Ecuador · Geological Wonders

Excursion Day to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito

10 Hours Round trip from Quito Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day excursion from Quito to the turquoise Quilotoa Lagoon
  • 02 Scenic drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
  • 03 Visit Tigua and see Andean indigenous-themed crafts
  • 04 Stop at the Toachi River viewpoint in Zumbahua
  • 05 Guided walk down to the shores of Quilotoa crater lake
  • 06 Free time for an optional boat or kayak ride on the lagoon
  • 07 Additional viewpoint visit in the community of Shalalá
  • 08 Private transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito

Discover one of Ecuador’s most striking natural wonders on a full-day journey from Quito to Quilotoa Lagoon. Travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing Andean landscapes, small towns, and mountain viewpoints before reaching the turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa.

Along the way, visit the indigenous community of Tigua to see its traditional crafts, stop at the Toachi River viewpoint in Zumbahua, and enjoy sweeping views over the lagoon from different angles. With your guide, descend toward the shore of the crater lake, where you may also choose to take an optional boat or kayak ride before returning uphill and continuing back to Quito.

Discover one of Ecuador’s most striking natural wonders on a full-day journey from Quito to Quilotoa Lagoon.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, Zumbahua
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Total Duration: 10 hours

Early in the morning we head south of the city along the Avenida de los Volcanes, so called because, weather permitting, we can see hills and volcanoes such as Pasochoa, Corazón, Cotopaxi, Ilinizas, among others. We will pass through the town of Pujilí and continue to the indigenous community of Tigua, famous for its Andean indigenous-themed crafts. Here we will visit an artisan workshop to observe these works of art up close, we will continue until we reach the Zumbahua Community where we will do a stop at the viewpoint of the Toachi River. We continue until we reach the viewpoint of the lagoon from where we will have a great view of the entire crater of the extinct volcano and inside a large lagoon of turquoise color and other shades of green and blue of Quilotoa, from this site the walk begins, with our With our guide, we will descend until we reach the shores of this beautiful lagoon, and they will have time to take a boat or kayak ride in its waters (not included). After the fun we take the way back and we will ascend to the starting point, upon arrival our guide will recommend you and give you the necessary time to have lunch. After recovering our strength, we headed to another entrance to the lagoon in the community of Shalalá to visit its viewpoint and have another angle and the last view of this jewel embedded in the mountains. In the afternoon return to Quito and our guide will drop you off at his hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Quito 4 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pick up and drop-off ( Hotel pick up inside the Urban perimeter of Quito)
  • Private Tour

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees
  • Food and Drinks

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Wear warm clothes, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, cold gloves, comfortable walking shoes with preferred styling
  • We provide Multilingual guide
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • The guide will pick up you in the lobby of the hotel ( Hotel pick up inside the Urban perimeter of Quito)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Quito, EC
Tour start
Quito, EC
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in Quito.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.