From the moment I heard about the collapsed volcano crater filled with water, I wanted to explore this magical green lagoon in the Ecuadorian Andes. It’s not often you find yourself near such a natural phenomenon. You can visit Quilotoa from Latacunga within a day on foot, kayak, or as a part of the three-day Quilotoa loop.
The Quilotoa one-day hike is unchallenging unless you struggle with the 3,914 metres altitude. Quilotoa can be visited from Quito and Baños. Although Latacunga an often-overlooked small town is closest to Quilotoa and Cotopaxi and therefore makes a great base for Ecuador’s best hikes. Trying to figure out what to expect from a one-day trip and multi-day hike, how to get to Quilotoa, where to eat and stay? Read on to find out.
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Duration: 7 h to 3-days
Transportation time: 2 h one-way
Cost: $ 4 to $ 322
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A ONE-DAY QUILOTOA VISIT FROM LATACUNGA
Do you want to explore the green lagoon and collapsed volcano rims without having to complete a strenuous hike? Then the one-day trip to Quilotoa is the one for you.
There are different ways to experience the lagoon within a day. The least exhausting options is to marvel at the volcano lake from above. You can also hike downhill along the gritty path for 45-minutes to the edge of the lagoon. There you will be welcomed by waking tails of stray dogs. The more adventurous can explore the stunning lagoon on kayak for $ 5/ 30-minutes. Who doesn’t want to be able to say they kayaked inside a volcano?
The ascent is more strenuous and can take twice as long if you struggle in high altitude. Locals are here to help reach the hilltop on a mule for $ 10 one-way. Beware of the mules running freely we had one charge at us.
On a windless and clear day, the 4 – 6 hour hike around the rim of Quilotoa is incredibly beautiful. You will pass a swing catapulting you over the edge of the collapsed volcano.
Weather has an impact on the richness of the deep green coloured water. I visited in November and the surrounding area was covered in fog. By the time we began the ascend the fog had somewhat lifted allowing us to get a glimpse of the lagoon’s true beauty.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE THREE-DAY QUILOTOA LOOP
The three-day Quilotoa loop is a South America highlight for many travellers. Quilotoa loop is commonly done as part of a tour but the hike can easily be done without a guide. Although, I do not recommend trekking without a travel buddy. The signage has been known to confuse hikers in the past.
There are three different starting points to visit Quilotoa from Latacunga. Both are easily accessible by bus from Latacunga. The easier, mostly downhill route begins at the highlight, the Laguna Quilotoa. The more common places to embark on this multi-day hike are Sigchos or Isinliví depending on how much distance you would like to cover.
The trek from Sigchos to Isinlivi takes 3 – 4 hours. Followed by a 4 – 6 hours hike to Chugchilán on the second day. The last stretch to the magical Quilotoa Lake is the longest hike of 7 – 8 hours.
Hiking The Quilotoa Loop On Your Own.
As with any multi-day trek you need to come prepared. Make sure you have enough phone battery to check your route on maps.me. Accommodations should be booked in advance. The most popular hostels to stay at along the way are Hostal Llulu Lama in Isinlivi. Hostal Cloud Forest in Chugchilán, and Hostal Chukirawa in Quilotoa. You can even camp at the bottom of Quilotoa crater at Columpio de Playas De Quilotoa camp. The overall cost for transport, accommodation, and food for the three-day hike starts at $60.
Quilotoa Loop With A Tour.
Would you rather not spend any time planning your trip? Multi-day Quilotoa Loop Tours can be booked through tourist agencies and hostels in Quito, Baños, and Latacunga. The tour costs around $322.
HOW TO VISIT QUILOTOA FROM LATACUNGA BY BUS
The 2-hour bus journey from Terminal Terrestre in Latacunga to Quilotoa costs $ 2 one-way. There are two bus companies operating this route and tickets can be bought on the first floor of the bus terminal. Busses operate hourly.
Anyone who wishes to embark on a multi-day trek needs to take a 2-hour bus to Sigchos or Isinlivi for $2.30 one-way. Busses to Sigchos run more frequently at 6:00, 8:00, or 9.00 am.
WHERE TO EAT
Looking for a place to eat after having explored this rare lagoon? There is a restaurant at the top of the hill where you can enjoy a menu del día for $ 5 before returning to Latacunga.
WHERE TO STAY
Hostal Cafe Tiana.
Looking for a budget-friendly base to leave your bags and complete your treks? Hostal Café Tiana has a big communal area, rich breakfast, and enough blankets to keep you warm at night. They charge a small fee for leaving your luggage.
WHAT TO PACK
At an altitude of 3,914 metres, the weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sunshine, rain, and even snow. This means pack layers, rain jackets, hats and gloves, and sun cream. For the one-day hike 1.5L of water is enough. There are no ATMs along the Quilotoa loop and credit cards are unlikely to be accepted anywhere.
WHERE TO NEXT
Looking for a city break and a visit to the Equator? Then Ecuador’s capital, Quito should be your next stop. Baños is the place for anyone who wants to embark on an adventure of bike rides to waterfalls and a dip in thermal baths. Looking for something different to do? The devil’s nose train departs from Latacunga to Cuenca on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The journey takes you through the Andes and offers dramatic volcano views.
Craving sunshine and a surf? I decided to coast hop Ecuador. Unfortunately, there are no direct bus routes from Latacunga to the coast. You need to take a bus via Quito or Baños. Apparently, there is a special service from Latacunga to Bahia. However, having been unable to locate the office with the hostel’s help I am sceptical this service still exists (2019). Please let me know in the comments if you know more.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for this magical lagoon? Will you be kayaking inside the collapsed volcano crater?
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
