The Quilotoa loop, an introduction to hiking in the Andes
2024
Highlights of the trip
During your stay you can enjoy the following highlights: Faune and flora, Discovery, Adventure / Sports & Leisure.
Best times to go
The best time(s) to go is/are : Printemps, Eté.
Where to stay - Latacunga ?
The map of your stay "The Quilotoa loop, an introduction to hiking in the Andes"
Detail of the stay : The Quilotoa loop, an introduction to hiking in the Andes
How to get there - Latacunga
Quilotoa to Chugchilan (approx. 5h / 13 km)
Steps: Chugchilán
The route starts in the village of Quilotoa, at an altitude of 3,900 m, from where you follow the crater ridge down to the village of Guayama and then zigzag between the rim of the Rio Toachi canyon to reach the village of Chugchilán.
Another option: The one-day crater tour. It's also possible to do a one-day tour of the crater. Allow 4-5 hours' walking for this 10 km tour at an altitude of 3,667 m. From Latacunga, take an early morning bus (no later than 7 a.m.) to arrive in Quilotoa two hours later. Find the vantage point for a first view of this sumptuous crater, remnant of a volcano that erupted 800 years ago. The crater gradually filled with rainwater, which mixed with volcanic sulfur to give it its surprising turquoise color.
Start your tour on the left, and follow the signposted path. The great thing about this route is that it goes down as well as up, so it's not too hard on the legs! The highest summit, around the middle of the route, is at around 4,000 m. Take this opportunity to take a picnic break and admire the contrast between the depth of the crater and the rolling hills on the other side.
Chugchilan to Isinlivi (approx. 5h /13 km)
Steps: Isinlivi
The village ofIsinlivi lies almost opposite Chugchilán. It is easily reached after descending and crossing the deep canyon of the Toachi River that separates the two villages. Despite being a tiny village, Isinlivi is one of the most beautiful walks in the Andean countryside. The trail passes through the bottom of the canyon, and you walk along the river with the mountains on either side, before climbing back up through the fields to the village of Isinlivi. If you're lucky, you may even spot a few wild horses!
