Guide to Quilotoa Loop Ecuador: The Most Famous Hiking Trail

Palm Tree
Palm Tree

Would you like to trek around the Andes mountains, stopping at some small Ecuadorian villages, markets, factories, and farms between hikes?

Quilotoa Loop is a 24.8-mile (40 kilometers) circular trek around Quilotoa Volcano, with an altitude of 12,841 feet (3,914 meters) above sea level.

How To Get to the Quilotoa Loop

Using Public Transportation

Using public transport is the cheapest and most convenient option. To get the transport to Quilotoa Lake, you must head towards the Quitumbe bus terminal.

Hiring Tour Operator

Hiring a tour agency can make things easier for you. A full-day trip to the Quilotoa loop starts at $60 per person, but that doesn’t include the full trek.

Is the Quilotoa Loop Safe?

It is one of the safest areas in Ecuador. The only threat here is altitude sickness, and there may be some unhappy dogs.

Where to Stay in Quilotoa

On your trip, you will be passing through various towns and villages. These include Quilotoa, Isinlivi, Sigchos, and Chugchilan.  

Trekking – Quilotoa Loop Ecuador

Take the bus early in the morning from Latacunga to Sigchos. The bus takes around 2 hours, so it’s best to leave before 10 a.m.

Sigchos to Isinlivi

Isinlivi to Chugchilan (Quilotoa Loop)

Isinlivi to Chugchilan is 7.5 mi (12 km), so the hike duration will be 5 to 6 hours. The directional signs on this path can be hard when you miss a sign.

 5 to 6 hours of hiking. It’s definitely worth the effort. You can also ask your hostel for a map, as there are 2 different routes you can walk.

Chugchilan to Quilotoa (Quilotoa Loop)

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