Quilotoa is a huge volcano that had a great eruption a couple of thousand years ago, and those explosions created the unique landscape that surrounds it. The lagoon, formed at its caldera (large cauldron-like hollow), is really something unique because of its colour that changes according to the light. Get ready to be blown away!

To reach Quilotoa, we have to drive for around 3 hours, but fortunately, the spectacular landscape on the way makes it all the more worthwhile. We will visit a local indigenous market. The one we visit depends on the day of your tour as every market in every town has something unique and special to offer. You will definitely get to see something both unique and special! 

After merging with the locals in the most important meeting point , the market, we continue on to Quilotoa. We will observe the very unique landscape of the Toachi Canyon, which it is said, was formed after the explosion of the Quilotoa volcano thousands of years ago.

Finally, we arrive at 3900 metres above sea level (12795 feet ASL), from where you can take some breathtaking pictures of the lagoon. From here you can choose to walk to the bottom of the caldera and then back up again (the hike down takes around 30 minutes and the hike up around 1 hour). You can also rent mules on the way up, but we strongly recommend against this as we are opposed to the use and abuse of any animals! This is, however, your choice.

On the way back to Quito, we stop briefly to visit a small community known for the family that started native art in the area. Tigua artwork is now produced by several families in the area, famous for its typical Andean landscapes, mythology and life in the indigenous communities

What to bring

• ID (original or copy)
• Rain/wind jacket
• Warm clothes
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Cap or hat
• Bandana
• Sunblock
• Money, including small change
• A backpack to store stuff
• Water