Quilotoa Lagoon · Ecuador
Discover the turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa
Private and small-group tours to Ecuador’s most colorful crater lake. Hike the rim, walk down to the water and meet the Andean communities along the way, starting from Machachi, with pickup in Quito available.
- 3,914 m crater rim
- 3 km wide lagoon
- Pickup in Quito available
Our tours
Quilotoa Lagoon tours
Choose your tour, your date and how many travelers. We confirm your guide, then send you a secure payment link.
Things to do
A day at the crater
Quilotoa is more than a viewpoint. Here is what you can do once you reach the rim.
Walk down to the lagoon
A steep, sandy trail takes you from the rim to the shore in about 30 to 45 minutes.
Kayak on the crater lake
Paddle on the turquoise water with the crater walls all around you.
Hike the crater rim
Walk along the rim for views of the lagoon and, on clear days, the snow-capped volcanoes.
Meet the Andean communities
Visit the Kichwa villages around Quilotoa and the Tigua painters, known for their colorful art.
Why Quilotoa
Ecuador's most colorful crater lake
Quilotoa is a volcanic crater about 3 km wide, filled with water that changes from turquoise to emerald with the light. It sits at almost 4,000 m in the Andes of Cotopaxi province, about two and a half hours from Machachi, surrounded by Kichwa villages and farmland.
- Private and small-group tours
- Local guides who know the area and its people
- A pace that suits every fitness level
- Time to walk down to the water, or just enjoy the views
Quilotoa
A 3 km wide crater lake at 3,914 m
Clouds roll over the rim and the water changes color by the hour. Every visit is a little different.
How it works
How booking works
1. Choose your tour
Pick the tour, your date and how many travelers. The price per person drops as your group grows.
2. Check availability
Send your request. Nothing is booked or charged yet: we check guides and transport for your date.
3. Confirm and pay
We reply by email or WhatsApp with availability and a secure payment link to confirm your tour.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
All our tours start and end at our office in Machachi, south of Quito, about two and a half hours from Quilotoa. We can also pick you up in Quito or other cities for an extra cost.
The crater rim sits at about 3,900 m. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals before the hike. If you have heart or breathing conditions, ask your doctor first.
Going down takes about 30 to 45 minutes on a steep, sandy trail. The climb back takes about an hour, or you can ride a mule up, paid locally.
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat and good walking shoes. The weather changes fast at this altitude.
Yes, kayaks are usually available for rent on the shore, paid locally.
Plan your day at Quilotoa
Tell us your date and how many travelers. We reply by email or WhatsApp with availability and a secure payment link.