Quilotoa lagoon

Marco with travelers

Traveler with Ecuadorian flag appreciating the lan

Marco selfie in viewpoint

Marco in viewpoint

Traveler with alpaca and landscape

Quilotoa lagoon

Car front

Car back

Quilotoa lagoon Day Tour - From Quito

Car Tour (driver & guide)

Joined 2025

Marco B.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Quito

English, Spanish (Native)

12 hours

Private tour (only you and Marco B.)

Up to 10 people

We are going to explore the beautiful Quilotoa laggoon, located inside of the crater of an active volcano, enjoying beautiful landscapes of the Andes.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

07:00 AM

Meeting Point

Pick up at the hotel

- We can pick you up in your hotel only if it's located within these three specific areas: La Carolina Park, Plaza Foch, or the Historic Center. If your hotel is outside of these areas, we can arrange pickup for an additional fee. If you don't choose any of the above options, the default pickup point will be Av Naciones Unidas and Av Shyris, on the north side of La Carolina Park, right in front of a Banco del Pacífico branch.

08:00 AM

Quick stop for breakfast

Leaving Quito, we stopped at a gas station in the town known as Machachi. There, you can have breakfast, buy food, water, and use the ATM to purchase handicrafts in the craft shops.

10:00 AM

Tigua, artisan shop

After driving for approximately two hours, we stopped at the indigenous community of Tigua, where there is a beautiful handicraft shop, offering wooden masks, clothing woven by indigenous women, and paintings. We also had the opportunity to try a traditional hot beverage known as canelazo, and take beautiful photos of the landscape and a lovely alpaca. It's also a good place to acclimatize.

11:00 AM

Arrival at the Quilotoa Commune

We finally arrive at the indigenous community of the same name as the lagoon, Quilotoa. We're at 3,800 meters above sea level. As soon as we get off the vehicle, we walk for five minutes and we'll be able to see the majestic volcanic lagoon. We can take our best photos, get used to the cold and altitude, use the bathroom, buy some coca leaf tea, and take advantage of the opportunity to order our lunch at the restaurant. This way, we can head off on our hike with peace of mind, and our food will be ready when we return.

11:30 AM

Hike to the bottom of the crater

We begin our hiking adventure toward the lower part of the crater, where we can touch the water of the lagoon. There, you can kayak (additional cost not included) or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then, of course, we begin the return hike, which will be upwards. The entire hike will take us around 2 to 2.5 hours and involves considerable physical effort due to the steepness of the trail and the altitude of the lagoon.

02:00 PM

Lunch time

After the physical effort of the walk, we return to the town to have our lunch. Here in Ecuador, lunch usually has 3 courses: starter (soup), main course (potatoes, rice, salad and a protein), natural fruit juice and sometimes a dessert. After this, we begin the return trip.

03:00 PM

Return trip to Quito

The return trip takes approximately 3 hours or a little longer, depending on traffic. During this stretch, you can enjoy the sunset or take a short nap until you reach the city.

Ending Point

We finish the tour in the city of Quito, at the same point where we picked you up in the morning.

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Bilingual tour guide spanish and english

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Entry and hiking to Quilotoa Lake

Private tourist transportation

Comfortable vehicle (SUV or minivan, depending on group size)

Driver fees and gasoline / toll costs

What‘s not included

Unfortunately, no food will be served on this tour but there is a café where you can purchase it.

If you want to kayak in the lagoon you must pay separately in the same community.

Water or extra food that it is not described

Gratuities are not included, it is recommend to tip the guide 15-20% at the end of the tour.

Tour Important Information

This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.

Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Not allowed

High-heeled shoes

Sandals or flip flops

Weapons or sharp objects

Smoking in the vehicle

Smoking indoors

Alcohol and drugs

Littering

Feeding animals

Ripped clothing

Firework

Explosive substances

Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle

Making fire

Nudity

Bare feet

Riding the animals

It is important to take security into account, do not carry valuable objects or their original passports, cameras or overly expensive equipment, at all times you must be attentive to your belongings, as in any large city there are many people who may seek to steal valuable things.

Important message from the supplier

If you're planning a half-day tour, such as a city tour of Quito, we can arrange for a morning or afternoon tour depending on availability, weather conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control. I am based both in Quito and the northern Andes (Carchi province), so I can easily guide you in different regions of the country. Please feel free to contact me in advance to coordinate the best possible itinerary and timing for your trip.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Marco B.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Marco B.

Hi there! I’m thrilled to welcome you to Ecuador – a land of volcanoes, rich traditions, and incredible biodiversity.

I’m a passionate and certified tour guide with years of experience leading travelers through the wonders of this unique country. Whether you’re looking to explore the colonial charm of Quito, hike across the high Andes, discover local indigenous markets, or delve into the natural beauty of cloud forests and national parks, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

What sets my tours apart is the personal connection I create with each guest. I don’t just show you the sights – I share the stories, the legends, and the cultural heartbeat of the people who live here. I love blending history, art, nature, and authentic local experiences to create meaningful and unforgettable journeys.

I’m also deeply committed to sustainable tourism and supporting local communities, and I’m always happy to customize tours to your pace and interests – from cycling and trekking to gastronomy and wildlife observation.

If you’re looking for a friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide to discover the real Ecuador, I’d be honored to be part of your adventure. Let’s explore together!