Quilotoa Crater Lake is one of the most spectacular crater lakes in South America!

Quilotoa (3914 m. over sea level- 12916.2 feet) is considered as one of the top 20 crater lakes in the world and the fifth most active volcano in Ecuador. It's last eruption happened during the XII century, approximately 800 years ago, this obligated the precolumbian inhabitants of that region to leave the area and migrate to nearby regions. It has been trough eight eruptive cycles in the last 200000 years.

 

Our trip itinerary goes like this:

We drive to reach the road to Latacunga-Pujili - Tigua -Zumbahua - Quilotoa. First we drive towards Pujili, where we will visit the local market, which is a vegetable and goods market, this is a non touristy one where the local indigenous buy and sell vegetables, fruits and meat. Then we continue to Tigua to visit a paintings workshop from one of the pioneer indigenous artists from the region, Julio Toaquiza. Afterwards we go to Zumbahua vill where on Saturdays we can explore its local amazing market. After this we take the detour to Quilotoa vill in order to reach the rim of the active Quilotoa volcano so we can see the beautiful turquoise Crater Lake. Upon arrival we will hike down to touch the volcanic water. On the way down you see a few interesting plants from the Andes. After one hour approximately you will find the shore. There is a possibility to kayak in the volcanic water. After this we hike back all the way up to the edge, this is a great experience! In the afternoon we drive back to Quito.

PRICE: USD 80 per person (with a minimum of four people)