Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
At three hours from Quito we find the Ecological Reserve Los Ilinizas where one of its main attractions is the turquoise lagoon that is located in the crater of Quilotoa, the wonderful landscapes make this tourist attraction an experience that you can not miss if you are in Ecuador.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Laguna Quilotoa
After we will go to the community lookout, from here we will descend towards the lagoon where we will have some free time to visit it and walk around. The ascend is a bit tough, so that it is recommended to go up on a mule for people who do not count with a good physical condition (You can rent a mule to people of community directly $10 per person aprox. After your lunch break, we will head back by an artisan workshop in Tigua, famous for its picturesque paintings.
Canon del Rio Toachi
Finally we will visit the Toachi Canyon lookout. Return to Quito.
Bilingual guide (English / Spanish)
All entrances
Tourist transport
Details not especified
Tips
Select a pickup point
Shared Tour Opcion: Ideal departure to share with other customers or big groups
Pickup included
Private
Duration: 8 hours: Private tour to Quilotoa, enjoy this magical lake at your pace
Not included
Car
Pickup included
558 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
jeffrey s,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a great time, Veronica was a fantastic guide and Ivan a great driver. I enjoyed the tour instructions in both English and Spanish, it helped me practice but also be certain I got the right instructions.
zoelS5087IX,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I did the tour with irene and iván and loved traveling with them. irene was very friendly and helped me so much when I felt a little sick to the point of quilatoa. I loved the visit to the indigenous community too. I thank both so much !!
Katrina T,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
Quilotoa was a great landmark to visit, we did the hike down to the lake and back up.. we are fairly big hikers and found that plenty of time was needed for the walk back up as the altitude has a big effect on breathing. Only downside as we took the trip from Quito was the three and a half hour drive there and back!
Giovanna F,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fantastic view and awesome crater lake! Walking down and enjoying the breathtaking view of this emerald beauty! Thank you Irene are awesome tour guide for giving as a great tip of getting a mule ride! Literally it saved us from exhaustion! Great scenery and pics to share!




693farzadn,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Organized and smooth operation. Irene our tour guide was respectful, personable and informative. Would highly recommend day trips with them
Earl B,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Quilotoa trip out of Quito with Ernesto was an excellent way to see the natural side of Ecuador. Ernesto picked us up at our hotel at 7:30 am. It was just my niece and I that day so we got a private tour in his car. The drive to Quilotoa is around 3 hours each way, but the scenery is beautiful and Ernesto breaks up the drive with stops to an Indigenous community, local artist, and bathroom breaks and coffee stops. Ernesto is very knowledgeable about Ecuadorian geology and history. We even talked about Ecuadorian music and he gave us some suggestions. At Quilotoa, we opted to hike around the rim of the volcano instead of hiking down to the water. We weren’t prepared to kayak so we took Ernesto’s advice to hike the rim instead. You get winded quickly hiking at that elevation. Ernesto stopped for breaks and was our personal photographer. Then we had an excellent lunch before driving home. Overall, if you have an extra day in Quito and want to get out and see some nature, spend it with Ernesto at Quilotoa.
davidhB6619NA,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour was excellent. Our guide was Irene and driver Mauricio, who provided excellent care. The visit to the house of Mrs. Micaela and her husband I loved. It’s nice to see how, in the middle of a busy world and worried about having a lot, there are people who still live in a peaceful and humble way, but happy. Then the Quilotoa lagoon was a big physical challenge. But we could handle the task. For those who cost them their return, there was Irene. Like a whole coach supporting to get back to the top. She cared about handling proper times and making everyone happy. I liked that you have knowledge of Quichua, to achieve better communication with Mrs. Micaela. And, speaking of communication, Irene has very good English. While it is not my native language, I highlight that aspect because it allows us all to understand what is explained and requested.
428melanym,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Irene was the best tour guide ever! She did such a great job explaining cultural and historical aspects about Ecuador. Specially, on the way to main destination. She has such a great attitude that makes the tour fun, exciting and enjoyable. I can’t recommend her enough for future travelers. My husband and I will hire this tour again in the future.






Companion14298372164,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great trip and the view of the lagoona is magic. Guide Irenita is fantastic. Very helpful and friendly. Treated us like a family member. I highly recommend her.
dorotheek124,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Quilatoa day tour with Irene was perfectly organized from start to finish. Great communication for pick-up, on time and a warm welcome by Irene onto the bus. My son and I learned a lot today from Irene who is very knowledgeable and her love for her country is contagious- we fell in love with Ecuador as well. Irene planned and explained all the stops and meals in advance and made sure everyone had a great time and got all questions answered. An absolute fabulous day!! Now we’re enjoying our mangoes that she got for us on the way back. Muchas gracias, Irene !






Operated by Quito Tour Bus