Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa Loop is a challenging 3-to-5-day hike in Ecuador that takes you through high Andean villages and past Laguna Quilotoa, a crater lake surrounded by volcanic peaks. The usual route is walked village-to-village between Sigchos, Isinliví, Chugchilán and Quilotoa, often with short bus connections to and from Latacunga. It can also be partly covered by local transport, including buses, trucks, donkeys or horses.

The Quilotoa Loop, or Quilotoa circuit, is a remote, bumpy, mountainous road and trail network linking several high Andean villages and towns around the city of Latacunga. It offers a chance to get off the Pan-American Highway and see some of the more remote people, landscapes and cultures of the central Andes of Ecuador.

The hike passes through deep valleys, páramo, farmland, indigenous communities, small villages and steep volcanic terrain. The highlight for many walkers is Laguna Quilotoa, a crater lake in the Quilotoa caldera.

The standard 3-day walking route is usually done from Sigchos to Quilotoa via Isinliví and Chugchilán, with bus connections at either end. This direction puts the crater lake at the end of the route, but means climbing almost 1,000 m of elevation, much of it on the final day. Walking in the opposite direction, from Quilotoa to Sigchos, is easier because you descend by about 1,000 m, much of it on the first day, but it puts the crater lake at the beginning rather than the end.

It can be done as a self-guided tour by novice hikers who are acclimatized and properly prepared. Hiking experience is useful but not strictly required on the standard route; good fitness, navigation care, suitable footwear and preparation for altitude and weather are important.

This is a serious hike, so you will need proper hiking gear including hiking boots and clothes in layers, rain gear, sun protection and plenty of water. Walking poles are a good idea for safety and to protect your knees.

There are many hosterías, hostels and guesthouses in villages along the way, often with all-inclusive offers for decent prices, so camping gear is not required for the standard route. The trail may be acrobatic at some points; it is advised to keep your backpack as light as possible. Luggage transport by mule, donkey or horse may be possible locally, but do not rely on it without arranging it in advance.

As there are many routes and the wayfinding signs are sometimes confusing or nonexistent, it is very easy to get lost or choose the wrong option. Take a printed map with you, or better, install an offline map application on your smartphone, and ask your hostel to show you the directions on your map before starting the day. Some side paths are animal paths and may be very dangerous, including routes above cliffs.

The hike takes place at high altitudes. Be sure to acclimatize before you set out. Quilotoa is about 1,000 m above Quito, so do not assume that acclimatization in Quito will be sufficient. Altitude sickness pills, such as acetazolamide, can help; discuss this with a doctor before using them.

The standard walking route is not suitable for baby carriages or wheelchairs, and carts are not practical on most trail sections.

Most villages on the standard route have hostels or guesthouses that serve dinner and breakfast, often included in the room price. Some can also prepare a packed lunch. Shops and restaurants are limited outside the larger villages, so carry snacks and at least one emergency meal. If you are camping or taking less-used variants, ask locally whether cooking facilities, fuel and supplies are available before setting out.

Carry plenty of water each day. Hostels and restaurants can usually refill bottles, but water sources on the trail should not be assumed potable. If you plan to use water from streams or other natural sources, purify it by boiling, filtering or using suitable chemical treatment. There is no reliable potable water at the bottom of the Quilotoa crater, so carry what you need if descending to the lake.

Accommodation is available in the main villages on the common route, including Sigchos, Isinliví, Chugchilán and Quilotoa. Lodging is often simple but comfortable, and meals are commonly included. Carrying a sleeping liner can be useful. Reservations are advisable in high season or if arriving late. Ask each hostel about the next day's route, transport options and whether any current trail closures or hazards have been reported.

The route is high, exposed and changeable. Expect strong sun, cool nights, wind, rain and mud, sometimes on the same day. Afternoon rain and cloud can make navigation harder, so start early. The route is generally usable year-round, but the rainy season can make trails slippery and increase the risk of landslides or difficult river crossings. Bring warm layers, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen and protection for electronics.

Stay on established trails where possible, avoid cutting switchbacks, and pack out all rubbish. The area includes fragile highland environments and farmland; close gates, avoid disturbing livestock, and do not contaminate water sources. Clean mud and seeds from boots, poles and gear before and after the hike to reduce the spread of invasive plants and soil-borne organisms.

There are frequent buses from Quito and other cities in the highlands to Latacunga. From Latacunga, buses and local transport continue to Sigchos, the usual starting point of the 3-day trek, or to Quilotoa if walking the route in the opposite direction. It is advised to take early buses so that you can finish your walk before nighttime.

Frequent buses connect Quilotoa to Latacunga, but schedules vary and the last departures are usually in the afternoon. Check the current schedule locally before starting the final day, especially if you need to reach Latacunga the same evening.

There is a milk van from Sigchos to Chugchilán, but you will probably need a little Spanish to attempt this. The milk van is open-topped with a large canvas to keep it covered. Locals often use the van to get between the two small villages. It takes longer than the bus because of the milk deliveries, but jumping up onto the back of the truck and then standing up with your head sticking out the top as you go around little mountain roads is part of the experience. Get up early and wait on the corner with the bakery by the bus station at around 06:30; the time varies, so maybe get there at 06:00 and wait. There will probably be a few locals waiting around. You must pay the driver extra to get off about 400 m away from the Cloud Forest Hostel.

The standard 3-day route is usually walked from Sigchos to Quilotoa via Isinliví and Chugchilán. Whichever direction you take, you will cross the Sigui/Toachi River valley three times, climbing up the valley’s steep trails during each crossing. Other route variants may include Saquisilí, Zumbahua, Toacazo, Guangaje or Tigua.

Sigchos to Isinliví

 14 km 4–7 hr

This is the first walking day on the common north-to-south route. It starts after the bus journey from Latacunga to -0.7-78.8833331 Sigchos and continues through rural highland terrain toward -0.759-78.869812MISSING WIKILINK Isinliví. Ask in Sigchos or at your hostel for the current preferred path, as different tracks and shortcuts can be confusing.

Isinliví to Chugchilán

 12 km 4–8 hr

This stage descends from Isinliví through farmland and scattered hamlets into the Sigui/Toachi River valley, then climbs back out toward -0.8-78.9166673MISSING WIKILINK Chugchilán Expect exposed valley views, dusty or muddy tracks depending on weather, and a strenuous climb near the end.

Chugchilán to Quilotoa

 14 km 5–9 hr

This is usually the hardest day when walking toward Quilotoa, with a long climb toward the crater rim and -0.868144-78.9157184 Quilotoa Town. Start early, carry enough water and warm clothing, and allow extra time for altitude, weather and navigation. The reward is the view into Laguna Quilotoa before continuing to Quilotoa town.

There are some stray dogs along the trail. Although there is generally no issue, there is always a risk of aggressive encounters, and you should keep a hefty walking stick with you while you walk. Also beware of bulls in the fields.

Navigation errors are one of the main risks on the loop. Alternative paths may be much more dangerous than the standard route, and some pass above cliffs or through exposed terrain. Acrophobic people should know that some parts of the trail are very high. Know the map of the day before leaving your hostel, and turn back or take transport if weather, injury or navigation problems make the day unsafe.

Altitude, sun, cold, rain and mud are major hazards. Start early, keep warm and dry, carry water, and do not continue over high or exposed sections in poor conditions.

Travellers on hiking routes may be approached by people asking for money, sometimes after offering unsolicited guidance, claiming you are on the wrong path, objecting to being photographed, or sharing personal hardship stories. Some requests may be genuine, but others may be scams or attempts to pressure visitors. Use your judgment and avoid feeling obliged to pay for help you did not ask for. Children may also ask for sweets or money; rather than giving handouts that encourage begging, consider supporting local businesses or community-run services.

From Quilotoa, buses and other local transport return to Latacunga, where there are onward buses to Quito and other highland cities. If walking the route in reverse, return from Sigchos to Latacunga.

Consider travelling onwards to San Luis de Pambil, Cotopaxi National Park, Baños, or other destinations in the Ecuadorian highlands.