the main onward destination, serving as the gateway to the Quilotoa Loop and a jumping-off point for exploring more of the Andean Highlands region of Ecuador.