Quilotoa Day Tours from Quito — Book Direct with a Local Operator
Emerald crater lagoon, Tigua art & Toachi Canyon with a flexible, fair-priced itinerary. Your booking keeps more money in local communities.
Emerald crater lagoon, Tigua art & Toachi Canyon with a flexible, fair-priced itinerary. Your booking keeps more money in local communities.
Did you know the lagoon can change up to 7 different shades of color?
We pick you up at 08:00 am from your hotel or place of stay in Quito.
From Quito we head south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. If the weather allows, you'll see volcanoes such as Pasochoa, Corazón, Rumiñahui, Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua.
Next, we'll stop at one of the art galleries of the talented Tigua Painters.
In Pucausha, we'll witness the first impressive traces of Quilotoa's eruptive power: the Toachi Canyon. (Unforgivable not to get out of the vehicle)
Arrival at Quilotoa around 12:00 pm.
Once at our destination, we have 2 marked routes to follow:
- First option: descend to the level of the lagoon. At the bottom you can choose a boat or kayak ride, or simply enjoy the view.
On the way back up, you can walk or rent a mule.
Going down takes 25 minutes and climbing back up 1 hour with average physical condition.
- Second option: hike along the upper rim around part of the lagoon. From this route you'll enjoy views of the lagoon from different angles. Note: we don't do the full loop (it's too large), just a section. Time for this activity: 2 hours.
Both options are highly recommended.
What about lunch?
Don't worry, everything is planned. The choice is yours: either have lunch right upon arrival or after one of the activities.
To finish, we take a short walk through Quilotoa's town and market.
Return to Quito. Estimated arrival at your hotel: 7:00 pm.
Ideal rates for 2 and 3 passengers looking for comfort, safety, and flexibility.
| Number of people | Total to pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 passengers | $ 210 |
| 3 passengers | $ 255 |
* Reference prices for 2026. * Fully private service with bilingual guide and transportation from Quito.
WE ACCEPT PAYMENTS WITH:
What's included in the Quilotoa Tour?
Not included:
What to bring?
Departure days: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
We have 2 pick-up points:
Departure from Plaza Foch at 07:15 (La Mariscal area)
Departure from Plaza San Blas at 07:30 (Historic Center of Quito)
You'll live this adventure:
- Explore vibrant indigenous markets
- Admire Andean landscapes
- Discover the artistic talent of Tigua painters
- Capture stunning images of the Toachi Canyon
- See locals in traditional clothing
- Walk down into the Quilotoa Lagoon, etc.
Shared one-day tour to Quilotoa: cost $70.00 per person. For reservations and more info, write us on WHATSAPP.
What's included in the shared Quilotoa Tour?
- Tourist transportation
- Assistance of a professional bilingual tour guide
- Permits for entry to protected reserves
- Lunch (menu style)
What's NOT included?
- VAT
- Entrance fees: $2.00 Quilotoa and $1.00 Toachi Canyon
- Tips
The cost of the tour depends on the option you choose:
Private or personalized tour costs $180.00 for 2 people. It includes transportation from your hotel or residence in Quito and return, plus assistance from the guide throughout the tour.
Meals and entrance fees are not included.
Shared tour to Quilotoa costs $70.00.
It includes: transportation from a meeting point and return, assistance from the tour guide, and one lunch.
Entrance fees are not included.
Quilotoa's weather can be mildly warm (around 21°C / 69°F) if the day is sunny and not windy. This is between July and September, the dry season.
It is quite cold if there is fog, drizzle, rain, or wind (around 9°C / 48°F), between November and June, the rainy season.
Keep in mind that Ecuador's seasons are not fixed or stable. Our recommendation is to always check the weather forecast.
The trip from Quito to Quilotoa takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including tourist stops along the route.
No, if you just want to admire the beauty of the lagoon. However, if you want to go down to the water level, the return hike is steep and demanding. Going down is steep but not physically difficult.
Yes, you can take a boat or kayak ride. You may also swim if you wish, but the water is very cold.
Hiking, learning about páramo plants, seeing locals in their traditional clothing, photos with alpacas, shopping for handicrafts, visiting the Toachi Canyon, seeing Tigua paintings, and enjoying traditional dishes… among the highlights.
Quilotoa is located at approximately 3,950 meters (12,959 ft).
The full tour lasts about 11 hours. Departure from Quito at 08:00 and return around 19:00.
Of course, both along the route and at the tourist site.
Thousands of travelers have experienced the magic of Quilotoa — will you join the adventure?
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Meet the Middlearth Travel team that makes unique experiences in Ecuador possible. Discover Who We Are
ADDRESS: We are located in the south of the city, San Bartolo sector, Pistishi S 15-26 and Transversal B streets.
PHONES
+593 99 831 3548
Emails
info@middlearthtravel.com
QUITO - ECUADOR