Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake

5.0
(23 reviews)

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

This full-day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market at Saquilisilí or an historic church in Pujilí (Thursday/Sunday). The drive to Laguna Quilotoa displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. Before arriving at Quilotoa we will visit and incredible local gallery in Tigua, where we will have a short painting class to learn about the ancient techniques in this charming town. The tour includes a hike down into the Laguna Quilotoa, a sparkling emerald lake inside the inactive volcano crater. The return hike takes one hour, or there is the option of renting a mule for $12. We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening.

We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening.

What's Included

Hiking sticks
Lunch
Fees and entrance to Quilotoa reserve, hike to the lake.
Transportation: Comfortable land transportation.
Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader
Tips
Souvenirs
Optional rent of a horse/mule ($12) on the way back up from the lake
Painting Taller (15 USD per person)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We pick passengers from hotels located in Quito old town and new town.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Quilotoa

    We will visit The Quilotoa lagoon, one of the most beautiful volcanic lagoons on the planet. The most significant feature of this lagoon, with a depth of 250 meters, is its turquoise green waters. The Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes, within its crater a caldera with a diameter of almost 9 km has been formed. We will hike down to appreciate how the minerals have given the surface a greenish and bluish hue when it is hit by sunlight. Inside, there are springs that, from the shore, can be seen as bubbling trails that rise to the surface.

    6 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Tigua

    We will visit the traditional Tigua town, where artists have always been known for decorating masks and drums for their festivals with precision and vibrant color. Their talented hands create an extravaganza of color and beauty that is beyond what would be expected from self-taught artists. Once in here you will have a painting lesson with the ancestral technique of painting on a sheepskin. You will take your creation as a souvenir to remember this unconventional experience.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Canon del Rio Toachi

    We will visit the viewpoint of Toachi Canyon, a great geographical accident in the form of a gigantic ravine that partly crosses the reserve and is visible from a natural viewpoint in the vicinity of Sigchos. This geographical feature has a viewpoint to appreciate its beautiful landscape in whose deep interior runs the Toachi River, the main hydrographic axis of the Area.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Inspiring Ecuador

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
DSA non-compliant
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 23 23 reviews
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