Quilotoa

Located in the central Ecuadorian province of Cotopaxi, at the end of the majestic Western Andes, rises the impressive Quilotoa Lagoon, nestled in the crater of the active volcano that shares its name. From this summit at 3990 meters above sea level (13090 ft), the winding Toachi River originates, carving a spectacular Grand Canyon as it flows from south to north. Once it descends from these heights, the river meanders through the fertile and warmer lowlands of northwestern Ecuador, merging with its tributaries before finally flowing into the Pacific Ocean.

The last eruption of the Quilotoa Volcano was recorded in the 12th century, making this region a fascinating geological history. Currently, two cantons in Cotopaxi Province share jurisdiction over this natural gem: to the north, Sigchos, and to the south, Pujilí.

How to get to Quilotoa?

To reach Quilotoa, you can choose among the following routes:

Saquisilí Detour. South Pan-American Highway. Km 44. Toacazo-Sigchos-Chugchilán-Quilotoa.
Asphalted road.
Pujilí Detour. South Pan-American Highway. Km 65.5 . Tigua-Zumbahua-Quilotoa.
Asphalted road.
From the Coast Region/ West: Quevedo-Valencia-La Maná-Zumbahua-Quilotoa.
Asphalted road.
Crossing the Toachi River Canyon from North to South: Santo Domingo-Alluriquín-Palo Quemado-Sigchos-Chugchilán-Quilotoa.
70% Dirt Road/Adventure Road

In the vicinity of Quilotoa, numerous dirt roads, called “Caminos de tercer orden”, interweave, connecting indigenous localities. It is advisable to have a 4×4 vehicle for easier access. There is a service station just outside Sigchos, and towards the south of Quilotoa, in Zumbahua, another small station is located. It is recommended to fully refuel your gas tank on the Pan-American Highway or the Coastal Trunk Road.

Regarding accommodation, various options are available in Sigchos, Isinliví, Chugchilán, Zumbahua, and Quilotoa, along with a wide variety of suitable camping spots. ATMs are accessible in Sigchos, Zumbahua, and Quilotoa.

The climate in Quilotoa is cool and windy, occasionally accompanied by rainfall. However, being close to the western foothills of the Cordillera, if planning to descend towards the Subtropics, appropriate clothing is advised.

Things to do around Quilotoa

Quilotoa is immersed in an environment of Kichwa communities that have historically preserved their rich gastronomy, language, popular festivities, and deeply rooted traditions such as animal husbandry, chocho cultivation, dairy and livestock production, viticulture, craftsmanship, and more.

The area around the massive volcanic crater offers a variety of activities ranging from overlanding, camping, and glamping. It is possible to complement your trip with hot springs, the stunning Basaltic Columns of Tángan, cycling, trekking at different distances, horseback riding, close experiences in local communities, archaeological exploration, and immersion in the natural cloud forest.

Moreover, Quilotoa is renowned as an acclimatization destination for those seeking to conquer higher peaks in the Andes. The Quilotoa Loop Circuit spans 45 kilometers from north to south, crossing the Grand Canyon of the Toachi River and authentic local communities. This route provides spectacular views amid lush vegetation and majestic waterfalls. It is suggested to start the trek from the recently discovered Tángan Columns, a geological formation creating a set of basaltic columns up to 100 meters high.

In the subsequent days, charming villages such as Sigchos, Isinliví, and Chugchilán are explored, culminating in the Quilotoa Community, with its panoramic viewpoints, access to the lagoon, vibrant craft market, and local culinary delights.