Is Quilotoa worth visiting?
A list of top ten cool activities to visit the Quilotoa in Ecuador. Some are completely free, while others are offered for a minimum fee. Ready? Let's go!
Some activities can be done in one day, while others require more planning.
1) Shalalá Viewpoint
Shalalá is a community tourism section in Quilotoa, where an awesome glass and wood viewing platform was developed in 2013, covering an area of 616 m². This architectural structure, named "Mirador Shalalá," is today one of the most visited sites for its incredible panoramic views of the Quilotoa Lagoon.
2) Trail around the Quilotoa Crater
The complete loop around the Quilotoa crater is a magnificent trail that simulate a "climb" to the Quilotoa volcano's summit. This route has approximately 11-km for a winding path, through gentle descents and steep climbs across the crater's upper rim.
The trail that completely goes around of Quilotoa crater passes through several natural viewpoints, as well as sections where Quilotoa Lake is out of sight.
3) Hike to Quilotoa Beach
On the other hand, the most popular trail among adventurers and tourists is the one that descends from the Quilotoa's Volcano entrance to Quilotoa Beach (lagoon area), where is the shore of the lagoon and its beautiful turquoise waters.
The hike is 1.6 km long and an one hour downhill to the shore of Quilotoa Lagoon, while the return hike can take from 1 to 2 hours depending on your physical condition.
4) Sail Quilotoa Lagoon
Sail the crater lagoon of a volcano... like a movie scene! At the shores of Quilotoa lake, a kayak or a boat (a personal seat) can be rent for a ride on the Quilotoa lagoon.
Both options, kayaks and boats, are operated by the local-community members.
5) Camping Quilotoa
Camping in Quilotoa and spending a night on a volcano is a great plan for the more adventurous traveler. There are two options: the first camp zone is on Quilotoa Beach and the second is at the Shalalá Tourist Center campsite.
Camping at the Quilotoa Volcano
6) Toachi River Canyon Viewpoint
The Toachi River Canyon is a ravine approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) long through which the Toachi River flows and which is located near Quilotoa. The Toachi Canyon viewpoint offers a wonderful view of the Andean landscape of Ecuador.
7) Quilotoa Loop
The Quilotoa Loop is a two- to five-day trekking depending on the route and itinerary, that travels along mountain trails through the villages of Sigchos, Isinlivi, and Chugchilan until reaching Quilotoa Lagoon (you can even go as far as Zumbahua).
Quilotoa Loop can be completed by in any direction (starting from Quilotoa or Sigchos).
8) Tigua Craft Workshop
A visit to the artistic space of the Tigua community (a village near Quilotoa) is another enriching and entertaining activity, as you can appreciate handcrafted pieces inspired by pre-Columbian culture and Andean mythological worldview such as masks, accessories and paintings that are on exhibition and for sale.
A must-see for travelers and tourists who love native-local art.
9) Visit Zumbahua Town
Zumbahua is a town located 14 km from Quilotoa Volcano, on the Latacunga-Zumbahua-Quilotoa road. People from all the communities surrounding Quilotoa come to Zumbahua to deal goods during the market on saturdays. It is a good place to observe the mountainous landscapes and the local style of life.
10) Alpacas and Llamas in Quilotoa
🦙 You may not be able to buy him a coffee, but he'll listen attentively and perhaps accept your caresses, maybe even agree to take a selfie...
At Quilotoa, you'll find native Llamas and Alpacas of the Andes, roam the surroundings of the Quilotoa volcano and the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve.
Llama is a species of camelid from the family of Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos that has inhabited America since pre-Columbian times to the present day.
What to do at the Quilota?
Well, there you have 10 reasons to life an amazing experience at the Quilotoa... A giant of the Andes Mountains in South America that shines in turquoise blue!