Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito

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Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hiking Day-Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Quilotoa loop tour takes you for a full-day trip to hike in Quilotao Lagoon and its surrounding areas. Visit Saquisilí, Zumbahua and Tigua Villages. Drive through the unforgettable mountain villages settled on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Get close to the local community and farmers in the surrounding areas and experience enriching encounters with local culture. Join a group of fellow travellers and discover the beauty on the Andean landscape.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Galapagos Tours Nature Galapagos & Ecuador

Ages: Adults (8–65 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lunch
Included: Transportation from Quito to Quilotoa and back (hotels within the urban perimeter ONLY)
Included: Guided Hike in Quilotoa Lagoon and visit to a local market (market place depends on day of the week)
Included: Bilingual Guide

Not included

Not included: Items/ activities not mentioned on the itinerary
Not included: Breakfast or other meals aside form Lunch
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Entrance fees: Laguna Quilotoa

Itinerary

Avenida De Los Volcanes

Passing by

Early in the morning, the trip starts by driving 89 km south from Quito through the Panamericana Hwy. aka “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”. The first stop will be Latacunga City at Cotopaxi Province. From this point, head west for a 1-hour drive through the unforgettable Andean scenery towards the village of Quilotoa.

Visit a local town and get in contact with the Andean culture (either Saquisilí or Pujilí). Get the chance to mix with the rich Andean culture of the local community that inhabits the surrounding area by visiting either Saquisil, Pujili or Zimbahua Indian markets (depends on the day).
Laguna Quilotoa

The lovely town of Zimbahua comes right before we start hiking down towards the turquoise colored Quilotoa Lagoon. Trek around this natural wonder of water holding strong minerals, formed by the collapsed volcanic caldera. From the rim hike down towards the banks of the lagoon and then climb back up.

Have lunch at a local restaurant and then stop at the small town Tigua famous for the Tigua art. In the late afternoon, head back to Quito.

The weather in the area of the Quilotoa Lagoon is unpredictable so please bring warm and waterproof clothing. Quilotoa is located at 3,800 masl and the temperatures usually hovers around the 12°so we recommend acclimatizing at least one day prior to this trip. Please don’t make this excursion you first right after arriving Ecuador. The hike is easy and you need no climbing expertise, however, we do recommend to climb back up from the lagoon on a mule or horse (cost not included in the price of the tour). Swimming in the lagoon is not recommended.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Using your ticket

Emergency ONLY phone number (local): (593) 992747880

This day tour is subject to availability and last minute changes due to forces beyond our control (Force Majeure). This is not a private tour - travelers will share the services with a group of fellow travelers (max of 12 travelers per group)

NOTE (IMPORTANT): The following info from each traveler is a compulsory requirement in order to be included in the supplier’s insurance. Please provide this information as soon as possible (before travel date).

Names (as they appear on the passport):

Passport Number:

Date of Birth:

Emergency Phone Number:

If travelers fail to provide this information two days prior to date of travel, the health insurance cannot NOT be applied.

NOTE (travel insurance age restriction): Travel insurance for this tour is applicable to travelers up to 69 years old ONLY. We encourage travelers of more the 69 years to hire private travel insurance, as unfortunately, they will not be covered with ours.

INCLUDES:

Bilingual Professional Guide
Transportation from Quito and back (at meeting point Magic Bean Restaurant)
Guided Hike in Quilotoa Lagoon and visit to a local market (market place depends on day of the week)
Lunch

NOT INCLUDED

Entrance to Quilotoa Lagoon
Other Meals
Cost of extra activities such as horseback riding or kayaks in the Lagoon
Tips & gratuities (optional)

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What to bring: Warm clothes, eaterproof jacket, gloves, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes, extra pair of socks, extra pants
Clothing Suggestions: Comfortable and warm clothes (appropriate for location). Comfortable hiking shoes, walking stick
Note: The tour is not private. Travelers will share services with a group. Maximum people per tour is 12

Options

1 Traveler - Daily Departures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for solo taveler can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.
2 Travelers - Daily Departures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 2 tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.
Thursday & Sundays Departures

Thursday & Sundays departures are open and you will join a group (12 travellers max). Tour price will be less.
4+ Travelers - DailyDepartures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 4 or more tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.
3 Travelers - Daily Departures

Daily departures (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) for a 3 tavelers party can be opened upon your reservation. Tour price will go up.