Hiking the Quilotoa Loop

Linking several Andean villages, the Quilotoa Loop meanders through valleys and across farmland finishing with the emerald beauty that is Laguna de Quilotoa.

The loop is typically made over three days and two nights. You’ll only be out of pocket $40 if you BYO snacks.

To do the whole 40kms, leave the bulk of your gear behind in Latacunga and get the bus to Sigchos. Maps.me will be your best friend for the next three days although the signposting has improved a lot over the past few years and the hostels will also provide maps (as well as breakfast and dinner).

Day 1

Walking time: 3.5-4 hours

Destination: Insinliví

Stay at: Llullu Llama

After a solid uphill effort, the loft style dorms, hot tub, mulled wine and delicious, plentiful meals make Llullu Llama one of the best hostels I’ve ever visited. It’s also an excellent value for money at only $18 a night.

Amazing valleys en route

Day 2

Walking time: 3.5-4.5 hours

Destination: Chugchilan

Stay at: Cloud Forest Hostel

And another!

Day 3

Walking time: 5-6 hours if you take the shortest way around the lake.

Destination: Quilotoa (then bus back to Latacunga)

All three days follow a similar format in that they start with a generous descent and finish with a solid uphill slog, especially on day three! But what little breath you have left by the time you finally reach the crater’s edge will quickly be stolen by the wild beauty of Laguna de Quilotoa - a sight guaranteed to make this trek one of your Ecuador highlights!

Rugged peaks surrounding Laguna de Quilotoa