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What to see in Ecuador
Quilotoa
Tourist attractions Quilotoa
Famed for its magnificent crater lake, Quilotoa is one of Ecuador’s best-kept secrets. Nestled high in the remote mountains, Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. At its heart, the glistening Quilotoa Crater Lake measures 3-kilometres at its widest point and is 250-metres deep. Its eye-catching green hue is the result of unique dissolved volcanic minerals. Situated in the province of Cotopaxi, Quilotoa is home to several small towns and villages, clustered around the edge of the Quilotoa caldera.
Undoubtedly, one of the must-see natural sights in Ecuador, you can travel to Quilotoa from the capital of Quito, around 178 kilometres away and a 3-hour drive along a paved road. The area is known for its fantastic hiking trails, which guide walkers through some of the most jaw-dropping and remote scenery in the country.
Formed during an enormous volcanic explosion in the 13th-century, the volcano is now considered extinct. At its highest point, the Quilotoa Crater is 3914-metres above sea level, so if you visit Quilotoa be prepared to adapt to the high-altitude conditions. It can become extremely cold here, especially when the sun goes down, and the crater’s edge is exposed to the elements so be sure to dress appropriately.
Things to do at Quilotoa
One of the most popular things to do at Quilotoa is to climb to the top of the Quilotoa Crater Lookout, a wooden platform that grants spectacular panoramic views of the green-coloured crater lake. More accessible than some of the strenuous hiking routes, from here you can take in the majesty of the Ecuadorian Andes and snap some seriously impressive photographs!
If you’re looking to get up close to the famous crater lake, another option is to hike to the lakeshore, a journey of around 1.5 - 2 hours. The path leads from the rim of the caldera, all the way down to the green water, where you can sit, relax and take in the views of the tranquil lake. There are also a few snack stalls so you can refuel for the much more demanding task of returning to the crater’s edge. Although this is one of the best things to do at Quilotoa, be prepared for challenging terrain and don’t underestimate the physical demands of uphill walking at altitude.
If you want a full experience of Quilotoa Crater Lake, the hiking route around the rim is sure to appeal to you. By circumnavigating the crater you’ll enjoy amazing 360-degree views, as well as impressive panoramas of the surrounding countryside. This hike takes between 3 and 5 hours, depending on your pace, and is 7.5 kilometres in length. Although it is longer than the hike to the lakeshore, it is mostly flat underfoot so is another good option for those looking for active pursuits.
For the more adventurous, one of the most exciting things to do at Quilotoa is to take a kayaking trip on the crater lake itself! Although the water is far too cold and acidic to swim in, it is possible to kayak on this still, green lake. You’ll also be able to paddle up close to a number of fumaroles that are dotted around the lake.
Finally, a trip to Quilotoa would be incomplete without stopping at the charming town of the same name. This tiny town is home to a local craft market and a good selection of eateries and accommodation.
OUR BEST TRIPS TO QUILOTOA
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Amazon
Avenue of the Volcanoes
Banos
Baquerizo Moreno
Cotopaxi National Park
Cuenca
Galapagos Islands
Guayaquil
La Loberia Beach
Middle of the World Monument
Mindo
Otavalo
Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
Papallacta Hot Springs
Quilotoa
Quito
Riobamba
Ruins of Ingapirca
San Cristobal Island
Santa Cruz Island
The Devil's Nose
Points of interests
- Trips to Amazon
- Trips to Banos
- Trips to Baquerizo Moreno
- Trips to Cotopaxi National Park
- Trips to Cuenca
- Trips to Galapagos Islands
- Trips to Guayaquil
- Trips to La Loberia Beach
- Trips to Middle of the World Monument
- Trips to Mindo
- Trips to Otavalo
- Trips to Quilotoa
- Trips to Quito
- Trips to Riobamba
- Trips to Ruins of Ingapirca
- Trips to San Cristobal Island
- Trips to Santa Cruz Island
- Trips to The Devil's Nose
Other Points of interests
- Trips to Aguas Calientes
- Trips to Arequipa
- Trips to Argentinian Patagonia
- Trips to Atacama Desert
- Trips to Bariloche
- Trips to Barrio La Boca
- Trips to Bogota
- Trips to Buenos Aires
- Trips to Buzios
- Trips to Cartagena de Indias
- Trips to Chilean Patagonia
- Trips to Christ the Redeemer
- Trips to Colca Canyon
- Trips to Copacabana Beach
- Trips to Cusco
- Trips to Easter Island
- Trips to Eduardo Avaroa
- Trips to El Calafate
- Trips to Getsemani
- Trips to Iguazu Falls
- Trips to Iguazu Falls
- Trips to Ilha Grande
- Trips to Iquitos
- Trips to Islas Ballestas
- Trips to Islas del Rosario
- Trips to La Candelaria
- Trips to La Paz
- Trips to Lake Titicaca
- Trips to Lake Titicaca
- Trips to Lima
- Trips to Luna Valley
- Trips to Machu Picchu
- Trips to Manaus
- Trips to Medellín
- Trips to Mendoza
- Trips to Nazca
- Trips to Paraty
- Trips to Perito Moreno
- Trips to Potosi & Cerro Rico
- Trips to Praia do Forte
- Trips to Puerto Maldonado
- Trips to Puerto Natales
- Trips to Rapa Nui National Park
- Trips to Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos
- Trips to Rio de Janeiro
- Trips to Sacred Valley
- Trips to Salar de Uyuni
- Trips to Salvador
- Trips to San Andrés
- Trips to San Felipe de Barajas Castle
- Trips to San Pedro de Atacama
- Trips to San Rafael Glacier
- Trips to San Telmo
- Trips to Santa Lucía Hill
- Trips to Santa Marta
- Trips to Santiago Chile
- Trips to São Paulo
- Trips to Serrano & Balmaceda Glaciers
- Trips to Sucre
- Trips to Tayrona
- Trips to Tiahuanaco Ruins
- Trips to Torres del Paine National Park
- Trips to Ushuaia
- Trips to Valley of the Moon
- Trips to Valparaiso
- Trips to Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
- Trips to Viña del Mar
Countries Nearby
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