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Overview

The Quilotoa Crater Lake is located on the circuit known as the Quilotoa Loop, and can be found just 14 kilometers further on from the village of Zumbahua. Quilotoa itself is a teeny village which appears to mainly exist to service tourism for the spectacular crater lake. The crater lake itself is simply stunning. The deep blue waters can be seen by peeking over the crater’s edge, and looking down the steep 400 meter drop to the lake below. The volcano is active, but there is no activity at this time, save for some fumaroles that can be observed bubbling up from the bottom of the lake.

The Quilotoa Lake located inside the fallen crater of the volcano is still active and has an interesting geological history. Ten thousand years ago the volcano violently erupted, sending an enormous pyroclastic flow down the volcano slopes. The effects of water and wind on the eruption debris created the white walls you can see in the river canyons and mountains. One eruption of Quilotoa (800 years BP) was the largest-scale explosive event believed to have occurred in pre-Columbian Ecuador. During this event, ash traveled hundreds of miles to the north of Quito. These ash layers provide interesting clues for Ecuadorian archaeologists about life in earlier times.

Those who are interested can hike down to the lake shore below by taking the clear trail close to the parking lot. The descent takes approximately half an hour, but the return journey is considerably longer. Mules are available to rent for the return trip. Once at the lake’s edge, travelers should be sure not to drink from the highly alkaline waters. It is also not possible to swim here. Adventurous visitors can camp at Quilotoa, though services are extremely basic. It is also possible to hike around the top of the crater, though those who attempt this should be physically fit and well-acclimatized for the high altitude. This hike can take anything from four to six hours. Due to the altitude and exposure, it can get very cold in the Quilotoa area. All visitors (not just hikers) should be sure to come prepared with warm clothing, hat and gloves and rain/windproof gear, though there are some enterprising locals selling woolen gear near the parking lot.

Visitors who make the trip out to the crater lake may want to spend some time in the rest of the Quilotoa Loop. Zumbahua and its local indigenous market are worth a visit, as is the Thursday morning market of the small town of Saquisili. Chugchilan makes a pleasant spot from which travelers can base themselves, exploring both this tiny town and its surrounds and other attractions in the region. The area lends itself extremely well to horseback riding and hiking and visitors can enjoy the awesome scenery while participating in either of these pursuits.

This region in general is very rural and fairly poor. Visitors should expect nothing more than basic services during their visit. However, the people are welcoming and friendly and there are some very nice accommodations to be found, both at Quilotoa itself, but also in Chugchilan and some of the other tiny villages.

Highlights

Hiking around the lake – One excellent way to spend a day is to hike around the Quilotoa Crater Lake. The hike will take from four to six hours depending on the hiker’s level of fitness and acclimatization. This hike is at high altitude, so will give the traveler a good work out. There are some steep sections and the traveler should be prepared for cold and/or rainy weather. The route is not always entirely obvious and a guide may be recommended.

Boating / Mule Ride – For those who do not wish to hike all the way around the lake, it is possible to hike down to the bottom of the lake, to the water’s edge. From here, the visitor can take a boat trip around the lake on a dinghy, and sometimes kayaks are also available. Mules are usually available for those who do not wish to hike back up to the rim of the crater afterward, for a few dollars.

Horseback riding – The Quilotoa lake area offers spectacular opportunities for horseback riding in pristine countryside and through pretty indigenous villages. The cost ranges from $15-$25 for the hire of a horse for a half a day, with a guide. Riding from the village of Chugchilan up to the ridge and the cheese factory and then back to the village again offers great views for miles around.

Saquisili Market – On Thursday mornings, the little town of Saquisili on the way to the Quilotoa Lake area has a fascinating indigenous market. The villagers gather early on Thursday mornings, llamas packed up with goods, to get the market ready for its clientele. Here it is possible to observe indigenous life at close quarters and the visitor can see how villagers have been living for centuries.

Chugchilan – Many visitors choose to stay in the very rural village of Chugchilan. With its little church, outstandingly beautiful surroundings and great opportunities for horseback riding and hiking, it makes for an excellent accommodation choice. Using Chugchilan as a base, visitors can also hike up to the local cheese factory and taste some samples of what’s on offer.

Tigua paintings – The little village of Tigua is famous for its unique painting style. The paintings are very colorful and they show life in the Andes of Ecuador. It is possible to visit a gallery called Pinturas de Tigua, which is run by the indigenous painters of this village, and there are places to purchase your own piece also.

Getting There

Getting to the Quilotoa Lake area without private transportation can be challenging and a little time consuming, but it is well worth the effort taken.

From Quito, tourists should head to the Quitumbe bus station to the south of the city. This is a $0.25 journey on the Trole line, taking one hour from the Mariscal area of town, or a 30 minute ride in a taxi, with an approximate cost of $10.

From Quitumbe, travelers should take a bus to Latacunga. This takes approximately two hours and usually costs $2. There are buses that leave very frequently for this route. From the Latacunga bus terminal, visitors can take a bus onward to Chugchilan, Quilotoa itself or other villages in the region. Buses go via Sigchos, or via Zumbahua. The cost is approximately $3-5 and takes around four hours. There are only a few buses per day to the Quilotoa region, so it is best to leave early from Quito to try to make the connection, or to stay overnight in Latacunga.