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Ecuador🇪🇨 | landmarksLaguna QuilotoaCrater lake, 3,900-meter rim, sandy descent, Tigua art | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Laguna Quilotoa
🏆 Top pickunique site ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The lake's water is so rich in dissolved minerals that its color shifts from jade to turquoise to deep green depending on the light, and the caldera rim sits at roughly 3,900 meters, so the first hundred steps feel harder than they look. Laguna Quilotoa fills a collapsed volcano in the Andes of Ecuador, south of Latacunga. Walk the rim and the path climbs, drops and climbs again, with the crater wall falling away beside you and every bend giving you a new angle for photos. Crowds thin out fast once you leave the main viewpoint. The village is small, the road in is paved, and the entry fee is modest. At the rim I drank a mug of hot canelazo from a stall for US$1.50, sweet with cinnamon and a bite of cane liquor, and watched the lake turn from slate to emerald. Unlike nearby Cotopaxi, which asks for a guide, gear and a pre-dawn start, Laguna Quilotoa lets you simply walk up and look.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 unique site in EcuadorWhy visitors keep coming back

Laguna Quilotoa earns its place on a route because it gives you a volcanic crater lake without technical climbing or a tour operator. You can reach the rim by public bus from the highland towns, and the trail down to the water is something you do in your own boots, on your own schedule. That freedom is rare at this altitude.

The second reason is the setting. The village of Quilotoa sits on the rim itself, so you can sleep beside the crater and see it before day-trippers arrive and after they leave. The surrounding highland communities still trade in Tigua paintings, bright naïve scenes of Andean life on sheepskin canvas, which make a better souvenir than anything at a roadside kiosk.

The third reason is how neatly it fits a larger loop. Many travelers link Laguna Quilotoa with the villages … read more 👉
Laguna Quilotoa earns its place on a route because it gives you a volcanic crater lake without technical climbing or a tour operator. You can reach the rim by public bus from the highland towns, and the trail down to the water is something you do in your own boots, on your own schedule. That freedom is rare at this altitude.

The second reason is the setting. The village of Quilotoa sits on the rim itself, so you can sleep beside the crater and see it before day-trippers arrive and after they leave. The surrounding highland communities still trade in Tigua paintings, bright naïve scenes of Andean life on sheepskin canvas, which make a better souvenir than anything at a roadside kiosk.

The third reason is how neatly it fits a larger loop. Many travelers link Laguna Quilotoa with the villages of the Quilotoa Loop, walking between Chugchilán, Isinliví and Sigchos over several days. Even if you only have one night, it slots between Latacunga and the highland village of Zumbahua. Come with warm layers and some patience for the thin air.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. The Crater Rim Viewpoint: the classic sight, reached in minutes from the village. The lake spreads out below in a turquoise bowl, and on a clear morning the whole caldera is visible.
  2. The Rim Trail: a loop of roughly 3 to 4 hours around the crater. It climbs and dips along narrow ridges with steep drops, so expect several sections where you will want to slow down and watch your footing.
  3. The Descent to the Water: a steep, sandy path zigzags to the shore in about 30 to 45 minutes. Going down is easy; the climb back up in thin air is slow, and you can hire a mule for the ascent if your legs give out.
  4. Kayaking on the Lake: small kayaks are rented at the shore for a short paddle. Being on the water gives you a sense of the crater's scale that the rim does not.
  5. Signs of a Living Volcano: fumaroles on
… read more 👉
  1. The Crater Rim Viewpoint: the classic sight, reached in minutes from the village. The lake spreads out below in a turquoise bowl, and on a clear morning the whole caldera is visible.
  2. The Rim Trail: a loop of roughly 3 to 4 hours around the crater. It climbs and dips along narrow ridges with steep drops, so expect several sections where you will want to slow down and watch your footing.
  3. The Descent to the Water: a steep, sandy path zigzags to the shore in about 30 to 45 minutes. Going down is easy; the climb back up in thin air is slow, and you can hire a mule for the ascent if your legs give out.
  4. Kayaking on the Lake: small kayaks are rented at the shore for a short paddle. Being on the water gives you a sense of the crater's scale that the rim does not.
  5. Signs of a Living Volcano: fumaroles on the lake floor show that the volcano is still alive beneath the surface.
  6. Sunrise from the Village: staying on the rim means you can watch the crater light up before the first buses arrive, with mist often rolling off the water.
  7. Tigua Art Shops: small galleries in and near the village sell hand-painted sheepskin drums and canvases made by local artists, with scenes of festivals, farming and condors.
For a first visit, the Rim Trail is the best choice, because it shows the lake from every angle and takes you away from the crowds at the main viewpoint.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Laguna Quilotoa

Active Ecuador tour 8 days

Active Ecuador tour 8 days

5.0(55) 192h
From €1,407
per personViator
5 Days Ecuador Hot & Cold Guided Motorcycle Tour

5 Days Ecuador Hot & Cold Guided Motorcycle Tour

5.0(45) 120h
From €1,860
per personViator
Cotopaxi + Quilotoa: Andes Tour 2 days 1 night

Cotopaxi + Quilotoa: Andes Tour 2 days 1 night

5.0(41) 48h
From €182
per personViator
Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Volcano Tour - Lunch & Tickets included

Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Volcano Tour - Lunch & Tickets included

5.0(37)
From €272
per personViator
4 Days Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños and Amazon with hotel and activities included

4 Days Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños and Amazon with hotel and activities included

5.0(26) 96h
From €816
per personViator
Quilotoa Crater Lake Private Day Tour with Lunch

Quilotoa Crater Lake Private Day Tour with Lunch

5.0(23)
From €159
per personViator
Ecuador Treasures Bucket List 8 Days Tour

Ecuador Treasures Bucket List 8 Days Tour

5.0(19)
From €2,859
per personViator
Tour Quito to Baños visiting Cotopaxi Volcano & Quilotoa Lagoon

Tour Quito to Baños visiting Cotopaxi Volcano & Quilotoa Lagoon

5.0(14)
From €173
per personViator
Private 3-Day Andes Tour: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Baños from Quito

Private 3-Day Andes Tour: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa & Baños from Quito

5.0(12) 72h
From €980
per personViator
The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights

The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights

5.0(11) 288h
From €2,605
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (June to September): Quilotoa sits at about 3,900 m (12,800 ft), so the rim sees the steadiest views of the turquoise crater lake in these months. Days run 12 to 16°C (54 to 61°F), nights drop to 0 to 4°C (32 to 39°F). Weekends bring Ecuadorian families and tour buses, and hostel prices edge up.
  • Wet Season (October to May): Rain and cloud arrive most afternoons, and fog can swallow the lake for days. Mornings are often clearest. Trails get muddy, especially the crater descent. Beds are easy to find and sometimes cheaper.
  • December to January: Holiday travel fills the village, and cold wind on the rim is sharp. Expect 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F) by day.
  • Daylight: Daylight lasts about 12 hours all year, so plan the Quilotoa Loop hikes to finish by mid-afternoon.
Arrive on a weekday and start … read more 👉
  • Dry Season (June to September): Quilotoa sits at about 3,900 m (12,800 ft), so the rim sees the steadiest views of the turquoise crater lake in these months. Days run 12 to 16°C (54 to 61°F), nights drop to 0 to 4°C (32 to 39°F). Weekends bring Ecuadorian families and tour buses, and hostel prices edge up.
  • Wet Season (October to May): Rain and cloud arrive most afternoons, and fog can swallow the lake for days. Mornings are often clearest. Trails get muddy, especially the crater descent. Beds are easy to find and sometimes cheaper.
  • December to January: Holiday travel fills the village, and cold wind on the rim is sharp. Expect 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F) by day.
  • Daylight: Daylight lasts about 12 hours all year, so plan the Quilotoa Loop hikes to finish by mid-afternoon.
Arrive on a weekday and start the crater walk before 9 am, when haze and crowds are both thinnest.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Quilotoa village itself is the best place to sleep, because you wake up on the crater rim and beat the day-trippers to the viewpoints. Family-run lodges here line the single main road, many with wood stoves, shared tables, and hearty set dinners that make solo travelers talk to each other. Expect cold nights, thin walls, and simple shared bathrooms, and bring a warm layer. Safety is a non-issue in this small community, though the altitude can cause headaches in your first night.

Chugchilán, about 10 km (6 miles) away by road or a long day's hike, is the other popular choice. It has the largest … read more 👉
Quilotoa village itself is the best place to sleep, because you wake up on the crater rim and beat the day-trippers to the viewpoints. Family-run lodges here line the single main road, many with wood stoves, shared tables, and hearty set dinners that make solo travelers talk to each other. Expect cold nights, thin walls, and simple shared bathrooms, and bring a warm layer. Safety is a non-issue in this small community, though the altitude can cause headaches in your first night.

Chugchilán, about 10 km (6 miles) away by road or a long day's hike, is the other popular choice. It has the largest cluster of budget hostels on the Quilotoa Loop, a strong social scene, and a lower altitude, so sleep comes easier. Many travelers hike in from Quilotoa and spend the evening swapping stories over dinner.

Isinliví, a quieter village on the loop, suits those who want peace, farm stays, and fewer crowds, with a handful of small guesthouses and a cheese factory nearby.

Latacunga, roughly 75 km (47 miles) east, is the city option, with the widest range of hostels, restaurants, and bus connections. It works if you prefer a lower-altitude base and day trip out, but you lose the sunrise and quiet evenings on the rim.
Best hostels in Ecuador


Best quality hotels in Ecuador

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

A realistic budget for Laguna Quilotoa is about US$32 to 62 per day, including a bed, meals, and local transport. The crater entry fee is small and most expenses come from lodging and food in the village.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$2Charged per person at the village gate, paid in US dollars.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 25Dorms and private rooms in family lodges, often with breakfast included. Prices dip slightly in the wet season.
FoodUS$10 to 18Set lunches cost US$3 to 5, and hearty dinners at lodges US$6 to 10.
TransportUS$3 to 6Buses from Latacunga take about 2 hours and cost around US$2.50 to 3. Local trucks and shared rides cover short hops.
ActivitiesUS$0 to 5The crater rim and descent are free beyond the entry fee. Mule rides back up the crater cost around US$10
… read more 👉
A realistic budget for Laguna Quilotoa is about US$32 to 62 per day, including a bed, meals, and local transport. The crater entry fee is small and most expenses come from lodging and food in the village.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$2Charged per person at the village gate, paid in US dollars.
Accommodation (high season)US$12 to 25Dorms and private rooms in family lodges, often with breakfast included. Prices dip slightly in the wet season.
FoodUS$10 to 18Set lunches cost US$3 to 5, and hearty dinners at lodges US$6 to 10.
TransportUS$3 to 6Buses from Latacunga take about 2 hours and cost around US$2.50 to 3. Local trucks and shared rides cover short hops.
ActivitiesUS$0 to 5The crater rim and descent are free beyond the entry fee. Mule rides back up the crater cost around US$10 to 15 and kayaks are US$5 to 10 per person.
ExtrasUS$5 to 6Hot drinks, snacks, and a tip for guides or lodge staff.
Total Daily BudgetUS$32 to 62Lower end with a dorm bed and simple meals, upper end with a private room and a mule ride.


source: ecuador.travel
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQFrequently asked questions about Laguna Quilotoa

Laguna Quilotoa is a turquoise crater lake inside a collapsed volcano in Ecuador's Cotopaxi province, sitting at around 3,900 m (12,800 ft). The crater is roughly 3 km (2 miles) wide, and the lake is about 250 m (820 ft) deep. A small indigenous community runs the village on the rim and charges a US$2 entry fee. It is also the namesake of the popular Quilotoa Loop hiking route.
Plan on 3 to 4 hours for a rim viewpoint visit and the steep hike down to the water and back up, which takes about 1 hour down and 1.5 to 2 hours up. Staying one night in Quilotoa village lets you see the lake at dawn without crowds. If you hike the full Quilotoa Loop through Chugchilán and Isinliví, allow 2 to 4 days.
From Latacunga, take a bus to Quilotoa, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs around US$2.50 to 3, with several departures in the morning. Many buses go via Zumbahua, 14 km (9 miles) from the lake, where trucks and taxis are available. From Quito, a day trip is possible by taking a bus to Latacunga first, roughly 2 hours and US$2 to 3, then connecting onward.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Give Laguna Quilotoa one night, not a rushed afternoon. Sleeping on the rim lets you see the crater at dawn and again at dusk, and your lungs get a chance to adjust before the hike. If you have three or four days, walk the Loop to Chugchilán instead. I would bring layers and cash.

✈️ When did I visit Ecuador?
Ecuador I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ecuador, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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