The Quilotoa Lagoon is a natural wonderEcuadorian. It is located in the Andes mountain range, in the province ofCotopaxi, about 200 kilometers south of Quito.
This beautifullagoonIt is the result of the explosion of a volcano more than 800 years ago. The crater is around 3 kilometers in diameter and is filled with turquoise water that changes color depending on the light and time of day. Besides, thelagoonIt is a sacred place forindigenous communityKichwa, who lives around the area. Quilotoa Lagoon is a popular tourist destination, not only for its natural beauty, but also for the outdoor activities it offers, such as hiking, camping and kayaking. If you are looking for a stunning destination to visit inEcuador, you can't stop knowing theQuilotoa Lagoon.
How to get
Below, I present some options to get to the lagoon:
- By bus: From Quito, you can take a bus at the La Ofelia bus terminal to the city of Latacunga. From there, you can take another bus that will take you to the Zumbahua community. Once in Zumbahua, you can take a taxi or a local bus that will take you to Quilotoa Lagoon.
- By car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Quito and take the Panamericana Sur route to the city of Latacunga. From there, you must take the road that takes you to the community of Zumbahua and follow the signs to Laguna de Quilotoa.
- By tour: Another option is to take a tour that takes you to the Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito. Many travel agencies such asEquaventoursThey offer one-day or multi-day tours that include transportation, accommodations, and activities in the area.
Remember that the road toQuilotoa LagoonIt is steep and curvy, so it is important to use caution when driving or traveling by bus. It is also important to wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes, as the temperature in the area can be cold.
Lodging in the Quilotoa lagoon
The Quilotoa lagoon is a popular tourist destinationand has a large number of accommodations, restaurants and souvenir shops in the area. It is an ideal place to spend several days exploring the region and discovering the local culture.
If you are planning to visit theQuilotoa Lagoon, it is important that you consider accommodations in the area to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Below, I present some lodging options in theQuilotoa Lagoon:
Chukirawa Hostel
This hostel is located in the Shalala community, just a 10-minute walk from theQuilotoa Lagoon. It offers cozy rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. It also has a restaurant that servesTypical food of the region.
Hostal Llullu Llama
This hostel is located in the community of Isinlivi, approximately 2 hours from theQuilotoa Lagoon. It offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, as well as a restaurant serving vegetarian and vegan food.
Hostal Taita Cristobal
This hostel is located in the community of Chugchilan, approximately 1 hour and a half from theQuilotoa Lagoon. It offers simple rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, as well as a restaurant servingtypical foodregion of.
Hostería Alpaka Quilotoa
This inn is located in the community ofQuilotoa, just 5 minutes walk from the lagoon. It offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, as well as a restaurant serving international food.
Volcano Trails Hostel
This hostel is located in the community of Sigchos, approximately 2 hours from theQuilotoa Lagoon. It offers simple rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, as well as a restaurant servingTypical food of the region.
These are just some lodging options in theQuilotoa Lagoon. Remember that it is important to book in advance to ensure you have a room available. In addition, you can also look for other lodging options in the communities near thelagoon.
What activities to do in Quilotoa Lagoon
The Quilotoa Lagoonoffers a wide variety of activities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Below, I present some of the activities you can do during your visit:
- Hiking: Hiking around the crater rim is one of the most popular activities in Quilotoa Lagoon. The path is approximately 8 kilometers long and offers stunning views of the lagoon and the surrounding area.
- Kayak: If you want to enjoy the lagoon from another perspective, you can rent a kayak and paddle in the turquoise water. This activity is a unique and exciting experience that will allow you to admire the natural beauty of the place from a different perspective.
- Horseback riding: The area around Quilotoa Lagoon is ideal for horseback riding. You can tour the nearby communities and enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Andes mountain range.
- Cultural visits: The communities near Quilotoa Lagoon offer a rich culture and history. You can visit the community of Tigua and admire local crafts, or visit the churches and squares of nearby towns.
- Bird watching: Quilotoa Lagoon is an ideal place for bird watching. You can admire a wide variety of bird species as you walk around the crater rim or while enjoying the view from a nearby viewpoint.
These are just some of the activities you can do in theQuilotoa Lagoon. Remember that you can also simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
In short, the Quilotoa lagoon is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Ecuador. It is an ideal place for hiking, kayaking and enjoying nature. The natural beauty of the lagoon and its surroundings make this place a must-see for anyone visiting Ecuador.
