Audio Guide of Quilotoa Lake

Quilotoa Lake is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although most tourist services operate during daylight hours. You can get there by public transportation by taking a bus from Latacunga or Quito to Zumbahua, and from there a truck or minibus to Quilotoa. Many travelers prefer to join organized tours from Quito or Latacunga for greater convenience and safety.

Access to the Quilotoa community has a symbolic cost of US$2 per person, which goes toward maintaining the facilities and benefiting the local community. This price may vary, so we suggest checking in advance.

Most visitors spend between 3 and 5 hours enjoying Quilotoa Lake. This includes the walk to the main viewpoint, the descent to the lakeshore (approximately one hour down and one and a half to two hours back up), and, if you wish, a kayak ride on the lake. If you only want to admire the views from above, one or two hours are enough.

Quilotoa Lake is a volcanic crater filled with turquoise water, formed after a volcanic eruption about 800 years ago. The local Kichwa community has a deep connection to this place, considering it sacred and a source of life. Although there is no single widely known legend, the mystical beauty of the site has inspired many local stories and tales over time.

The best time to visit Quilotoa Lake is during the dry season, from June to September, and from December to January, when there is a better chance of clear skies to appreciate its stunning colors. As for the time of day, we recommend arriving early in the morning (before 10:00 a.m.) to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photographs before clouds can cover the view.

Access to the main viewpoints is relatively easy, but the trail down to the lakeshore is steep and demanding, with uneven terrain, making it not very accessible for people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users. There are no ramps or elevators. However, the views can still be enjoyed from the upper panoramic points, which are more accessible.

Absolutely! Quilotoa Lake is part of the Quilotoa Loop, a route that allows you to visit indigenous communities such as Shalalá, the Saquisilí market (on Thursdays), and Pujilí. You can also explore the Toachi Canyon and other viewpoints with equally impressive landscapes in the surrounding area.

We recommend bringing warm layered clothing, as the weather can change quickly, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Do not forget to bring water and something to eat, and consider acclimatizing to the altitude (it is almost 4,000 meters above sea level) to avoid altitude sickness. And of course, bring your camera to capture the incredible scenery!