Quilotoa Full Day Tour From Quito With Entrances

The Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito offers an immersive journey into the breathtaking Ecuadorian Andes. Featuring the mesmerizing Quilotoa Lake, a vibrant blue-green volcanic crater, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. With transportation, entrance fees, and a delicious local lunch included, it’s an excellent way for adventurous travelers to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region. The personalized attention and small group size ensure a truly memorable experience – one that leaves you eager to uncover more of Ecuador’s wonders.

Key Points

1. The Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito offers an immersive experience in Ecuador’s Andes, featuring the stunning Laguna Quilotoa, a blue-green volcanic crater lake.
2. The tour includes transportation from Quito, entrance fees, and a local Ecuadorian lunch, with a maximum group size of 18 for a personalized experience.
3. Highlights of the tour include visiting the Quilotoa Lake’s crater rim, with options for hiking down to the crater bottom and kayaking or horseback riding back up.
4. The tour is suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level, as the hike can be challenging, and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions or accessibility needs.
5. The tour has received highly positive reviews, with praise for knowledgeable and engaging guides, though some feedback indicates room for improvement in time management and pacing.

Tour Overview

The "Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito with Entrances" offers travelers an immersive experience in the heart of Ecuador’s Andes.

Enjoy the heart of Ecuador’s Andes with the Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito.

This highly-rated tour, with a 97% recommendation rate, takes visitors to the stunning Laguna Quilotoa, a mesmerizing blue-green volcanic crater lake.

At a maximum group size of 18, the tour provides a personalized experience, featuring stops at vibrant Tigua craft workshops and options for hiking, kayaking, or horseback riding around the crater.

Priced from $79 per person, the tour’s transportation, entrances, and local lunch make it an excellent value for solo, couple, and group travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the Andes, beginning with a visit to the mesmerizing Quilotoa Lake. This blue-green volcanic crater lake offers breathtaking views from two different lookouts along the crater rim.

Travelers can gaze upon the majestic Cotopaxi volcano in the distance. The tour then takes guests to Tigua, known for its vibrant artwork and pottery workshops, where they can witness the creation of these colorful crafts.

The highlight of the day is the hike down to the bottom of the Quilotoa crater, with options to kayak or ride horses back up the winding path.

Transportation and Pickup

Tourist transport is provided for the Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito.

Pickup points include:

1. La Carolina
2. Plaza Foch
3. Plaza Grande (additional fee for other areas)

Pickup details are confirmed by 9:00 p.m. the day before the tour.

Pickup details are confirmed by 9:00 p.m. the day before the tour, ensuring a smooth start to your Andean adventure.

The tour bus takes travelers on a scenic journey to the stunning Quilotoa Lake.

For those not staying in the central locations, an additional fee may apply.

Regardless, travelers receive confirmation of their pickup time the evening prior, ensuring a smooth start to this immersive Andean adventure.

Tour Requirements and Recommendations

A moderate fitness level is required for this Quilotoa Full Day Tour, as the hike to the bottom of the crater is considered challenging.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions. The tour is also not wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

While the views and landscapes are stunning, the physical exertion may be too much for some. However, there are options to ride horses back up if needed, making the experience more accessible for a wider range of travelers.

Traveler Experiences and Reviews

The guides on the Quilotoa Full Day Tour are praised by travelers for being knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Scenic views and beautiful landscapes are noted throughout the tour.

Traveler experiences include:

1. Mixed feedback on time management, with some feeling there were too many stops before reaching Quilotoa.
2. Hiking described as challenging but rewarding, with options to ride horses back up if needed.
3. Positive remarks on the Ecuadorian dishes served for the included lunch.
4. Overall, a highly recommended experience for solo, couple, and group travelers.

Exploring the Quilotoa Crater

As visitors reach the edge of the Quilotoa crater, they’re greeted by a mesmerizing sight – a breathtaking, blue-green volcanic lake nestled within the Andes mountains.

The hike down to the crater’s floor is challenging, but the views are worth the effort. Once at the bottom, travelers can explore the lake’s shores, appreciate its serene beauty, and even go kayaking.

The journey down to the crater’s floor may be arduous, but the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. Explore the lake’s tranquil shores and even take a kayak for a spin.

For those who prefer to avoid the strenuous hike, the option to ride horses back up the crater’s rim provides a convenient alternative.

Regardless of the chosen path, exploring the Quilotoa crater is an unforgettable highlight of the tour.

Discovering Tigua’s Craft Workshops

One of the highlights of the Quilotoa Full Day Tour is the stop at the craft workshops in Tigua.

This colorful village is known for its vibrant artwork and traditional pottery. Visitors can witness local artisans in action, showcasing their techniques and intricate designs.

Some key things to experience at the Tigua workshops include:

1. Observing the creation of iconic Tigua paintings, featuring pastoral scenes and Andean imagery.
2. Browsing the selection of hand-woven textiles, from vibrant ponchos to intricate tapestries.
3. Purchasing unique ceramic pieces, from functional bowls to decorative sculptures.
4. Engaging with the artisans and learning about the cultural significance of Tigua’s craft traditions.

Enjoying Ecuadorian Cuisine

What can travelers expect when it comes to the included lunch on the Quilotoa Full Day Tour? A delightful opportunity to savor authentic Ecuadorian cuisine.

The tour includes a stop at a local restaurant, where travelers are treated to a hearty, home-cooked lunch. Expect to indulge in fragrant rice dishes, tender grilled meats, and vibrant vegetable sides – all prepared with care using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Reviewers rave about the flavorful Ecuadorian dishes, highlighting the tour’s ability to provide an immersive cultural experience through the lens of the country’s rich culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Permit or Pass to Visit Quilotoa?

No, visitors don’t need a special permit or pass to visit Quilotoa. The crater lake is part of a protected area, but access is open to the public with a general entrance fee.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but a full lunch is typically provided at a local restaurant. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and beverages.

Is There an Option to Stay Overnight Near Quilotoa?

Unfortunately, there is no option to stay overnight near Quilotoa on this day tour. The tour is designed as a full-day excursion from Quito, with no overnight accommodations provided. Travelers would need to book a separate multi-day trip to explore the area in more depth.

How Much Time Do We Have to Explore the Crater?

Visitors have approximately 2 hours to explore the crater rim and hike down to the turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lake. The tour provides ample time to take in the stunning volcanic landscape and views from various lookout points.

Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English?

Yes, the Quilotoa Full Day Tour can be booked in multiple languages, including Spanish and English. The tour operator offers language flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of their international guests.

The Sum Up

The Quilotoa Full Day Tour from Quito offers an unforgettable adventure into the majestic Andes. Travelers can marvel at the stunning Quilotoa Lake, explore vibrant Tigua’s craft workshops, and savor local Ecuadorian cuisine. With personalized attention and seamless transportation, this immersive experience showcases the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-do for adventurous visitors to Quito.