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Ecuador
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Pichincha
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Quito
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Tours & Activities
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Quilotoa Lagoon and Indian Markets in One Day from Quito
1 day
Full Day
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Quilotoa, an emerald colored lake located inside a volcano crater, is one of the Andes’ gems. At 3800m, the lake is also a host to surrounding indigenous communities. The drive to Quilotoa passes through the Zumbahua canyon and various indigenous towns and farmlands.
Depending on the day, we will visit either the Saquisilí (Thursdays), or Pujilí (Sundays) indigenous markets so you can appreciate the contrast between these and those of the Imbabura province (Otavalo).
We then arrive at the Quilotoa National Park and begin our descent to the lake, you can hike back up or rent a mule to take you back up. After lunch we will visit Shalala, a community well known for their handicrafts.
Weather in Quilotoa is very unpredictable, so we recommend being prepared with warm and waterproof clothing (layers always help).
Itinerary
• Pick up at 7am in the New Town (Magic Bean Cafe)
• Pick up at 7:15am in the Old Town (Plaza San Blas)
• Leave towards Saquisili / Pujili / Indian markets (it depends on the day)
• Arrive to Quilotoa followed by trek around the crater
• Lunch
• Arrive to Tigua community
• Return towards Quito
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Depending on the day, we will visit either the Saquisilí (Thursdays), or Pujilí (Sundays) indigenous markets so you can appreciate the contrast between these and those of the Imbabura province (Otavalo).
We then arrive at the Quilotoa National Park and begin our descent to the lake, you can hike back up or rent a mule to take you back up. After lunch we will visit Shalala, a community well known for their handicrafts.
Weather in Quilotoa is very unpredictable, so we recommend being prepared with warm and waterproof clothing (layers always help).
Itinerary
• Pick up at 7am in the New Town (Magic Bean Cafe)
• Pick up at 7:15am in the Old Town (Plaza San Blas)
• Leave towards Saquisili / Pujili / Indian markets (it depends on the day)
• Arrive to Quilotoa followed by trek around the crater
• Lunch
• Arrive to Tigua community
• Return towards Quito
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Driver/guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Not included
- Entrance fees ($2 entrance to park)
- Breakfast
- Additional fees (mule $10 or canoe ride $5)
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Features
Tourism
85%
Cultural
55%
Original
20%
Reviews
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Great tour. Our guide, Marco, was very keen on explaining everything. Tough walk the one from the lagoon back up to the Viewpoint, if needed, horses are available.
We had a great time on this day trip to Quilotoa. It is an amazing place and our guide, Pedro, did a great job.
Loved this tour! The walk down to the crater is fun but very challenging on the way up even for the fittest of people. Definitely do this tour. I recommend hiking shoes or boots for the extra foot grip.