Come and enjoy a one-day journey to one of Ecuador’s most stunning natural wonders: the emerald-colored Quilotoa Lagoon.

This tour operates on: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday.
Departure: 07:10 AM from Quito from plaza Fosch or 7:30 San Blas Square.
Minimum: 1 participant (shared basis, subject to availability)

Discover the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, a vibrant emerald lake nestled inside a volcanic crater at 3,800 meters in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. This full-day tour offers scenic landscapes, cultural immersion, and highland adventure. Travel through Zumbahua Canyon, indigenous villages, and farmlands, with visits to a local market depending on the day (Saquisilí, Zumbahua, or Pujilí). Stop at the Shalalá community, known for its crafts and sustainable tourism, before arriving at the breathtaking Quilotoa viewpoint. Enjoy time to hike down to the lagoon, rent a kayak, or simply take in the panoramic views. A local indigenous guide will share insights into the area's cultural and geological significance. After your visit, relax with a traditional Andean lunch before returning to Quito in the late afternoon.

• 06:50 AM – Departure from Quito
• Scenic drive through the Zumbahua Canyon
• Visit to a local indigenous market (based on the day)
• Stop at Shalalá community
• Arrival at Quilotoa Crater Viewpoint (3,800 m)
• Optional hike down to the lagoon
• Time to relax, explore, or kayak on the lake
• Lunch included
• Begin return trip to Quito
• Arrival time: ~5:30–6:30 PM

Departing from Quito at 7:10 AM, this tour takes you on a scenic drive through the Ecuadorian Andes toward Quilotoa Lagoon — a spectacular emerald-green lake located inside the crater of an extinct volcano at 3,800 meters (12,467 ft) above sea level.

Along the way, we’ll pass through the impressive Zumbahua Canyon, as well as a series of indigenous towns and farmlands, offering both cultural and photographic highlights. Depending on the day of your visit, we’ll stop at one of the region’s traditional indigenous markets:

• Saquisilí on Thursdays
• Zumbahua on Saturdays
• Pujilí on Sundays

Before lunch, we’ll visit Shalalá, a small community known for its handicrafts and commitment to sustainable tourism. Upon arriving at the lagoon, you’ll enjoy panoramic views from the crater’s rim, with the option to hike down to the water, rent a kayak, or simply take in the beauty from above. A local native guide will accompany the group, providing insight into the cultural, geological, and ecological significance of the area.

🔺 Please note: Weather at Quilotoa is highly variable, so we strongly recommend warm and waterproof clothing. You should also be acclimatized to elevations above 3,000 meters before joining this tour.

SHARING BASIS

English-speaking guide

Authorized tourist transport

Traditional lunch

Permits to enter the protected areas

Extra food and beverages
Tips o Gratuities

Snaks
Tickets $2 USD p/p To Quilotoa.

Tickets $1 USD p/p Tooachi Canyon.

Warm & waterproof jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottle
Camera