Ecuador · Geological Wonders

1-Day Quilotoa Crater Lake Tour from Quito with Saquisili Market

1 Day Round trip from Quito Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the beautiful lagoon viewpoint at Quilotoa Crater Lake
02 Travel along the Panamerican Highway from Quito into the Ecuadorian highlands
03 Stop in the small town of Saquisili to see its local market
04 Hike around the crater rim and descend to the lake for fantastic views
05 Choose to return uphill on foot or on donkey back

Discover Quilotoa Crater Lake on a full-day trip from Quito, traveling along the Panamerican Highway into one of Ecuador's most popular natural attractions. Visit the small town of Saquisili on the way, then take in the dramatic views from the rim of the caldera and hike down to the lake for its unique scenery. The area also offers simple local services such as mules and guides, and the caldera is known for hikes of around four to five hours. This tour combines volcanic landscapes, light adventure, and a cultural stop in the highlands.

Visit the small town of Saquisili on the way, then take in the dramatic views from the rim of the caldera and hike down to the lake for its unique scenery.

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 Yes

Cities Quito, Quilotoa Lake

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Quilotoa Crater Lake and Saquisili Market Excursion

Leave Quito at 7:00 am and begin your three-hour journey along the Panamerican Highway toward Quilotoa Crater Lake. Your first stop is the small town of Saquisili, where you will see its local market before continuing on to the lake.

Upon arrival, enjoy a short hike up to the top and walk around the crater. Then head down to the lake itself, where you will have fantastic views of its unique scenery.

On the way back up, you will have the option of returning on foot or riding a donkey, which makes for a great experience. You will return to Quito at about 6:00 pm.