Ecuador · Hiking

1-Day Quilotoa Crater Lake Hiking Tour from Quito with route options

1 Day Round trip from Quilotoa Lake Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Scenic drive through the Andean highlands with views of rural villages
02 Visit the colorful Zumbahua Indigenous Market on Saturdays
03 Admire the turquoise and emerald waters of Quilotoa Crater Lake
04 Choose from multiple hiking routes based on fitness and preference
05 Enjoy optional kayaking or a boat ride on the volcanic lagoon
06 Learn about Ecuadorian highland traditions during breakfast and lunch stops
07 Capture breathtaking photographs of dramatic crater and mountain landscapes

Experience a full-day adventure from Quito to the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake. Travel through the Andean highlands, enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast, and visit the colorful Zumbahua Indigenous Market on Saturdays. At the crater, admire the turquoise and emerald waters and choose between several hiking routes based on your fitness level and preference. Optional activities such as kayaking or a boat ride on the lagoon add even more adventure to the day.

Admire the spectacular turquoise and emerald colors of the volcanic lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Quito, Quilotoa Lake, Zumbahua

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Quilotoa Crater Lake Adventure from Quito

Hotel Pickup and Departure from Quito

Receive pickup from your accommodation in Quito.
If you are staying outside the city, meet at a designated point.
Begin the 3.5-hour scenic drive through rural landscapes and Andean villages.

Drive duration: approximately 3.5 hours, including stops.

Local Breakfast Stop

Enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian breakfast in a traditional setting.
Learn about daily life and local cuisine in the highlands.

Estimated time: 45 minutes.

Visit Zumbahua Indigenous Market (Saturdays Only)

Explore the vibrant market filled with textiles, crafts, and Andean produce.
Walk around the town and meet local vendors.

Estimated time: 30 to 45 minutes.

Arrival at Quilotoa Crater Lake

Admire the spectacular turquoise and emerald colors of the volcanic lake.
Receive instructions from your guide before starting your chosen activity.

Choose Your Adventure

Crater Rim Hike

Follow the longer loop around the crater with breathtaking viewpoints.
Estimated time: 5 to 6 hours.

Lake Visit and Activities

Hike down to the lake and enjoy optional kayaking or a boat ride.
Hike back up to the starting point.
Estimated time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Secret Trail Experience

Follow a hidden route around a smaller part of the crater before connecting with the main path.
Estimated time: 3 to 4 hours.

Lunch and Return Journey

Reunite with the group and enjoy a local lunch.
Begin the drive back to Quito with mountain scenery along the way.
Receive drop-off at your hotel in Quito to end the day comfortably.

Where this trip takes you

Turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake, Zumbahua Indigenous Market, Andean highlands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Quilotoa Lake 3 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation from your location to the Quilotoa Lagoon and back
Bilingual guide
Entrance fees

What's Not Included

Meals and water
Personal expenses
Tips

What to bring

Gloves
Cap
Wind jacket
Warm sweater
Hiking boots
Comfortable pants (no jeans)
Snacks
Two liters of water
Rain gear
Another change of clothes

Know before you go

If you are traveling alone, please let me know before you confirm your booking.
From Monday to Friday, the experience will be conducted in Spanish.
Participants must have some hiking experience.
It is a full-day trip, as the drive takes 3.5 hours each way from Quito.
If you get motion sickness, let us know in advance so we can assist you and provide remedies.
If you'd like to add a stop to visit an indigenous family's art gallery, please let us know. We would be happy to include the stop.
Wear warm clothes and layers. The crater lake area is at a high elevation, which means it can be chilly, windy, and sometimes rainy. It's best to be prepared.
There may be occasions when our pets join us for this experience, especially on weekends, so please let us know if you are comfortable with that.
We recommend following all of the guides' instructions. We are not responsible if you make decisions that put your life in danger, such as continuing by yourself in bad weather, not wearing a helmet, not using the thermal blanket, or not carrying enough water.

Logistics