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Ecuador |
ECUADOR -- NATURAL AREA -----------------184[ARTICLE] | |||
Lagoon Quilotoa, EcuadorBy Estefanía Muriel for Ruta Pantera on 8/12/2025 10:16:34 AM |
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| Quilotoa is a volcano and water-filled caldera—a crater lake—located in Cotopaxi Province, in the Ecuadorian Andes, at an altitude of approximately 3,914 meters above sea level. This caldera, approximately 3 km in diameter, formed after a volcanic collapse due to a catastrophic VEI-6 eruption approximately 800 years ago, an event that generated pyroclastic flows and lahars that reached the Pacific Ocean, spreading ash throughout the northern Andes. Since then, the crater has accumulated a lake approximately 250 meters deep with emerald-green hues, the result of dissolved minerals and changing light conditions. Fumaroles at the bottom of the lake and hot springs on the eastern flank attest to its still-active geological dynamics. | ||||
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What makes Quilotoa unique The name Quilotoa comes from the Quechua words "quiru" (tooth) and "toa" (princess), which together mean "princess's tooth." Although admission used to be fee-based, it has been free since January 12, 2017, thanks to agreements between the Ministry of Tourism and other entities. The lake's color changes depending on sunlight and cloud cover, allowing for different shades of emerald green to be seen during different visits. Highlights you can't miss Visiting Quilotoa invites you to descend to the lake and enjoy the scenery from the bottom of the crater. The descent takes between 30 minutes and an hour, and the ascent can take one to two hours, depending on your physical pace; those who prefer a break can hire mules for about $10 USD. At the lagoon, you can rent a kayak for approximately $3 USD per half hour, or even take a boat for similar prices. Hiking along the caldera rim is also popular, a four- to seven-hour hike that offers breathtaking views. As for gastronomy, hostels often offer typical Andean dishes such as soups, potatoes, chochos (chochos), mellocos (mellocosas), fava beans, or even guinea pig. The cost of a full-day tour from Quito, including transportation, a guide, and lunch, can be around $25 USD; breakfast on these tours costs around $5 USD. Regarding festivities, there isn't a festival unique to Quilotoa, but nearby, in Pujilí, there's an indigenous market and the colorful Corpus Christi celebration, as well as a market held on Thursdays in Saquisilí, featuring folkloric dances and traditional costumes. Options to continue discovering | |||
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Near Quilotoa, along the famous Quilotoa Loop, you can visit Malqui Machay, an archaeological site associated with the last Inca emperor Atahualpa, located about 30 km from Chugchilán. You can also see cloud forests next to the Los Illinizas Ecological Reserve, which encompasses protected páramos and montane forests located in the foothills of the volcano with rich biodiversity. In Zumbahua, just 14 km from the crater, there is a vibrant Saturday artisan market, with temperatures between 8°C and 18°C. In Sigchos, you can explore nature trails or explore the ecological landscape. Prices in these areas vary: admission to Malqui Machay or local markets is often nominal or free; only comprehensive tours include transportation. These sites complement a visit to Quilotoa very well, diversifying the cultural and natural experience. The best way to access the place From Quito to Quilotoa, the distance is approximately 178–180 km, which takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours by private vehicle or tour, and 4 to 4.5 hours using public transportation with a transfer in Latacunga. From Quito, you can take a bus from the Quitumbe bus station to Latacunga (USD 1–3 USD, approximately 1–1.5 hours). Then, take a bus from Latacunga to Zumbahua for USD 2, and from there, take local transportation to the caldera. From Zumbahua, a taxi costs between USD 10 and USD 15. The area offers basic accommodations very close to the crater, such as Runa Wasi, Hostal Chukirawa, or Hostería Alpaka; prices start at around $10 USD per night, depending on the season. There are no ATMs in the area, so it's essential to carry cash. The best times to visit are from May to September, when there's more sun and less chance of clouds; from October to April, the weather is cloudier and rainier. The climate is cold, especially at altitude, so it's recommended to pack layers of warm clothing, sunscreen, and water, and leave early to take advantage of the clear views. Practical and safety tips Quilotoa is a very safe and peaceful destination, with a friendly indigenous community, all concentrated in a small walkable area. Even so, it's wise to travel during the day and be alert to the weather and slippery or exposed terrain, especially when descending or walking along the caldera rim. Carrying enough water, a basic first-aid kit, and communication skills are essential; if you're doing the Quilotoa Loop or longer hikes, it's advisable to share your plan and use marked trails. Regarding interaction with rural dogs, most are friendly; if one seems aggressive, remaining calm is sufficient. Finally, due to the altitude, it's important to stay well hydrated and acclimatized—as an 82- and 73-year-old couple did when they successfully completed the Quilotoa Loop after a few days in Quito—an inspiring example that with pause and preparation, it's possible to fully enjoy the place. | |||
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