Quilotoa Day Trip

Experience the breathtaking beauty of one of Ecuador's most remarkable natural wonders: Quilotoa Lagoon. This full-day excursion offers you the chance to marvel at the awe-inspiring views of this stunning volcanic caldera nestled in the Andean mountains.

Trip Overview

We'll begin your journey with a timely pickup from your accommodation in Guayaquil, followed by a scenic bus ride lasting approximately 6 hours towards the province of Cotopaxi, where the breathtaking Quilotoa Caldera awaits.

Upon arrival, there will be a short break for you to purchase lunch at your convenience before our exploration begins. Once refreshed, we will commence our adventure with a breathtaking viewpoint of Quilotoa Lagoon, a stunning body of water formed in the caldera after an eruption of a volcano that occurred over 800 years ago. Here, the guide will share insights into the geological and historical significance of the area.

Our next step is to descend into the caldera toward the lagoon's edge, a trek that takes about 1.5 hours. Once at the bottom, you can soak in the captivating landscape before we begin the ascent back to the crater's rim, which usually spans around 2.5 hours of hiking. Should you prefer a more relaxed return, options to rent a horse or mule are available on-site.

Upon completion of the hike, a traditional lunch will be served in Quilotoa, featuring dishes such as locro de papa, grilled pork chops or chicken, rice, salad, and tropical fruit juice.

Afterward, we will return to Guayaquil. During the journey back, a brief stop at the Toachi River Canyon viewpoint will offer a chance to appreciate and photograph the stunning pine forest.

The day will conclude with a drop-off at your hotel in Guayaquil, approximately 18 hours after the initial pickup.