Explore two of Ecuador's most iconic natural landmarks in a single trip with these guided excursions. Travel along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to hike around a high-altitude crater lake and stand at the base of one of the world's highest active volcanoes.
Free Cancellation Visit Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa crater lake on a full-day trip through the Ecuadorian highlands.
Free Cancellation Explore the Andes and Baños through indigenous culture, community visits, and nature at a relaxed, authentic pace.
Free Cancellation A day trip from Quito through the Avenue of Volcanoes to hike the crater of the turquoise Quilotoa Lagoon.
Free Cancellation Visit the Cotopaxi volcano and Quilotoa crater lake on a private full-day trip with a dedicated guide from Quito.
Free Cancellation Explore Cotopaxi’s volcanic plains and Quilotoa’s emerald crater lake on a single-day journey from Quito.
Free Cancellation Visit a massive 800-year-old caldera and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes on this scenic tour from Quito.
Free Cancellation Explore the Andean highlands on a two-day journey to Cotopaxi Volcano and the emerald Quilotoa crater lake.
Free Cancellation Travel from Quito to Baños in a day, stopping at Cotopaxi and Quilotoa with flexible transport and activities included.
Free Cancellation Visit Cotopaxi and the Quilotoa crater lake in one day, exploring Andean nature and local indigenous art.
Explore Cotopaxi and Quilotoa over two days with volcano hikes, a crater lagoon visit, and local artisan stops.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Quilotoa Lagoon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes by combining two of its most iconic natural wonders. You will transition from the high-altitude grasslands of Cotopaxi to the breathtaking emerald waters of the Quilotoa crater, experiencing incredible scenery and rich indigenous culture along the way.
Explore the base of one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Take a guided walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon to spot high-altitude Andean wildlife and unique moorland flora.
Stand on a transparent glass platform suspended at 3,900 meters above sea level. This viewpoint offers unmatched panoramic shots of the massive three-kilometer-wide caldera.
Hike down the steep, sandy 1.4-kilometer trail to reach the shoreline. The 30 to 45-minute descent takes you through a rugged, prehistoric-looking landscape.
Rent a kayak at the bottom of the crater to paddle across the cold, mineral-rich turquoise waters while surrounded by towering cliffs rising hundreds of meters above.
Skip the grueling 90-minute uphill hike back to the rim by hiring a local mule. Guided by community members, it is a fun and physically relieving way to ascend.
Visit local Kichwa-speaking communities and browse vibrant Tigua art galleries. You will get a firsthand look at traditional Andean farming life and colorful crafts.
Planning a trip to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa requires a bit of preparation due to the high altitudes and remote mountain locations. Here is what you need to know before booking your tour.
You can choose between fast-paced full-day combo tours, private trips with flexible itineraries, or 2-to-3-day immersive Andes adventures. Multi-day trips often include overnight stays in mountain lodges and additional stops in places like Baños.
Most organized tours include the entrance fees for Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa reserve. If you are traveling independently or booking a basic transport-only option, note that the Quilotoa community charges a $2 entry fee per person.
Both sites sit at nearly 4,000 meters (12,841 feet) above sea level. You should acclimatize in Quito for a few days first. While viewpoints are accessible, the hike down to the lagoon is steep, and the climb back up is highly strenuous.
Tours typically offer pick-up from major areas in Quito like La Carolina, Plaza Foch, or Plaza Grande. If your hotel is located outside the Quito metropolitan area, operators usually charge an extra fee of around $35 per person.
Mountain weather changes rapidly from warm and sunny to freezing, windy, and clouded. Pack multiple warm layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy hiking boots with good traction for the slippery, sandy trails.
Wheelchair users and those with limited mobility can access the main viewing platforms and community areas at the Quilotoa rim. However, the steep trails down into the crater and the rugged terrain at Cotopaxi are completely inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Bring physical cash in small denominations. There are no ATMs in Quilotoa village, and most local shops, restaurants, and mule rentals (which cost about $10) do not accept credit or debit cards.
The vast majority of day tours and multi-day trips offer a flexible cancellation policy, providing a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Full-Day Group Tour | Private Day Trip | Multi-Day Andes Adventure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10 - 12 hours | 10 - 12 hours | 2 - 3 days |
| Best for | Travelers short on time wanting to see both volcanoes | Couples or families wanting a flexible, personalized pace | Immersive explorers wanting to stay overnight and see more |
| Inclusions | Transport, bilingual guide, entrance fees, lunch | Private transport, guide, lunch, entrances, hotel pick-up | Accommodation, transport, guide, most meals, activities |
| Price from | $89 | $177 | $169 |
Quilotoa Community & Reserve: Open Monday to Sunday, 365 days a year.
If you are booking a guided tour from Quito, expect very early departure times (usually between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.) to ensure you have enough daylight to visit both Cotopaxi and Quilotoa in a single day.
Quilotoa is located approximately 178 kilometers (111 miles) southwest of Quito. Most visitors arrive via guided tour transport, but independent travel is possible.
Ideal Months: The best time to visit is during the drier season from June to September, as well as a brief dry spell in December and early January. These months offer more stable weather, clearer skies for photography, and safer, less muddy trail conditions.
Times to Avoid: Visiting during the wetter months can result in heavy cloud cover that completely obscures the lake views. Additionally, major Ecuadorian public holidays, Christmas, and New Year bring heavy crowds and fully booked accommodations.
Time of Day: Start your hike down to the lagoon early in the morning. The lake's signature turquoise and emerald colors are most vibrant when the sun is directly overhead, typically before midday, and afternoon clouds roll in frequently.
Wheelchair Users: Wheelchair access is available at the entrance to the Quilotoa Community and at the main paved viewing points, including the Shalalá Viewpoint. However, the steep, sandy 1.4-kilometer trail leading down into the crater is completely inaccessible.
Elderly & Children: Elderly visitors and families with young children can easily manage the flat areas around the rim to enjoy panoramic views and local cafes. Descending to the lake is highly strenuous due to the 3,914-meter altitude. Parents must exercise extreme caution near the unfenced crater edges.
The Quilotoa village offers basic but essential facilities for travelers:
Because Quilotoa is part of the protected Reserva Ecológica Los Illinizas, several strict rules apply:
Swimming in the lagoon is strictly prohibited. The water is extremely cold, contains unhealthy volcanic minerals, and the crater floor drops off rapidly to a depth of 250 meters, making it highly dangerous.
Admission to the lagoon and crater is free, but the local community charges a $2 entry fee per person ($1 for children and seniors). This covers village access, parking, and restroom use.
The village and crater rim sit at a high altitude of 3,914 meters (12,841 feet) above sea level. The lake shore at the bottom of the crater is located 364 meters lower than the rim.
Descending the steep 1.4-kilometer trail to the lake shore takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Climbing back up is much more difficult due to the altitude and takes between 45 to 90 minutes.
Yes, visitors who find the steep uphill climb too difficult can rent a mule from local community members at the lake shore. The ride back to the rim costs approximately $10.
Most guided tours from Quito include the entrance fees for Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa reserve. However, you should always check the specific inclusions of your chosen tour before booking.
Tour operators typically pick up from central areas like La Carolina, Plaza Foch, and Plaza Grande. If your hotel is outside the Quito metropolitan area, expect a surcharge of around $35.
No, there are no ATMs in Quilotoa village, and many local shops do not accept credit or debit cards. You should bring plenty of small bills from Quito or Latacunga.
No, the use of drones and camera tripods is strictly prohibited within the protected areas of the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve.
No, pets are strictly prohibited from entering the lagoon area and other protected zones within the ecological reserve. Bringing animals can result in legal penalties.
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This 10-hour tour is designed for travelers who want to see two of Ecuador's most famous natural sites in a single day. The trip begins at Cotopaxi National Park, where you will explore the high-altitude grasslands at the base of the volcano. The itinerary includes several stops at scenic viewpoints for photography before continuing through the Andean countryside. At the Quilotoa crater, you can view the turquoise lagoon from the rim or take the optional hike down to the water’s edge. The tour is conducted in either a private or small-group format and does not require a high level of physical fitness. Because of the high altitude and changing weather, it is recommended to bring warm clothing, a jacket, and sunscreen.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Join our local team for an immersive journey through the Andes and Baños. We focus on connecting you with Ecuador’s indigenous heritage by visiting local communities, while leaving plenty of room for nature and outdoor adventure. Unlike standard tours, we prioritize a relaxed pace at every stop, ensuring you have the time to truly experience each location rather than rushing through a checklist. As native Ecuadorians, we aim to show you the authentic side of our country. While we guarantee you will visit every attraction listed in the itinerary, the specific order of stops or days may change depending on local operating conditions. We will provide you with your finalized schedule one day before the tour begins to ensure the best possible experience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day trip leaves Quito and travels south along the Avenue of Volcanoes, offering views of the high Andean peaks. Along the way, you will stop to learn about the history and customs of the indigenous communities that have lived in these highlands for generations. Once at the Quilotoa Volcano, you can take a moderate hike down to the shore of the mineral-rich lagoon or walk along the crater's edge. The tour focuses on the natural geography of the area and local cultural traditions before returning to the city in the evening.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This private day trip allows you to see two of Ecuador’s major natural landmarks without the constraints of a group schedule. After a morning pickup from your Quito hotel, you will head to Cotopaxi National Park. You can explore the base of the active volcano and walk near the Limpiopungo lagoon while your guide provides context on the local geology and history. From there, the tour moves to the Quilotoa crater to see its famous turquoise lagoon. You can choose to hike down to the water’s edge or enjoy the view from the rim before heading back to the city. Travel is provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, so you can relax and watch the Andean landscape between stops. The day ends with a direct drop-off back at your accommodation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This day trip departs from Quito and travels south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to reach Cotopaxi National Park. You will visit the base of Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and take a guided walk around the shores of Limpiopungo Lake to observe the high-altitude landscape and local birdlife. From Cotopaxi, the tour continues to the Quilotoa crater. This collapsed volcano is filled with mineral-rich, turquoise water and offers wide views across the Andean highlands. The trip is all-inclusive, covering your transportation and sightseeing, making it possible to visit both of these major landmarks within a single day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour explores Ecuador’s dramatic volcanic landscape, beginning with a three-kilometer-wide caldera created by a massive eruption eight centuries ago. You will also visit one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, a towering peak that serves as a centerpiece of the region's natural history. Starting from the historic center of Quito, the itinerary is designed for efficiency, with 30-minute stops at each major landmark. This schedule provides enough time to take photos and appreciate the views at each site, making it a practical way to experience the scale of the Andes in a single trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This two-day trip takes you to two of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Ecuadorian Andes. You will visit Cotopaxi National Park to see the world's second-highest active volcano and travel to the Quilotoa caldera to view its famous turquoise crater lake. The sequence of these visits may change depending on local conditions. We will send you the finalized itinerary and schedule one day before the tour begins to ensure you have all the necessary details for your departure.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This route connects Quito to Baños, allowing you to visit Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon in a single day. We handle the logistics, including all transportation and pre-paid activities, so you can focus on the scenery and local culture. The Jacamar Pass is built for independent travelers, offering the flexibility to stay as long as you like at each destination rather than following a rigid group schedule. During the trip, you will explore the high-altitude landscapes of the Andes and visit remote communities that are often missed by standard tours. By combining guided activities with reliable transport, this pass provides a practical way to see Ecuador’s most famous landmarks while making your way south to Baños.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour visits two of the most significant landmarks in the Ecuadorian Andes: Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa lagoon. The day begins at the foot of Ecuador's second-highest volcano, where you will walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon to see the plants and animals that inhabit this high-altitude environment. From there, the route continues through the Illinizas Reserve toward the turquoise waters of the Quilotoa crater. The drive offers views of the colorful agricultural landscapes typical of the region. During the visit, you will also stop at a local art workshop to see 'naïve' style paintings, which depict the daily life and traditions of the indigenous communities living in the moor.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip travels through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to visit two of the Ecuadorian Sierra’s most prominent landmarks. On the first day, you will head to Cotopaxi National Park to hike up to the volcano’s first refuge. Following the hike, you have the option to take a bike ride through the park's lower trails before staying overnight at the Chuquiragua Lodge. The second day focuses on the Quilotoa crater lagoon. You will have time to hike the trails around the turquoise water and take in the views of the caldera. Before returning to Quito, the tour stops in the town of Tigua, where you can meet local artisans and see traditional Andean artwork.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish