Daydream in Quilotoa: Laguna's Enchanting Embrace Awaits

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

In the heart of Ecuador, as dawn breaks, our journey of discovery commences. On select days, the vibrant tapestries of the Saquisilli (Thursdays) or Pujili (Sundays) markets beckon, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of indigenous life. As we traverse towards the Laguna Quilotoa, a shimmering emerald marvel cradled within a volcanic embrace, the Andean mountains stand sentinel, their majesty punctuated by the ancient Zumbahua canyon and the whispers of time in indigenous hamlets and verdant farmlands. This odyssey, winding through some of the nation's most untouched realms, pauses at an indigenous abode, where the stories of the land come alive through its people. So, brace yourself, for this is not just a journey, but an immersion - a dance of culture and nature's grandeur.

Additional Info

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What to bring:

Warm clothing

Waterproof jacket

Gloves, scarf, hat

Hiking boots or trekking shoes

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Extra snacks and water

Face masks

Hand sanitizer

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Quilotoa

This full day cultural tour begins with a visit to local indigenous market at either Saquisilli (Thursdays only) or Pujili (Sundays only). The drive to Laguna Quilotoa – an amazing emerald lagoon inside a volcano crater at the height of approximatetly 3,800 m – displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. The trip through the villages of the area provide a fantastic chance to see one of the most authentic parts of the country. Before lunch we visit a local indigenous home where you have the opportunity to interact with the locals. 07:30 – Meet at offices in Quito 09:30 – Explore Saquisili/Pujili (Thursday/Sunday) 10:30 – Depart for Laguna Quilotoa 13:30 – Lunch, begin descent into Laguna 15:00 – Explore Laguna- optional kayaking 15:30 – Return ascent to crater (Lunch) 16:30 – Begin drive back 19:00 – Arrive in Quito

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

What’s Included:

Transport

Lunch

Guide

What’s Not Included:

Additional Snacks / Beverages

TIPS

Breakfast

Options

Shared Quilotoa Tour

CarpeDM Shared

Quilotoa Laguna Daytour

Reviews

5.00

50 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Acknowledgements
Flakamilena,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Alejandro was our guide and we had a private tour as the 3 of us (my family and I) were the only ones who did the tour that day. It was magnificent. Alejandro entertained us with much of Ecuador’s history and about its volcanoes. We went to a very nice community and finally was very patient when making the hike to the lagoon. The tour was very complete and Alejandro always had a very good energy and attitude that really infected. We are happy to have found such a good guide and a complete tour.
Unforgettable day
Q3235JAandresg,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Felipe was very friendly and gave us a lot of information about the places we visited. The tour was very interesting with different stops with beautiful scenery. Lunch was very good. Everything was excellent. We really enjoyed it.
Superb trip and guide (Lincoln)
S9046OZandrewm,,Apr 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great guide (Lincoln) great trip and trip exactly as advertised and a couple of additional extra which was a nice surprise. Would highly recommend.
Quilatoa Lake hike with Alejandro
S1414LQglenb,,Sep 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very great experience with Alejandro our guide. Gave us pointers to successfully climb back up the crater. Highly recommend
Great Day Tour for a cultural taste of Ecuador
genny sandiego,,Sep 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Alejandro was our guide for Quilotoa and he did a great job of informing us about the day, information about Quilotoa and was also very entertaining! I loved the market where we got food and snacks and the scenery at Quilotoa was beautiful I really enjoyed the tour and setting up was really easy with Carpe DM. I recommend them for sure
Private tour with Alejandro
TodorBozhinov,,Sep 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Alejandro was a kind, fun and knowledgeable guide on our private tour from Quito to the Quilotoa Lagoon. He made sure we had all the information we needed and we were preared for what's coming next. He speaks excellent English, drives carefully and provided excellent context so we could properly enjoy the tour. He was very punctual and the hotel pick-up and drop-off were super convenient for us. Tasting new fruits at the Saquisilí market was a great addition to the tour! And the included lunch after the hike was delicious and filling :) Overall, we felt we were in good hands throughout the whole day!
Quilotoa - Alejandro
RebeccaAmy124,,Sep 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Views were amazing, guide was very informative and funny which made the day very enjoyable. Was a very warm day so winter clothes weren't necessary. The market we stopped off at was great also, and we were able to try some different foods for breakfast before going on to Quilotoa.
Great experience in Quilotoa
U467OCtobiasr,,Sep 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Stop over a local market, experiencing original Ecuadorian breakfast - exciting! Driving through wonderful landscape, Alejandro explaining a lot. Quilotoa was amazing, still really hot with the sun burning at noon, walking the 400 meter up the hill. But it was really worth!
Good day out
Master W,,Aug 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a lovely day at Quilotoa. Hiked down and back up the crater (up is hard work!) and went kayaking in the lagoon. Options for motor boats too and mule rides up. Scenery is stunning. Alejandro was our guide. He gave us lots of info about Quito, Quilotoa and the stops we made along the way, and was generally just nice, cheerful company throughout :)
Great experience, would recommend
Santiago M,,Jul 29, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing views of the lagoon and a safe trip out from Quito with an informative guide telling us a bit about the beautiful countryside. The hike up from the lagoon at altitude is a challenge.