Stay : The Quilotoa loop, an introduction to hiking in the Andes
Quilotoa is one of the places not to be missed. There are two options for discovering this crater: for those with a busy itinerary, circling the crater is enough for a magical experience. For those with a little more time to experience the Andean countryside, the Quilotoa loop is an ideal hike. This route presents no particular difficulties.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
3 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : The Quilotoa loop, an introduction to hiking in the Andes - 3 days
Day 1: Quilotoa to Chugchilan (approx. 5h / 13 km)
Steps: Latacunga, Laguna Del Quilotoa, Chugchilán
The route starts in the village of Quilotoa, at an altitude of 3,900 m, from where you follow the crater ridge down to the village of Guayama and then zigzag between the rim of the Rio Toachi canyon to reach the village of Chugchilán.
Another option: The one-day crater tour. It's also possible to do a one-day tour of the crater. Allow 4-5 hours' walking for this 10 km tour at an altitude of 3,667 m. From Latacunga, take an early morning bus (no later than 7 a.m.) to arrive in Quilotoa two hours later. Find the vantage point for a first view of this sumptuous crater, remnant of a volcano that erupted 800 years ago. The crater gradually filled with rainwater, which mixed with volcanic sulfur to give it its surprising turquoise color.
Start your tour on the left, and follow the signposted path. The great thing about this route is that it goes down as well as up, so it's not too hard on the legs! The highest summit, around the middle of the route, is at around 4,000 m. Take this opportunity to take a picnic break and admire the contrast between the depth of the crater and the rolling hills on the other side.
Day 2: Chugchilan to Isinlivi (approx. 5h /13 km)
Steps: Chugchilán, Isinlivi
The village ofIsinlivi lies almost opposite Chugchilán. It is easily reached after descending and crossing the deep canyon of the Toachi River that separates the two villages. Despite being a tiny village, Isinlivi is one of the most beautiful walks in the Andean countryside. The trail passes through the bottom of the canyon, and you walk along the river with the mountains on either side, before climbing back up through the fields to the village of Isinlivi. If you're lucky, you may even spot a few wild horses!
Day 3: From Isinlivi to Sigchos then Latacunga (around 4 h/11 km)
Steps: Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Latacunga
For this last hike you will reach the village of Sigchos. You will follow the river, cross a eucalyptus forest to gently climb up to the top of the valley. You will pass through the village of Chinalo Bajo, where there is an art centre that works with young people in the surrounding communities, in particular they make very beautiful wooden furniture. Arriving in Sigchos you can take a bus to Latacunga and to the bus terminal. Cotopaxi National Park is only 3 hours away if you want to continue your adventure!
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