laguna kilotoa

This is one of the most amazing places around the world because this is a volcano lagoon, that you won´t find other attraction like this, here is really cold and warm at the same time, if you go here i recommend u as a tourist to bring coats, some snacks and if you like trekking this a craziest place to do it!! you have to pay a fee here not expensive, have fun and enjoy your time on quilotoa great expirience!!

The scenery is out of this world. The walk down to the Laguna was great and the mulos ride up a lot of fun.

We started our one day trip in Latacunga and drove to the Quilotoa volcano. On the top there is a great view to the crater lake which was really impressive. We've seen some volcanoes in the past, but this view is really exciting.

A hiking-lover's dream! Had a fun day trip out here with Carpedm agency. Visit the market before you make the hike. Set aside a good hour for the steep hike back up-take it slow if you're not used to the elevation. Super beautiful view.

Its exactly as the pictures show - a torquiose lake, surrounded by craggy mountains at a high altitude. Its worth the walk to the bottom as you get different views of the lake. Took us around 40 mins to get down and around 50-55 to get back up.

A beautiful place to visit. Be sure to take your time, wear good shoes, and bring water to hike up from the lake! There are a few small restaurants in Quilotoa to grab lunch before you go

It's hard to spot the Quilotoa while driving to the village, but once you get there, here it is in all its glory!There you can hike the 10 Km trail that goes around the crater (it's said to be a 4 to 5-hour walk to cover the 3 Km-wide caldera), where you hit a maximum elevation of 3,915m and, in clear days, you are presented with an astonishing view.Another option is to hike down from the viewpoint to the bowl. It's a half-hour hike downwards. To hike back up, due to the altitude and uneven terrain, will take you 1 to 2 hours. To go back up you can optionally hire a mule (it will cost you $10 per person).There is a camping at the bottom of the crater and you can also go kayaking.

We visited Laguna Quilotoa with our guide (please mail me for his details). On the way he stopped at a local, traditional small house so we could meet the owners and see how they live. We visited the laguna and it was so beautiful! From the rim, looking down, you can see the amazing size of it and the colors. We walked down to the lake, which takes you about 45 minutes, as it is quite steep. After that we struggled our way up again, which you can also do by donkey, as it is quite tough.It is well worth it!

Amazing views, kayaking on the lake. A must see if in the area. The hike down and up is very steep, and you are at altitude, so give yourself plenty of time (and hour down, close to 2 back up - depending of course on your fitness level and acclimation to the altitude (12,000+ feet).

like : nice hike, especially the first part from Chiculan to Guayama..dislike : no bus on Saturday to leave directly form Quilotoa to Latacunga !

Crater of a volcano filled with blue-green water. 30 minute downhill hike to the water's edge, where you can rent boats or horses to bring you back to the top. Can be extremely windy at the top-which is at ground level. (You don't have to climb UP to go DOWN, just the opposite.)You can also hike around the lake. Many wildflowers in season.

The view is incredible but the climb back up is particularly hard. The slope is steep, and what with the sand, and the mules trampling you, sending clouds of dust and almost shitting on your feet, it can get pretty intense. And also there is the altitude (3900 metres high!)

The lake was beautiful, reminding me very much of our trip to Crater Lake in Oregon. But I think what we found most enjoyable was the drive to and from. The countryside of Ecuador is absolutely beautiful with its patchwork of green fields rising up and down the hills. There is a nice shopping/eating area up near the lake.

This is my third visit, every time different but always beautiful. The weather changes fast, going from burning sun to freezing rain and hail in a matter of minutes.Dress for the unpredictable (an extra change of clothes/socks/shoes is highly advisable). The path down to the lagoon is now paved, mostly steps. It takes about one hour to climb back up if you are fit. If you go save the time for a kayak or canoe paddle in the lake. There is mules available to ride back to the rim. Ecuadorian style restaurants serve lunch (almuerzo) for $4.00 soup, main dish and soft drink or tea. Do eat/drink it fast, the food steams but is only tepid because of the altitude, about 12,500 feet or over two miles high. Should you get "soroche" (altitude sickness), ask for coca tea, it help my mother (91 Yrs) and will not hook you or get you high. Take plenty of water, or buy it at the restaurants, you will need it,

Although it was cloudy the lake showed still a beautiful color, kind of dark bluish green. I hiked from the lake to Chugchilan, the first part was on the crater rim with views of the lake, then through the deep canyon and up again. It is advisable to use a local guide (20$) if you don't want to make big detours.