Quilotoa Lagoon

                                                (3900 MSL)
The fantastic Quilotoa Lagoon is a green lagoon located in an inactive volcano crater. The place is administrated by the local community ($2 per person). They rule the place in a community way with stores, hostels and restaurants around the entrance. 

In a clear day, its alkaline water reflects different colors producing a wonderful view. It is possible to hike around the lagoon peak border with medium effort (6 hours). It is recommended to do it in the morning in a clockwise way, take enough water and food. Eventually, weather can change and it would be hard to follow the path. 

Another option is to descend from the entrance to the water (30min - 1 hour) where you can rent a kayak, camp or just chill out around. Climb up can be difficult for some people, so horse rent is possible ($10) to come back from the water to the entrance.

Between Zumbahua and Quilotoa is Rio Toachi Cliff. This amazing viewpoint is located 8Km before Quilotoa and is common to stop there for a wonderful view.

Many people prefer to hike around the communities of Quilotoa. This 3 - 5 days hiking around the communities is called "Quilotoa loop". The purpose of this hiking is to appreciate the local culture of the small communities around the Quilotoa. They keep the traditional ancient way of life based on agriculture. Most of they use traditional dress and live in singular traditional houses from the Andean region. It is recommended to have maps and trace a route around the communities. There is limited transportation and you can find food and accomodation in some communities.

                                        

                                                        The main capital city next to Quilotoa is Latacunga. In local buses you need to reach Latacunga first before head to Quilotoa. However, there are many daytrips from Quito which offer the cliff and Quilotoa and includes food, transportation and bilingual guide ($30-$90).

BY BUS:
Main route from Latacunga to Zumbahua ($2, 2.5 hours). There is buses every 30 min from Latacunga bus terminal 5am - 7pm. After that, from Zumbahua to Quilotoa you can walk for 13Km, take a taxi ($5, 30 min) or take a local bus. Between Zumbahua and Quilotoa there is a beautiful cliff 8KM before Quilotoa. There is a bus which go directly from Latacunga to Chugchilân passing through Quilotoa. This bus only have one or two schedules per day.

Second Route. It is from Latacunga to Saquisilí - Sigchos - Chugchilán - Quilotoa. There are limited transportation between these communities. However, the views are extraordinary beautiful. Thats why this route is taken by people who take the Quilotoa loop.

BY TAXI:
From Latacunga ($60, 2 hours)
                                                        
                                                    

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