Quilotoa Lagoon

Quilotoa is a flooded volcanic caldera in the western Andes, filled with a deep, green-blue lake that changes colour with the light. The rim, at about 3,900 metres, offers sweeping views, and the contrast between the stark crater walls and the vivid water is among the most photographed scenes in Ecuador. Day trips from Banos reach the area by a long drive through highland farmland and villages. The visit typically includes time at the main viewpoint, where you can walk along the rim or descend a steep path to the water. The walk down takes about 30 to 45 minutes and the climb back up is much harder, so many visitors rent a mule or stay on the rim. Kayaks are sometimes available on the lake, and small shops sell crafts, including colourful paintings from the nearby Tigua community.

The linked product is a full-day tour with lunch, which simplifies logistics for a trip that is otherwise long and remote. Expect several hours of driving each way on winding roads, and a day that starts early. In return you see agricultural landscapes, small towns and sometimes a market, depending on the day of the week. Ask the operator about the itinerary, since the stops vary.

Altitude and weather are important. Temperatures at the rim can be cold even in sunshine, and wind is common. Bring warm layers, a hat, gloves and a rain jacket, plus sunscreen because the sun is strong at altitude. The descent to the lake is steep and sandy, so footwear with grip matters. Anyone with mobility or heart issues should think carefully before attempting the path and may prefer to enjoy the rim views.

Clear mornings give the best colours. By midday, cloud often rolls into the crater and the lake can disappear. Tours that arrive early are rewarded, and being flexible helps if weather is poor. Some visitors choose to stay overnight in the village of Quilotoa or nearby Chugchilan and hike the loop, but a day trip is an efficient alternative for those based in Banos.

Compare the trip with Chimborazo, which is higher and more rugged, and with the Amazon day, which is warm and green. Together they show the variety of landscapes reachable from Banos. Each is a long day, so spread them out and leave quiet days between for recovery. A soak in the hot springs on your return is the perfect antidote to a day of altitude and driving, and a plate of local food in town finishes the day well.

The villages on the route offer a glimpse of highland life, with weekly markets, handwoven textiles and colourful paintings from the Tigua artists. If your tour stops at a market, bring small bills for purchases and bargain politely. Hot drinks and snacks are sold on the rim, which is welcome in the wind. Wear sunscreen even in cloud, because UV is strong at altitude.

If you feel unwell, rest at the rim rather than descending. The reward is a view of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Andes. If you want a quieter experience, ask whether the operator can arrive before the main groups. Early arrivals often have the rim almost to themselves, and the first light on the water is the picture that stays in memory long after the long drive is forgotten.