Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera in the Andean highlands, and its green-blue lake framed by sharp crater walls is one of the most photographed sights in Ecuador. The crater formed when a volcano collapsed, and the lagoon now sits roughly three hundred metres below the rim, with the water changing colour through the day from emerald to deep blue. From the main viewpoint you look across the whole bowl, and on clear days the surrounding peaks add to the scene. A steep trail leads down to the shore, where you can kayak or simply sit by the water, and mules are available for the climb back up if your legs and lungs have had enough. The surrounding area is part of the Quilotoa Loop, a route of small Andean villages, markets and walking trails that backpackers often follow over several days. From Quito the lagoon is a long day trip by road, usually combined with Cotopaxi on the Avenue of the Volcanoes, which makes it a rewarding but tiring outing. Some travellers prefer to split the trip over two days with a night in a highland lodge.
Why go
The combination of scale and colour is unusual. The lake sits in a perfect bowl, and the rim has several viewpoints at different heights, so you can circle part of it on foot for different angles. The rim sits at roughly 3,900 metres, and the air is thin and often cold, even when the sun is out, which adds to the feeling of being somewhere remote.
How the visit works
The simplest option from Quito is a long day tour that visits both a volcano and the lagoon, which means a lot of time in the vehicle. The tour linked here combines Cotopaxi and Quilotoa in a single day, so expect an early start and a late return, with the time at each stop limited.
If the lake is your priority, an overnight trip gives you much more time at the rim and the option of the hike down to the water. The route from the capital follows the main highway south and then climbs on smaller roads, which are scenic but can be slow in bad weather.
The hike
The trail down to the shore is short but steep, and many visitors underestimate the climb back, which is hard at altitude. Allow about an hour to descend and noticeably longer to come back up, or hire a mule for the return if you prefer. You can also walk part of the rim for a different perspective. Bring water, sun protection and a warm layer.
Good to know
Weather in the highlands changes quickly, and mist can hide the lake, so patience helps. Small cafes and craft stalls sell hot drinks and souvenirs near the viewpoint. Altitude affects people differently, so spend a couple of days in Quito first and take things slowly. A long single day suits energetic travellers, while an overnight stay suits anyone who prefers a gentler pace.
Making the most of it
If you stay overnight, simple hostels and lodges in the nearby villages offer hearty soups, hot drinks and an early start, and you can walk the rim at sunrise before tour groups arrive. Markets in the area sell woollen goods and brightly painted artwork, which makes a good souvenir stop on the way back toward the main highway.
What to expect
The experience
A long day trip into the highlands south of Quito, usually combined with Cotopaxi, with viewpoints on the rim and an optional hike to the lake shore.
Best time
Clear mornings give the best colour and views. Mist can hide the lake, so flexible timing helps.
How long
A full day when combined with Cotopaxi, with several hours in the vehicle. An overnight trip allows more time at the lake.
Tips
Bring warm layers, sun protection and water. The hike back up from the shore is hard at altitude, so allow extra time or hire a mule.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a dramatic highland landscape and do not mind a long day.
- Families
- The rim viewpoint is easy, but the full-day schedule is long and the hike down is steep, so it suits older children best.
- Couples
- An overnight stay in a highland lodge gives a calmer visit than a rushed single day.
- Pair with
- Cotopaxi on the same route, or Baños on a longer multi-day loop.
- Time needed
- A full day at minimum, or two days for a relaxed visit.
Good questions
How long does it take to reach Quilotoa from Quito?+
The drive is a few hours each way, depending on the route and conditions, which is why many people combine it with Cotopaxi on a long day or stay overnight.
Can I hike down to the lake?+
Yes, a trail leads from the rim to the shore. The descent is short but steep, and the climb back is tiring at altitude, so allow extra time or arrange a mule.
Is it better as a day trip or overnight?+
A day trip is possible but rushed, especially when combined with a volcano. Staying overnight gives much more time at the rim and a calmer pace.
What should I wear?+
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, a hat and sun protection, plus sturdy shoes if you plan to hike. It is cold and exposed at the rim.
Can I swim in the lake?+
Visitors usually kayak or sit by the shore rather than swim, since the water is cold and the altitude is high. Ask locally about current conditions.
