Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito with Entrances

Discover the Spectacle of Laguna Quilotoa from Quito: A Full-Day Guided Tour

If you’re visiting Ecuador and craving a day away from the city’s bustle, this full-day tour to Laguna Quilotoa offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and manageable adventure. For $79 per person, you’ll enjoy about 11 hours of scenic drives, impressive viewpoints, and authentic local encounters, all with the comfort of group transport and expert guides.

What we love about this experience are the two different lookouts providing stunning views of the lake—one from the crater rim and another closer to the water’s edge, allowing for both panoramic and intimate photos. Plus, the visit to craft workshops in Tigua, renowned for colorful paintings and pottery, adds an enriching cultural dimension that many travelers cherish.

A possible consideration is that the ascend from the crater lake is quite a workout, especially if you’re not in good shape. However, the option to rent a mule for around $10 makes it accessible for most.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty combined with cultural experiences, especially those who enjoy engaging guides, scenic hikes, and small group settings. If you want a balanced mix of adventure, learning, and comfort, this trip will likely tick most boxes.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Two lookouts offer breathtaking vistas of Quilotoa Lagoon and Mount Cotopaxi.
• Cultural Stops: Visit artisan workshops in Tigua to support local artists.
• Comfort & Convenience: Pickup from central Quito and small group size ensure personalized attention.
• Physical Activity: Expect some walking and a strenuous climb, but mule rentals are available.
• All-Inclusive: Entrance fees, transport, and bilingual guides are included, making it hassle-free.
• Authentic Experiences: Meet indigenous families and learn about local traditions firsthand.

Exploring the Quilotoa Full-Day Tour: A Complete Breakdown

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins early at 7:00 am, with pickup from several central Quito meeting points. From there, a comfortable tourist vehicle whisks you away into the highlands, where the landscape begins to change from city streets to sweeping mountain views.

Laguna Quilotoa is your main event. This volcanic crater lake, known for its vivid blue-green color, is undeniably striking. The tour includes two different vantage points: one from the crater rim, which offers sweeping views that you’ll want to photograph, and another closer to the water, where you can walk or ride a mule down to the lake itself.

The descent can be somewhat challenging, especially with the thin mountain air. As one reviewer notes, “The hike back up is quite a workout,” so being in decent physical shape will definitely help. Luckily, mule rentals are available at about $10, allowing those who prefer a rest to still enjoy the scenery and experience.

After some free time at the lagoon, the group heads to a local artisan workshop in Tigua, known for its vibrant paintings that often depict regional life and landscapes. This stop is not just a shopping opportunity but a chance to appreciate local craftsmanship and support indigenous artists—a highlight for many travelers.

Finally, the day wraps up with a visit to the Canon del Río Toachi, a scenic lookout over the canyon that provides one last breath-taking view before heading back to Quito. The return trip is approximately 15 minutes, completing your scenic loop with comfortable transport and a knowledgeable guide.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We love the combination of natural beauty and culture. The views of Quilotoa are genuinely spectacular, with many reviews highlighting how unforgettable the crater lake is—“Quilotoa lagoon was stunning,” as one traveler put it. The inclusion of indigenous family visits and artisan workshops enriches the experience beyond just sightseeing.

The small group size (maximum 18 travelers) allows your guide to give personalized attention and answer questions in English or Spanish, making the experience more engaging and tailored. Guides like Carlos, Irene, and Adrian consistently earn praise for their knowledge and friendliness, turning a sightseeing trip into a memorable educational experience.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

While the scenery and cultural stops are fantastic, the walk back up from the lake can be physically demanding. If you’re not confident in your fitness level, renting a mule is a smart move. The drive to Quilotoa takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, so be prepared for a lengthy day, though the views along the way make the drive part of the adventure.

Some reviews mention that the timing of stops could be better optimized, particularly early morning stops that might be skipped or moved to later in the day to arrive earlier at Quilotoa when the weather and visibility are often clearer.

Transport, Guides, and Overall Value

The transportation is modern and comfortable, with pickups from central Quito, making logistics one less thing to worry about. The bilingual guides are well-informed, offering insights into Ecuador’s geography, culture, and history, enriching the experience without overwhelming.

At $79, this tour offers good value for money considering that all entrance fees, transportation, and expert guiding are included. Travelers consistently mention that the tour surpasses their expectations, especially given the numerous stops and the scenic vistas. The inclusion of artisan workshops and indigenous family visits offers depth that many day trips lack.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. If you’re up for a bit of a hike and want to see one of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanic lakes, this tour delivers. It’s also suitable for those interested in supporting local communities, given the artisan visits, and for travelers who appreciate small-group tours with personalized attention.

However, those with limited mobility or who prefer a very relaxed day might find the walk back up from the crater too strenuous, though mule rentals help address this concern.

The Sum Up

This Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito offers a well-rounded, authentic experience at a reasonable price. You’ll be treated to spectacular views, engaging guides, and opportunities to support local artisans, making it a trip that balances scenery, culture, and comfort. The trip’s highlights, especially the crater lake views and artisan workshops, make it a memorable Ecuadorian adventure.

Travelers who enjoy scenic drives, fold in some light physical activity, and want to learn about local traditions will find this tour a perfect fit. While the climb from the lake is demanding, the option to rent a mule makes it accessible, and the overall experience remains rewarding.

If you’re looking for a day trip that captures the essence of Ecuador’s highland beauty and indigenous culture, this tour is a travel-worthy choice. Be prepared for a long, scenic day, but one filled with breathtaking vistas and authentic encounters that will stay with you long after you leave.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, with pickups starting early in the morning at 7:00 am and returning to Quito in the early evening.

What is included in the price?
All entrance fees, tourist transport, and a bilingual guide are included. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit artisan workshops.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level due to walking and hiking involved in descending and ascending the crater.

Can I rent a mule?
Yes, mule rentals are available at about $10 per person, making it easier to get up from the lake and manage the climb.

What are the main highlights of the day?
Expect stunning panoramic views of Quilotoa Lagoon from two viewpoints, visits to local craft workshops, and a scenic lookout over Toachi canyon.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, and some cash for optional purchases at artisan shops or mule rides.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not explicitly included; most travelers find time after visiting the lagoon for a meal in the area or during the return journey.

What if I want to skip the hike back up?
You can rent a mule to ride back up for around $10, which is a popular option among those who prefer to conserve energy.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the tour provider’s website or booking platforms like Viator, with most bookings made about a month in advance.

Ready to see one of Ecuador’s most memorable sights? With its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and expert guides, this Quilotoa tour offers a day packed with value and authentic experiences.