ECUADOR - Quilotoa Lagoon
(also called Quilotoa Lake)
Central Andes mountains
One of the hidden gems of Ecuador, the Quilotoa Loop is a remote and isolated area located some 4 hours drives from Quito.
The highlight of the loop is the Quilotoa Laguna - a spectacular extinct volcanic crater lake filled with emerald green waters. The Lake is one of Ecuador´s most mind-blowing sights and from the rim you can catch views of the snow capped peaks of Cotopaxi and Illinizas volcanoes on a clear day.
On top of that the landscapes from start to finish are simply amazing making this a must-see region of the country. In the community of Quilotoa, you can join various activities such as horseback riding and hiking around the crater. The temperature is warmer inside than outside.
BEST TIME to VISIT QUILOTOA
BEST TIME to TRAVEL to ECUADOR
Mountains : from June to August
From the Pan-American highway, between Quito and Riobamba, also called the Volcanoes Avenue, you will see the Altar Volcano (here) and more, depending of the weather.
Road to Quilitoa lagoon - From Quito, when you leave the Pan-American highway, you will find this Quechua round-about decorated by Quecha statues
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Central Andes Mountains - Road to Quilitoa lagoon - volcanic landscape
Quilitoa lagoon - Horses are still used by the Quechua population for transport
Quilotoa Lagoon (or Lake) is the destination of this excursion for its beautiful emerald colored water. But you will be also rewarded on the way by stunning landscapes.
Few people inhabited the caldera of the volcano and visitors can follow a trail to admire the lake closer
Elegant quechua lady
Elegant quechua lady
Quechua statue with the symbol of the sun
baby lama
Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 3-kilometre (2 mi)-wide caldera was formed by the collapse of this volcano.
A catastrophic eruption about 800 years ago caused the collapse of the volcano. This eruption which produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that reached the Pacific Ocean, and spread an airborne deposit of volcanic ash throughout the northern Andes.
Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
Road to Quilitoa lagoon - landscape
The road from Quito is very good and big trucks are common
Street food is very cheap
Road from Quito to Quilotoa
young boy on a horse
lama
Horses are still used to transport persons and goods
Street food
Street food
Road from Quito to Quilotoa - local bus
Street food
Street food
Street food
Street food
Street food
Street food