This is one of the most amazing places around the world because this is a volcano lagoon, that you won´t find other attraction like this, here is really cold and warm at the same time, if you go here i recommend u as a tourist to bring coats, some snacks and if you like trekking this a craziest place to do it!! you have to pay a fee here not expensive, have fun and enjoy your time on quilotoa great expirience!!
The view is incredible but the climb back up is particularly hard. The slope is steep, and what with the sand, and the mules trampling you, sending clouds of dust and almost shitting on your feet, it can get pretty intense. And also there is the altitude (3900 metres high!)
Crater of a volcano filled with blue-green water. 30 minute downhill hike to the water's edge, where you can rent boats or horses to bring you back to the top. Can be extremely windy at the top-which is at ground level. (You don't have to climb UP to go DOWN, just the opposite.)You can also hike around the lake. Many wildflowers in season.
A beautiful place to visit. Be sure to take your time, wear good shoes, and bring water to hike up from the lake! There are a few small restaurants in Quilotoa to grab lunch before you go
like : nice hike, especially the first part from Chiculan to Guayama..dislike : no bus on Saturday to leave directly form Quilotoa to Latacunga !
A hiking-lover's dream! Had a fun day trip out here with Carpedm agency. Visit the market before you make the hike. Set aside a good hour for the steep hike back up-take it slow if you're not used to the elevation. Super beautiful view.
Amazing views, kayaking on the lake. A must see if in the area. The hike down and up is very steep, and you are at altitude, so give yourself plenty of time (and hour down, close to 2 back up - depending of course on your fitness level and acclimation to the altitude (12,000+ feet).
This is my third visit, every time different but always beautiful. The weather changes fast, going from burning sun to freezing rain and hail in a matter of minutes.Dress for the unpredictable (an extra change of clothes/socks/shoes is highly advisable). The path down to the lagoon is now paved, mostly steps. It takes about one hour to climb back up if you are fit. If you go save the time for a kayak or canoe paddle in the lake. There is mules available to ride back to the rim. Ecuadorian style restaurants serve lunch (almuerzo) for $4.00 soup, main dish and soft drink or tea. Do eat/drink it fast, the food steams but is only tepid because of the altitude, about 12,500 feet or over two miles high. Should you get "soroche" (altitude sickness), ask for coca tea, it help my mother (91 Yrs) and will not hook you or get you high. Take plenty of water, or buy it at the restaurants, you will need it,
We started our one day trip in Latacunga and drove to the Quilotoa volcano. On the top there is a great view to the crater lake which was really impressive. We've seen some volcanoes in the past, but this view is really exciting.
The lake was beautiful, reminding me very much of our trip to Crater Lake in Oregon. But I think what we found most enjoyable was the drive to and from. The countryside of Ecuador is absolutely beautiful with its patchwork of green fields rising up and down the hills. There is a nice shopping/eating area up near the lake.