Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake
This full-day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market at Saquilisilí or an historic church in Pujilí (Thursday/Sunday). The drive to Laguna Quilotoa displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. Before arriving at Quilotoa we will visit and incredible local gallery in Tigua, where we will have a short painting class to learn about the ancient techniques in this charming town. The tour includes a hike down into the Laguna Quilotoa, a sparkling emerald lake inside the inactive volcano crater. The return hike takes one hour, or there is the option of renting a mule for $12. We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening.
We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening.
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Quilotoa, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi Province
We will visit The Quilotoa lagoon, one of the most beautiful volcanic lagoons on the planet. The most significant feature of this lagoon, with a depth of 250 meters, is its turquoise green waters. The Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes, within its crater a caldera with a diameter of almost 9 km has been formed. We will hike down to appreciate how the minerals have given the surface a greenish and bluish hue when it is hit by sunlight. Inside, there are springs that, from the shore, can be seen as bubbling trails that rise to the surface.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Tigua, Tigua, Cotopaxi Province
We will visit the traditional Tigua town, where artists have always been known for decorating masks and drums for their festivals with precision and vibrant color. Their talented hands create an extravaganza of color and beauty that is beyond what would be expected from self-taught artists. Once in here you will have a painting lesson with the ancestral technique of painting on a sheepskin. You will take your creation as a souvenir to remember this unconventional experience.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Canon del Rio Toachi, Kilometros Del Canton Sigchos 10, Pujili 050450 Ecuador
We will visit the viewpoint of Toachi Canyon, a great geographical accident in the form of a gigantic ravine that partly crosses the reserve and is visible from a natural viewpoint in the vicinity of Sigchos. This geographical feature has a viewpoint to appreciate its beautiful landscape in whose deep interior runs the Toachi River, the main hydrographic axis of the Area.
Duration: 30 minutes
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Stroller accessible"
"Infant seats available"
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"Face masks required for travelers in public areas"
"Face masks required for guides in public areas"
"Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff"
"Social distancing enforced throughout experience"
"Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas"
"Gear/equipment sanitized between use"
"Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized"
"Guides required to regularly wash hands"
"Regular temperature checks for staff"
"Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"
Hora de Inicio:
08:00 AM
Duración: 8 Hours
Lugar de comienzo: Traveler pickup is offered
We pick passengers from hotels located in Quito old town and new town.
Cancelaciones y devoluciones:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.