Illiniza North

Quilotoa

The crater lake and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Illiniza Norte and SurWhen 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.

* inter­na­tional flights not included

HIGH: 3,914 m (12,841 ft).

TYPE: Stratovulkan.

CHARAC­TE­RISTIC: Active volcano

DIFFI­CULTY LEVEL: BW-1 (Easy hike)

ITINERARY
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.

SERVICES
Included
  • Profes­sional bilingual guide (English-Spanish, with extra charge German-Spanish)
  • Private trans­por­tation (Meeting Point – Quilotoa – Meeting Point).
  • Helmet and harness

  • Box-Lunch

Not Included
  • Tips for the guide
  • Trans­por­tation not mentioned

Recom­mended equipment (not included)
  • Warm clothes, hiking boots (light hiking/​trail shoes), gloves, warm hat, first­layer mountain pants (long johns pants), wayfarer mountain pants, water­proof jacket, small backpack, sunglasses
  • Camera, sunscreen

  • Water, Gatorade, snacks

INDICA­TIONS
  • Positive attitude and teamwork is required.

  • Safety first: our goal is to reach the top. However, reaching summits can be considerably more difficult due to unfavorable climatic condi­tions (strong wind, fog, conti­nuous rains, snowfall) and other adverse circum­s­tances, such as the physical condition and health of the parti­ci­pants. The leader guide, who is respon­sible for the well-being of the parti­ci­pants, has the right to interrupt the ascent to the summit if he/​she considers it necessary for the protection of the health and life of all the parti­ci­pants. No claim from the parti­ci­pants is valid in this circumstance.

  • You will climb over 5.000 meters above the sea level. Therefore, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor for a general medical exami­nation beforehand.

  • It is recom­mended to have a travel and health insurance in force.

DIFFI­CULTY
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

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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: