Quilotoa Lagoon and Indian Markets in One Day from Quito
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
With this day tour you get the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater lake, located about 2.5 hours south of Quito this emerald colored lake is one of a kind. You will get the opportunity to visit a local indigenous market and hike down to the lake and even go for a swim if you like!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Driver/guide
Lunch
Entrance fees ($2 entrance to park)
Breakfast
Additional fees (mule $10 or canoe ride $5, Toachi cañon $1)
Options
Quilotoa Lagoon and Indian Markets in One Day from Quito
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent trip
sianpursey,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An excellent trip to Quilatoa. Informative, supportive and friendly guide. Interesting stops along the way. Good lunch too.
Awesome views
Elena K,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience, beautiful views, long rides. Included lunch was great, tour guide was very helpful. Long day but great photos and memories.
Best walking tour
Cruiser18878734822,,Apr 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour with a wonderful guide named Mishell. She spoke good English and we made a lot of fun and exciting things that we didn't expect 🙂
great experience but not for the faint of heart for those in later years.
Lily F,,Sep 29, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00i enjoyed the trip a lot. i loved visiting the family on the way to learn about their food, their animals, medicines etc. the volcano was beautiful, i found with the altitude i was not able to climb down and back, but waited at the top with some breathtaking views. it is a very long ride up and back with some stunning views of canyons and volcanos. i didn't learn as much as i would have liked about the country, people etc but still delightful.
Quilotoa and cultural tour must do!
Trina F,,Jul 30, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. Guide (Victor) was informative and gave us so much education and guidance about all our stops / sights. Included history and cultural info and made sure ALL our needs were met. The lagoon was amazing and the rim hike gorgeous. Not easy but not the down and then steep & altitude gain of the lagoon hike. Wild flowers abound in colors and views beyond the crater were amazing. Bring snacks for the starving but sweet dogs in the plaza and LOTS of water for yourself! We had perfect weather and LOVED this tour. Great value as well! And an authentic delicious meal at the end. Can’t recommend enough!
Magical Day
Kristen S,,Jun 21, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Our day visiting Quilotoa Lagoon was beyond our expectations. The van was waiting for us at our meeting point and it was very comfortable. We were all glad we had a window seat because the views to and from the lagoon were breathtaking. Our first stop was at a gas station/restaurant. We were glad to take a quick break and very very happy we decided to listen to our guide and got snacks and a drink to take for later in the day. After a gorgeous climb into the mountains, we stopped at a local family's home to see how some Highlander families live. This was so special. The homeowners were incredibly welcoming and kind. I loved this part of the day. Even though we had seen pictures of Quilotoa Lagoon, seeing it in reality was magical. We were lucky enough to have a cloudless day and words cannot do it justice. Most of the group decided to walk the trail to the Lagoon. I choose to go down part of the path but did not venture further because it was very steep decline with a lot of sand and loose soil. Two members rode the horses back to the top and they were so happy they did. The others who chose to walk back up described it as extremely difficult. (Except for the teenagers who of course had no problem). This is where the drinks and snacks came in handy. After we all recovered, we had lunch at a local restaurant. It was delicious. We had options of veggie, beef or chicken. Everyone really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The ride home was just as spectacular as the ride there. One other very important reason our trip was so successful was our guide, Estuardo and our drive, Alex. Both were very professional, patient and kind. Estuardo went so far as to have a birthday cake and sing happy birthday to our teen who turned 15. That is true hospitality. I would recommend this tour with all my heart.
We kicked the day off...
Sonia R,,Dec 8, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00We kicked the day off with a yummy breakfast at a local market, visited an indigenous group who shared their way of living with us - which was super insightful before we had time to spend at the Quilotoa lagoon. We rented a kayak for 20 minutes- which was fun before we headed back up. We all did it below an hour and we’re rewarded with a delicious lunch nearby. Our guide was super caring and fun.
Fun and professional, highly recommend
beccblue33,,Aug 8, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day at Quilotoa! Easy to book, friendly staff, driver and guide were great! Very beautiful volcano and something you cannot miss if you are in Ecuador!!
Fun day
Neeha B,,Jan 20, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great time at the lagoon as well as exploring some of the other stops. Didn’t feel rushed at any spot. Great trip to enjoy the Andes scenery.
Excellent really full day tour
cyrvalotehotmail,,Nov 26, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day in the mountains. Pedro, the guide for our group of 10, was superb. Indian markets very interesting. Mountain scenery spectacular. Saw many animals, including llamas and, unexpectedly, dozens of guinea pigs living freely in the home of an old farmer we visited. Highlight, of course, was Quilatoa Lake. We walked all the way down, but at 77 I was happy there were horses available to bring us back up, and it was a fun experience to ride. This tour with Community Adventures is highly recommended and great value for money.
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Operated by Community Adventures