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Located in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador, Quilotoa Lake is an absolute must-see destination. This crater lake, that was formed within the depths of a collapsed volcano, is a stunning sight. Quilotoa Lake ranks among the most breathtaking crater lakes in the entire Americas due to its emerald-green waters and surrounding mountains.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely stay or a brief stopover during your Ecuadorian adventure, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your visit to Quilotoa Lake. We’ll discuss the history of the lake, how to get there, where to stay, and the most popular hikes.
Table of Contents
Where is Quilotoa?
Quilotoa is located in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador, among the incredible Andes Mountains. This destination can be found approximately 200 kilometers south of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador.
History of Quilotoa
Quilotoa Lake is found inside a large volcano in the Andes Mountains. This volcano last erupted about 800 years ago following 14,000 years of dormancy. This eruption was powerful enough to send lava flows into the Pacific Ocean over a hundred miles away! It also caused the volcano to collapse into the caldera it is today. Over time, the caldera filled up with water, measuring 820 ft deep in some locations!
Water in Quilotoa Lake
The water in Quilotoa Lake is a beautiful green-blue color due to the volcanic minerals dissolved in the water. However, these minerals also make the water unsafe to drink or swim in. Make sure to bring plenty of water when visiting the lake, as the only clean water available inside the crater will be sold at an expensive price. This is especially true if you decide to camp at the base of the crater.
How to Get to Quilotoa
Bus from Latacunga to Quilotoa
The easiest way to get to Quilotoa is by taking a bus from Latacunga. These buses leave consistently throughout the day so there is no need to book a ticket in advance. The ticket will cost between $1 and $3, and the trip will take around 2 hours.
Stopover in Zumbahua
There is also the option of taking a bus to Zumbahua, just 25 minutes south of Quilotoa Lake. When my bus did not show up on time in Quilotoa, I rode with a local in his truck for $0.50 to Zumbahua. It turns out that the reason the bus didn’t show up was because the surrounding pueblos were celebrating a local holiday. They were parading down the narrow street so no vehicles could pass!
The bus from Zumbahua to Latacunga cost $1 and the trip took about 1.5 hours.
Popular Hikes Around Quilotoa
Hiking Into the Crater
Most people who visit Quilotoa come to hike. Some people are content with hiking from the top of the volcano down to the lake in the center. This hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour on the way down, but 1.5-2 hours on the way up. The high elevation (about 12,500 ft!) will slow down even the fittest hikers, so don’t feel bad about taking frequent stops on the way up. There are benches and places to rest along the path. If you are truly desperate, you can pay ($10+) for a donkey to take you back up to the top!
Hiking Around the Caldera
For those looking for a longer trail, you can hike around the perimeter of the crater. This 4-5 hour hike will give you breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains and countryside. This hike is about 5 miles, but is not nearly as steep as the hike into the crater. There are often very few people completing this hike, so you won’t have to worry about crowds of people keeping you from enjoying the moment.
Hike the Quilotoa Loop
If you want an even bigger challenge, consider visiting Quilotoa Lake as part of the much-larger Quilotoa Loop. The Quilotoa Loop is one of the most famous hikes in South America. This multi-day hike usually starts and ends in Latacunga, and goes either clockwise or counterclockwise around the towns of Quilotoa, Chugchilán, Isinliví, and Sigchos. Most people complete this hike in 3-5 days, depending on how much time they spend at each town. Hikers should budget $15-40/night for hostels (you may find cheaper options, but this is a safe amount).
Best Time to Visit Quilotoa
The best time to visit Quilotoa is during the dry season from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. The region experiences heavy rainfall from October to May, which can make hiking and exploring more challenging. It is also very cold during this time. I visited in January, and was lucky that it did not rain too hard on me.
Where to Stay in Quilotoa
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Quilotoa. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
For budget travelers, Hostería Chukirawa is a great option. You can stay in a mixed dormitory in Quilotoa for about $22/night.
If you want to save even more money, you should stay in Latacunga and take a bus to Quilotoa for a day trip. I stayed in Hostal Café Tiana in Latacunga for $7/night.
Medium budget
If you want an afordable private room in Quilotoa, it’s hard to beat a stay at Runa Wasi Quilotoa. Staying at Quilotoa will save you traveling time and allow you to check out the crater early in the morning before the crowds. Private rooms in Runa Wasi Quilotoa also come with free breakfast and dinner for about $45/night.
High budget
If you want a more luxurious stay, check out Hotel PrincesToa. Located just a few hundred meters from Quilotoa Lake, this hotel is great for accommodating couples or families. You can also rent a bicycle at the tour desk to visit the surrounding area. If you plan on flying into the Cotopaxi airport, this hotel also provides a shuttle service.
FAQs About Quilotoa
1. Can you swim in Quilotoa Lake?
No, swimming in Quilotoa Lake is prohibited. Not only will the volcanic minerals harm you, but also the extremely cold temperatures of the water can be lethal.
2. Do any fish live in the lake?
No, no fish live in Quilotoa Lake. Only algae and microorganisms live there.
3. How many days do you need in Quilotoa?
A day trip to Quilotoa is enough for most people. If you want to camp overnight at the base of the crater or experience the local culture, then 2-3 days should be enough.
4. When was the last time Quilotoa erupted?
Quilotoa last erupted 800 years ago. This was after 14,000 years of dormancy. Hopefully, it won’t be due for another eruption anytime soon.
5. What is the entrance fee to Quilotoa Lake?
The entrance fee to Quilotoa Lake is $4.
