Quilotoa
The crater lake and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes.
When the Quilotoa volcano last erupted in 1280, it left behind a gaping caldera 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) across, which is now filled with a brilliant green and turquoise lake. The crater lake is rather deep at 250 meters, and its distinct coloring comes from the dissolved volcanic minerals remaining from its past eruptions.
Quilotoa
Crater Lake Tour
HIGH: 3,914 m (12,841 ft).
TYPE: Stratovulkan.
CHARACTERISTIC: Active volcano
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: BW-1 (Easy hike)
1st day “Ascension and summit day (5,126 m)”
This tour starts in Quito. We pick you up at 06:00 a.m. at the hotel or at the designated meeting point in Quito. We will go to the south of the country on a trip that lasts about 3 hours from Quito. Once in Quilotoa, you can carry out various activities such as descending into the lagoon, taking a walk (mountain hike) and/or running around the caldera, or simply enjoying the beautiful landscape of the lagoon and the caldera while enjoying a drink. After enjoying our activities in this beautiful volcano, we will return to Quito.
In Quilotoa, you can have lunch, where you can find restaurants with typical Ecuadorian food as well as restaurants that offer international food. Meals are not included in the tour.
Included
Not Included
Recommended equipment (not included)
BW-1 (gentle walk)
The simplest form of hiking uses only wide and well-developed roads. Mainly on flat terrain and little inclined, without descents and exposed stairs. Usually well marked trails. No special equipment is required, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. More comfort and less physical activity. Cultural walks with contact with people. No prior knowledge required.
BW-2 (challenging walks / activities)
Activities partially challenging or longer than BW-1 (hiking and cycling). Partially difficult terrain (very steep terrain). Good health and good physical condition are required. Availability to light physical efforts, such as cycling and hiking.
BW-3 (mountains tours / outdoors activities)
Activities or hikes that are often demanding and / or extensive. Trails with considerable slopes, narrow, and not always well marked. For mountaineering an acclimatization process is required (heights more than 4.000 m). Safety when walking. Predisposition for heights. It requires very good health and good physical condition. Adventurous spirit.
BW-4 (Heavy Mountain Tour / outdoors activities)
In this category, mountaineering begins on a high alpine landscape (heights more than 5,000 m). For mountaineering, an acclimatization process is required. Use of crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets are required. It requires excellent general health and physical condition. A sporting spirit and predisposition for demanding weather conditions.
BW-5 (extremely heavy mountain tour / outdoors activities)
Very serious mountain tours that demand a high level of risk-taking even for experienced mountaineers. Routes over very steep, and very exposed rock. As a rule, these alpine excursions are unmarked. The knowledge of the use of the equipment is extremely important. Technical mountains are climbed on this type of tour.
Our active trips are generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Do not hesitate to contact us, we will be glad to advise you.
Booking Request
Ask for this offer or contact us for further details and queries. Of course, we can tailor your dream trip to your individual needs.
Please fill out the form, with your information, the planned travel date and the number of participants. Of course we also advise you by phone or directly by email at the following contact options:
