Quilotoa · 3,914 m · Ecuadorian Andes
The Quilotoa Loop Trek
A three-day, village-to-village walk through the high Andes to one of South America's most beautiful sights: the turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa.
Is the Quilotoa Loop for you?
The Quilotoa Loop is the classic multi-day trek of the Ecuadorian Andes. Walking the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador links indigenous villages, deep river canyons and patchwork farmland before ending at the rim of the Quilotoa caldera and its glowing turquoise lake at 3,914 m. There's no glacier and no technical climbing. You spend full days on the trail at altitude and sleep in family-run lodges along the way.
The difficulty is moderate. It is still high-Andes hiking, with steep canyon descents and lung-stretching climbs back out. As a guided multi-day trek it takes you through rural Ecuador on foot and ends at the crater rim, looking down on the lake.
Why we run it as a guided multi-day trek
Plenty of people walk the Quilotoa Loop self-guided, and the trails are doable with a good map. A local guide adds the Kichwa villages, the history of the canyons and the right lodge for the night. You also won't lose the trail when the afternoon fog comes in. We keep groups small and the pace human.
Your itinerary
The classic 3-day Quilotoa Loop
Drive from Latacunga to Sigchos and set off on foot, down into the Toachi canyon and up to the tiny village of Isinliví (around 4–5 hours). Night in a cosy family lodge.
A beautiful day along ridges and through farmland and cloud forest to Chugchilán (around 5–6 hours), with sweeping Andes views the whole way.
A steady climb to the rim of the Quilotoa caldera (around 5–6 hours), where the turquoise lake opens up below you. Optional hike down to the water before the drive back.
Quilotoa Loop altitude
The loop sits between roughly 2,900 m and 3,900 m the whole way, high enough that acclimatization matters. We recommend a night or two in Quito or the highlands first:
- Quito: 2,850 m
- Sigchos: 2,900 m
- Isinliví: 2,910 m
- Chugchilán: 3,180 m
- Quilotoa rim: 3,914 m
What's included
Included
- Local trekking guide for the full route
- Two nights in family-run village lodges
- Private transport from Quito or Latacunga
- Daily breakfast and trail lunches
- Route maps and trip briefing
Not included
- International flights and Quito hotels
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Dinners and personal expenses
- Guide gratuities
Gear
We arrange
- Local guide & navigation
- Village-lodge bookings
- All ground transport
- Trail lunches
You bring
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Warm layers & rain shell
- Daypack (25–35 L)
- Water bottle & sun protection
- Trekking poles (optional)
Safety on the mountain
- Local Kichwa-region trekking guides
- Small groups, human pace
- Vetted family-run lodges along the route
- Daily check-ins & flexible timing for weather
Quilotoa Loop FAQ
How hard is the Quilotoa Loop?
Moderate. There's no technical terrain, but you'll walk 4–6 hours a day with steep canyon descents and climbs at altitudes between 2,900 m and 3,900 m. Anyone with reasonable hiking fitness who has acclimatized can do it.
How many days is the Quilotoa Loop?
The classic route is a 3-day trek (Sigchos → Isinliví → Chugchilán → Quilotoa). Shorter 2-day and longer relaxed versions are possible, and we'll fit it to your time and fitness.
How high is Quilotoa?
The Quilotoa crater rim sits at 3,914 m (12,841 ft), with the trail ranging from about 2,900 m to 3,900 m. Spending a night or two at altitude beforehand makes the trek far more comfortable.
Can you do the Quilotoa Loop without a guide?
Yes, the loop can be walked self-guided. We offer it guided because a local knows the villages and their history, and you don't have to find the route yourself in afternoon fog.
Where do you sleep on the Quilotoa Loop?
In simple, warm, family-run lodges in Isinliví and Chugchilán. They're basic but welcoming, with hot meals and fireplaces. For many of our guests the evenings there are the best part of the trek.
What is the best time to hike the Quilotoa Loop?
June to September is the driest and most reliable window. The loop is walkable year-round, but expect more afternoon rain and mud in the wetter months.
Walk the Quilotoa Loop with a local guide
Tell us your dates and hiking experience. We'll book the lodges, the guide and the transport, so all you have to do is walk.