1-Day Quilotoa Lake Hike from Quito with Indigenous Markets

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the Saquisilí or Pujilí indigenous markets in Cotopaxi province
• 02 Visit an indigenous cabin in the highlands at 3800 m
• 03 Discover Tigua's brightly coloured wooden sculptures and sheepskin paintings
• 04 Take in the emerald-coloured Quilotoa lagoon inside a volcanic crater
• 05 Kayak on Quilotoa lagoon at 3914 m

A couple of hours from Quito, explore Cotopaxi province through two important indigenous markets in Latacunga canton - the Saquisilí market on Thursday and the Pujilí market on Sunday - where products from tropical areas and the Andes are exchanged. Continue into the highlands to reach 3800 m and visit an indigenous cabin to learn about day-to-day life, then take in the natural beauty of Quilotoa, a crater lagoon known for its striking emerald-coloured water. This full-day experience combines local culture, artisan traditions, and dramatic Andean landscapes.

The Quilotoa lagoon is inside a volcanic crater, and its emerald-coloured water leaves a strong impression on all its visitors.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Quito, Quilotoa Lake

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Indigenous Markets, Tigua Community and Quilotoa Lagoon

• At the beginning of our tour, visit the community of Tigua. Its people live from agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, and painting, the last two of which have made them famous artists all over the world, with brightly coloured wooden sculptures of animal faces and paintings on sheepskin.
• On the way, make an obligatory stop to take pictures and selfies at the Toachi River Canyon viewpoint. The Quilotoa lagoon is inside a volcanic crater, and its emerald-coloured water leaves a strong impression on all its visitors.
• Visit the community viewpoint with access to the crater, from where we can reach the lagoon. Adventure lovers can kayak at 3914 m (12,841.21 ft), and the more adventurous can swim in its cold waters.
• Return to the community for lunch and then travel back to Quito.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Bilingual guide Spanish / English.
• Authorized tourist transport.
• Menu-type meals (lunch).
• Permits to enter protected areas.

What's Not Included

• Breakfast.
• Extra food and drinks.
• Tips.
• Snacks.

What to bring

• Comfortable and warm clothing, wind breaker (optional), gloves, and neck and ear protection.
• Camera.
• Sunscreen.
• Comfortable shoes for walking in mountainous and sandy terrain.
• Water.

Know before you go

• Meeting points:
  • Foch Square 7:15 am
  • Saint Blaise 7:30 am
• This tour operates on Thursdays and Sundays.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

Quito, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.