Full-day Quilotoa

Exploring the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater Lake is a must-do experience for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts visiting Ecuador. This full-day tour, led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, offers an immersive journey through the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant indigenous culture. From wandering the charming streets of Quito’s Old Town to bargaining at the lively Saquisilí Market, you will explore the rich heritage of this remarkable destination. With comfortable transportation, entrance fees, and a delectable Ecuadorian lunch included, this tour promises an unforgettable day that will leave you craving more of what Ecuador has to offer.

Good To Know

• A full-day tour exploring the Quilotoa Crater Lake, a stunning volcanic lake in Ecuador, led by expert guides focused on sustainability.
• Includes visits to Quito’s historic old town, indigenous markets like Saquisilí, and opportunities to interact with local communities.
• Offers comfortable transportation, an Ecuadorian lunch, and entrance tickets to the Quilotoa Lagoon as part of the package.
• Emphasizes learning about local culture, traditions, and respect for nature throughout the day-long experience.
• Highly rated tour with excellent value, providing a memorable and immersive exploration of the Quilotoa region.

Tour Overview

The Full-Day Quilotoa Tour in Quito, Ecuador, allows visitors to experience the captivating Quilotoa Crater Lake and the surrounding Andean landscape.

Led by expert guides, the tour emphasizes sustainability and respect for nature. Travelers will explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, connect with indigenous communities, and savor a delicious Ecuadorian lunch.

Comfortable transportation is provided, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The tour’s highlights include the Quito Old Town, local indigenous markets, and the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon.

With a focus on culture and environmental consciousness, this full-day excursion promises unforgettable memories.

Inclusions

Included in the Full-Day Quilotoa Tour are a bilingual guide for each activity, comfortable touristic transportation, and an entrance ticket to the Quilotoa Lagoon.

Plus, travelers can purchase alcoholic beverages, breakfast, and extra food/drinks during the tour. The tour emphasizes sustainability and respect for nature, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.

The highlights of the itinerary include:

• Quito Old Town
• Saquisilí Market or Pujilí Market
• Quilotoa Crater Lake
• Connections with indigenous communities
• Delicious Ecuadorian lunch

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, not recommended for pregnant travelers, not stroller accessible, and not suitable for pets.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the Full-Day Quilotoa Tour is available from Centro Histórico, Quito, or at Friends Hotel & Rooftop (Junín Oe1-61 y, Quito 170401). For an additional cost, hotel pickup is available both inside and outside the Historic Center.

Pickup Location	Cost
Centro Histórico, Quito	Included
Friends Hotel & Rooftop	Included
Hotel Pickup (inside Historic Center)	Additional Cost
Hotel Pickup (outside Historic Center)	Additional Cost

The tour emphasizes convenience, with comfortable touristic transportation provided throughout the day.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring the Quito Old Town kicks off the day at 07:15 am, providing a 20-minute introduction to the city’s historic center, free of admission fees.

Next, visitors venture to the indigenous markets of Saquisilí on Thursdays or Pujilí on Sundays, where they can exchange tropical and Andean products for 30 minutes.

The tour also includes:

• A visit to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, the stunning centerpiece of the experience
• Opportunities to connect with local indigenous communities
• Savoring a delicious Ecuadorian lunch
• Experiencing the breathtaking Andean landscape
• Emphasizing sustainability and respect for nature throughout the journey.

Quito Old Town

The day kicks off with a visit to Quito’s historic center, located just 20 minutes from the pickup point. Visitors can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant plazas. Some of the highlights include:

Attraction	Description
Plaza de la Independencia	The main square, featuring the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Calle La Ronda	A charming cobblestone street with traditional artisan workshops and local eateries.
Church of San Francisco	One of the oldest and most impressive religious buildings in Quito.
Compañía de Jesús Church	Known for its ornate Baroque-style interior.

This introduction to Quito’s historic heart sets the stage for the day’s exploration of the Quilotoa region.

Saquisilí Market

After exploring the historic heart of Quito, the tour heads to the vibrant Saquisilí Market. This bustling indigenous market is a hub of activity, where visitors can enjoy the local culture and witness the exchange of tropical and Andean products.

The market is open on Thursdays, providing an authentic experience for travelers. Highlights of the market visit include:

• Browsing stalls filled with colorful textiles, handcrafted artisanal goods, and fresh produce
• Interacting with friendly vendors and learning about their traditional practices
• Sampling local Ecuadorian delicacies and snacks
• Experiencing the lively atmosphere and energy of the market
• Capturing memorable photographs of the vibrant sights and sounds

Additional Information

What additional details should travelers know about this tour? This full-day Quilotoa tour isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for pregnant travelers, and not stroller accessible. Pets aren’t allowed either. However, the tour does provide confirmation upon booking. Travelers can also cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

To summarize the key details:

Accessibility	Booking	Cancellation
Not wheelchair accessible	Confirmation received at booking	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not stroller accessible

The tour is highly rated, with 5.0 stars based on 8 reviews, and is recommended for an informative understanding of local culture and communities.

Reviews and Price

Rated 5.0 based on 8 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor, this full-day Quilotoa tour comes highly recommended for its informative understanding of local culture and communities.

At $90 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The highlights include:

• Bilingual guides who provide expert commentary
• Comfortable transportation to and from the Quilotoa Crater Lake
• Entrance tickets to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon
• Optional add-ons like alcoholic beverages, breakfast, and extra food/drinks
• Convenient pickup locations in Quito’s Historic Center or at the Friends Hotel & Rooftop

Whether you’re looking to learn about Andean landscapes or connect with indigenous communities, this Quilotoa tour is a must-do experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?

The price listed includes the entrance ticket to Quilotoa Lagoon, but additional costs may apply for optional activities, meals, and drinks. Customers should check with the tour provider for any other potential fees or taxes not covered in the base price.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator allows customers to customize the itinerary to their preferences. They’ll work with you to incorporate your desired activities and sights within the tour’s overall structure and duration.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The average group size for this tour is not specified, but it’s likely to be small and intimate to provide a personalized experience. The tour emphasizes sustainability and connecting with local communities, so group size is likely kept manageable.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum/Maximum Participant Requirements?

This tour doesn’t have any age restrictions or minimum/maximum participant requirements. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour if I’m Not Staying at the Pickup Location?

Yes, you can store your luggage during the tour if you’re not staying at the pickup location. The tour provider offers secure luggage storage for participants who need it throughout the day’s activities.

The Sum Up

The Quilotoa Full-Day Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Ecuador’s natural wonders and cultural richness. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and a delightful Ecuadorian lunch, this tour provides a memorable and sustainable exploration of the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake, vibrant indigenous markets, and the historic Old Town of Quito, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the country’s beauty and diversity.