Get swept away by one of Ecuador's most incredible landscapes: Quilotoa Lagoon. On this day trip, you'll enjoy one-of-a-kind views of this stunning volcanic caldera in the heart of the Andes.
Day Trip Details
At the designated time, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Guayaquil and hop on the bus for a drive of about 6 hours to the province of Cotopaxi, home to the spectacular Quilotoa Caldera.
Once we arrive, we'll make a quick stop so you can grab something to eat on your own before we start exploring. Batteries recharged, we'll kick things off with a panoramic view of Quilotoa Lagoon, which formed inside the crater after an Andean volcano erupted more than 800 years ago. Here, the guide will tell us about the site's geology and history.
Next, we'll hike down into the caldera to the edge of the lagoon, a walk of about 1.5 hours. After taking in the scenery at the bottom, we'll start the climb back up to the crater rim, which takes about 2.5 hours on foot. If you'd like an easier way up, you can rent a mule or horse on site.
After the hike, you can refuel with a traditional lunch in Quilotoa before we head back to Guayaquil. On the way, we'll make a quick stop at the Toachi River Canyon viewpoint to take in (and take photos of) a beautiful pine forest.
Finally, we'll wrap up the trip by dropping you off right at your hotel in Guayaquil, about 18 hours after pickup.
Tour with Lunch
When booking, you can choose the option that includes a traditional lunch in Quilotoa. The menu includes locro de papa (potato soup), a grilled pork chop or chicken, rice, salad, and tropical fruit juice.