1-Day Hiking Down to Quilotoa Lagoon

Quilotoa Lagoon offers an unparalleled hiking adventure deep into the heart of Ecuador’s volcanic landscape. Descending into the crater’s dramatic expanse, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the vivid turquoise waters below. The moderate 1-to-1.5-hour hike down the winding trail promises an exhilarating challenge, with options to kayak across the lagoon for a truly unique perspective. With round-trip transportation, lunch, and an experienced guide provided, this one-day excursion into the "Avenue of Volcanoes" provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in the region’s natural splendor.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Quito.

Good To Know

• Explore the stunning Quilotoa crater lake, the highlight of a 1-day excursion from Quito, Ecuador, featuring round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.

• Traverse the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," with stops at notable sights like Cotopaxi, Machachi, and the vibrant Pujili market.

• Descend into the Quilotoa crater via a moderate, 1-1.5 hour hike, with an option to kayak on the turquoise lagoon.

• The tour includes an English-speaking guide, private transportation, and mule riding available for an additional fee.

• The tour is priced at $98 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and flexible reservation and cancellation policies.

Overview of the Quilotoa Hiking Tour

What does this 1-day hiking excursion to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, Ecuador entail?

This tour allows explorers to experience the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" and visit notable destinations like Machachi, Pujili market, and Tigua.

The highlight is reaching the stunning Quilotoa crater lake, where hikers can walk down to the bottom. For an additional cost, visitors can even opt for kayaking on the lagoon.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Quito, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, travel insurance, and lunch.

While the hike requires a moderate fitness level, mule riding is available for $10.

This small-group adventure offers personalized attention and an immersive experience in Ecuador’s volcanic landscapes.

Exploring the Avenue of Volcanoes

As part of this captivating hiking excursion, explorers embark on a journey along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes".

This legendary region boasts an incredible concentration of snow-capped peaks, including Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

Along the way, the tour visits the picturesque town of Machachi, known for its charming colonial architecture and vibrant Sunday market in Pujili.

The group then continues to the indigenous Tigua community, renowned for its colorful traditional textiles and paintings.

This immersive exploration provides a unique glimpse into the diverse cultural and natural wonders that define Ecuador’s stunning Andean landscapes.

Visiting Machachi, Pujili, and Tigua

On the way to the Quilotoa Lagoon, the tour group first visits the town of Machachi, nestled within the breathtaking "Avenue of the Volcanoes".

Next, they explore the vibrant Pujili market, known for its colorful textiles, handicrafts, and local produce.

The journey then takes them to the indigenous community of Tigua, where they discover:

1. Vibrant paintings depicting the Andean way of life.
2. Traditional weaving demonstrations by skilled artisans.
3. The opportunity to purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs.
4. Insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

These stops along the way provide a well-rounded experience, allowing the group to enjoy the diverse landscapes and traditions of Ecuador’s highlands.

Descending Into the Quilotoa Crater

The descent into the Quilotoa crater begins with a steep, winding trail that leads hikers down into the stunning, turquoise-colored lagoon. The hike down can be challenging, as the trail is rocky and uneven, but the breathtaking views make it well worth the effort.

Descending to the Lagoon	Time	Difficulty
Trailhead to Lagoon	1-1.5 hours	Moderate
Lagoon to Trailhead	1.5-2 hours	Challenging

Once at the bottom, visitors can explore the serene waters of the crater lake, take in the dramatic scenery, and even opt to go kayaking for a closer look at the volcanic features.

Optional Kayaking on the Lagoon

Visitors can often opt to go kayaking on the serene waters of the crater lake for a closer look at the volcanic features.

Kayaking provides several benefits:

1. Unique perspective from the center of the lake.
2. Opportunity to spot wildlife like Andean waterfowl.
3. Ability to explore the shoreline and observe the steep, colorful canyon walls.
4. Peaceful, relaxing experience on the tranquil lagoon.

While an additional cost, the kayaking excursion is a popular add-on activity that allows travelers to fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Quilotoa crater.

Tour Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes a certified English-speaking naturalist guide/driver who accompanies participants throughout the experience. Transportation with pick-up and drop-off from Quito, as well as admission to the Quilotoa reserve, are provided. Lunch and travel insurance are also included. While mule back riding is available for an additional $10 USD per person, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions. A moderate physical fitness level is required.

Inclusions	Accessibility
Certified guide/driver	Not wheelchair accessible
Transportation	Not recommended for certain conditions
Admission to reserve	Moderate fitness required
Lunch and insurance	Mule riding available
Mule riding option

Meeting, Pickup, and Logistics

Pickup for the tour is available from the Quito airport at no extra cost. Once booked, customers receive confirmation details before the experience.

The tour is operated as a private group, so only your party participates. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions, as moderate physical fitness is required.

The key logistics include:

1. Pickup from Quito airport included.
2. Confirmation provided upon booking.
3. Private group tour format.
4. Not suitable for those with accessibility needs or medical concerns.

Pricing, Cancellation, and Reviews

The tour starts at $98.00 per person, with the price varying based on group size.

The operator provides a Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, giving them more flexibility.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Based on 4 verified reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour has a 5.0 rating, with all reviewers giving it 5 stars.

The operator’s commitment to quality is evident in these stellar reviews from past participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on this tour. However, lunch is already included in the tour package, so bringing additional snacks or beverages is optional.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

The tour has a private group format, so there’s no minimum or maximum group size. The small group size allows for personalized attention from the guide during the Quilotoa Lagoon excursion.

Can I Stop for Photos During the Hike?

Yes, participants can stop for photos during the hike. The small group format allows for personalized attention, and the certified guide will accommodate photo opportunities along the way to ensure travelers capture the scenic views.

Is There a Bathroom at the Lagoon?

Yes, there are bathroom facilities available at the Quilotoa Lagoon. Visitors can use the restrooms located near the crater’s edge during their visit to the scenic lake.

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

The tour does not allow bringing pets. It’s a hiking excursion that’s not suitable for dogs, and they’re not permitted in the Quilotoa reserve. Guests should leave their pets at home for this tour.

The Sum Up

The 1-day hiking tour to Quilotoa Lagoon offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Ecuador’s natural wonders. Descending into the breathtaking crater, visitors can marvel at the stunning turquoise waters and opt for a unique kayaking experience. With transportation, lunch, and a certified guide included, this journey promises an unforgettable adventure through the Avenue of Volcanoes.