Explore Ecuador's stunning volcanic caldera at your own pace with a private tour to Quilotoa Lagoon. Enjoy the flexibility of a dedicated vehicle and guide, with options ranging from straightforward day trips to combinations with Cotopaxi National Park.
Free Cancellation Explore the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano and the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake on a private day trip from Quito.
Free Cancellation Hike into a 600-year-old volcanic caldera, kayak on the turquoise lagoon, and return from the crater floor by mule.
Free Cancellation A private journey to Quilotoa featuring indigenous markets, Andean photo stops, and a hike into the volcanic crater.
Free Cancellation Explore the 250-meter deep turquoise waters of the Quilotoa volcanic caldera in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Quilotoa Lagoon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Booking a private tour to Quilotoa Lagoon offers a flexible, personalized way to experience one of Ecuador's most breathtaking natural wonders. Departing directly from your Quito hotel, you'll enjoy a scenic drive through the Andes, stopping at indigenous markets and dramatic canyons before reaching the stunning 3-kilometer-wide volcanic crater lake.
Step out onto a transparent, glass-bottomed structure suspended 3,900 meters above sea level. This viewpoint offers unparalleled panoramic views of the entire caldera and its emerald waters.
Descend the steep 1.4-kilometer trail down into the crater. Surrounded by rugged volcanic cliffs, the 45-minute hike takes you right to the edge of the mineral-rich lake.
Once at the bottom, you can rent a kayak to paddle across the freezing, turquoise waters. It provides an incredible perspective of the towering 250-meter crater walls above you.
Skip the grueling high-altitude hike back up to the rim by renting a mule from the local community. It's a fun, physically relieving way to return to the top.
Most private tours include a roadside stop at this spectacular gorge. Located just a few kilometers from Quilotoa, it offers dramatic views of the rugged Andean landscape.
Explore the rustic village of Quilotoa or nearby traditional markets like Zumbahua. You'll get a firsthand look at the vibrant textiles and daily life of the local Kichwa-speaking communities.
Planning a private day trip from Quito to Quilotoa requires a bit of preparation, especially regarding the high altitude and what is included in your specific tour package.
All tours on this page are private, full-day excursions departing from Quito. Some focus exclusively on Quilotoa and nearby indigenous markets, while combo tours allow you to visit both Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa in a single, action-packed day.
While the lagoon itself is free to enter, the local community charges a $2 entry fee. Most premium private tours ($150+) include this fee and a local lunch, whereas budget-friendly private transfers ($105) may require you to pay for meals and parking fees out of pocket.
The crater rim sits at 3,914 meters (12,841 feet). The 1.4-kilometer hike down to the lake is steep and sandy, and the climb back up is highly strenuous due to the thin air. Travelers should have a moderate fitness level.
If you don't want to hike back up, local guides offer mule rides from the lake shore to the rim for about $10. This is almost never included in the tour price, so you must bring physical cash.
The weather at the crater changes rapidly and is often freezing and windy. Dress in warm, sportswear layers including a windproof coat, gloves, and a hat. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the slippery volcanic soil.
There are no ATMs in Quilotoa village, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Bring small denominations of US Dollars for snacks, mule rentals, kayak rentals, and buying crafts from local Tigua artists.
Most private tour operators offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
| Cotopaxi & Quilotoa Combo Tour | Standard Private Day Trip | Premium Quilotoa & Market Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Seeing two major volcanoes in one day | Budget-conscious private travelers | Cultural immersion and convenience |
| Includes Lunch | Yes | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | $177.00 | $105.00 | $157.50 |
The Quilotoa Community and the surrounding Reserva Ecológica Los Illinizas are open to visitors 365 days a year, from Monday to Sunday.
If you are traveling on a private tour, your guide will typically pick you up from your Quito hotel around 8:00 a.m. to ensure you arrive at the crater by late morning when visibility is usually best.
Quilotoa is located approximately 178 kilometers (111 miles) southwest of Quito. The journey takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way.
Private Tours: The most convenient option. Your driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Quito and navigate the winding Andean roads via the South Pan-American Highway and the Pujilí-La Maná road.
Public Transport: If traveling independently, you must take a bus from Quito's Quitumbe Terminal to Latacunga ($2.50, 1.5 hours), then transfer to a second bus heading to Zumbahua or Quilotoa ($2.00, 2 hours).
The absolute best months to visit Quilotoa are during the drier season from June to September, as well as late December through early January. During these months, you'll experience more stable weather, clearer skies, and safer, less muddy trail conditions.
Regardless of the month, it is highly recommended to arrive at the crater before midday. The lake's famous emerald and turquoise colors are most vibrant when the sun is directly overhead, and heavy cloud cover often rolls in during the afternoon.
Wheelchair Users: The flat areas around the Quilotoa Community entrance and the main paved viewing points (including the Shalalá Viewpoint) are accessible. However, the steep, sandy 1.4km trail down into the crater is completely inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Elderly & Children: Visitors with limited mobility can easily enjoy the panoramic views from the rim. Descending to the lake is highly strenuous due to the 3,914m altitude. Families and older visitors who do hike down are strongly advised to hire a mule for the return climb.
The rustic village of Quilotoa offers several basic facilities for travelers:
To protect the fragile páramo ecosystem of the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, visitors must adhere to several strict rules:
It depends on the specific tour you book. Premium tours usually include the $2 community entry fee and lunch, while more budget-friendly private transfers may require you to pay the entry and parking fees yourself.
The drive from Quito to Quilotoa Lagoon covers about 178 kilometers (111 miles) and takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours each way in a private vehicle, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
You need a moderate level of fitness if you plan to hike down to the lake. The village sits at a high altitude of 3,914 meters, making physical exertion difficult. However, you can always enjoy the views from the rim without hiking, or rent a mule for the steep climb back up.
Renting a mule for the steep 45-to-90-minute uphill climb from the lake shore back to the crater rim costs approximately $10. You must pay the local guides in cash.
Swimming is strictly prohibited due to the freezing water and toxic volcanic minerals. However, you can rent a kayak at the bottom of the crater to paddle around the turquoise waters safely.
Yes, on fully guided private tours, your bilingual guide will accompany you down the 1.4-kilometer trail to the lake shore, providing information about the volcano's history and helping you arrange a mule or kayak if needed.
Absolutely. Because it is a private tour, you can set the pace. You can ask your driver to spend more time at the Toachi River Canyon lookout, stop at the Zumbahua market, or visit artisan galleries in the Tigua community.
The weather at the crater rim is often freezing and very windy. You should wear sportswear with warm layers, including a windproof coat, gloves, and a hat. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the sandy, slippery trail.
Yes, there are full-day private combo tours available that depart from Quito early in the morning. These tours allow you to hike near the Cotopaxi volcano before driving to Quilotoa for afternoon views of the crater lake.
No, there are no ATMs in the Quilotoa village, and local shops rarely accept credit cards. You should withdraw cash in Quito or ask your driver to stop at an ATM in Latacunga before heading up the mountain.
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This private full-day tour leaves from Quito to visit two of Ecuador's most recognizable natural landmarks: Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lagoon. Since this is a private trip, you can set the pace for the day, whether you want to spend more time hiking near the volcano or taking photos at the crater's edge. Your guide and driver handle the mountain roads, allowing you to focus on the scenery of the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The itinerary includes a visit to the high-altitude plains of Cotopaxi to see the active volcano, followed by a drive to the Quilotoa caldera, known for its deep green water. The tour includes door-to-door transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pick-up and drop-off in Quito. It is designed for those who want to see both sites in a single day without the constraints of a large group tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Quilotoa Lagoon is located within a massive volcanic caldera in the Ecuadorian Andes. The crater was formed about 600 years ago following a major eruption that caused the volcano to collapse. This geological event left behind a deep basin that has since filled with mineral-rich, turquoise water. Visitors can hike down the sandy trail from the rim to the lagoon's edge to see the crater from below. Once at the bottom, you have the option to kayak across the water. For the return trip, mules are available to help with the steep climb back to the top, making the high-altitude ascent more manageable.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This private day trip offers a flexible way to explore the Andes without the constraints of a large tour group. You have the freedom to stop for photos of the mountain scenery throughout the drive. The itinerary includes a visit to a traditional indigenous market, where you can browse local crafts and observe daily commerce in the highlands. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Quilotoa crater. You will descend into the volcanic caldera via a steep, challenging trail that leads to the water at the bottom. This excursion combines cultural immersion with a physical outdoor adventure in one of Ecuador's most famous landscapes.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Formed by a massive eruption over 800 years ago, the Quilotoa Lagoon sits inside a 250-meter deep volcanic caldera. The water is known for its distinct turquoise-green color, which is caused by dissolved minerals reacting to direct sunlight. Located in the Ecuadorian highlands, it remains one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the region. Beyond its geology, the area holds significant historical weight. Many researchers believe this site serves as the final resting place of Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor. Atahualpa ruled from Quito and led the empire during a period of civil war against his brother shortly before the Spanish conquest.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish