Hike through unique Andean landscapes and small indigenous villages. Routes: Insilivi – Chugchilán, Chugchilan – Quilotoa, Quilotoa crater descent, Toachi River canyon, Insilivi, Tigua community known for bright paintings of Andean life, Zumbahua Indian Market.
This tour offers day trips ranging from 1 to 6 days in the Andes. The hikes vary from 4 to 6 hours per day, and you can choose from easy to challenging hikes or opt for a relaxing day in the comfortable and cozy mountain lodges.
Quilotoa Loop Trekking Routes
QUILOTOA - CHUGCHILAN
QUILOTOA - CHUGCHILAN
Start at the top of the Quilotoa Crater by the crater edge & down to the Toachi River Valley, then climb up to Chugchilan. 6 – 7 Hours Hike
QUILOTOA LAGOON TREK
LAGOON TREK & TIGUA
Hike down to the shore of the lagoon & Kayak around, Horse Back Ride Back to the edge, and visit The Tigua Village.
CHUGCHILAN - INSILIVI
CHUGCHILAN - INSILIVI
Start in Chugchilan, down the road into the valley of the Toachi River. Walk along the river, cross to the other side of the valley and end up climbing up to the village of Insilivi.
QUITO - INSILIVI
INSILIVI ACLIMATIZATION TREK
Drive from Quito and start with a short thek of 3 km. to Insilivi
Quilotoa Lagoon descent Trek & Kayak
Hike down for about 40 minutes to the shore, kayak in the amazing waters of this lake, and horseback ride back to the top!
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Quito, pick up from your hotel at 8:30 am/ Quito around 6:30 pm |
| DURATION | Our trips range from one-day excursions to two to four-day adventures. |
| QUILOTOA LOOP TOUR PRICING
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Pricing is per person, per day, based on group size: Note: Additional accommodation costs may apply depending on your lodging choice. 💡 Full 4-Day Experience |
| INCLUDED | Private transportation English Speaking guide for the whole program Box Lunch Entrance fees |
| NOT INCLUDED | Accommodations for extended hiking trips Activities not mentioned Personal expenses, Extra nights Drinks, tips Optional Drop off at Baños de Agua Santa, Riobamba or Latacunga |
📍 3789m / 12431feet
📍3190m / 10466feet
📍2774m / 9101feet
At Barefoot Expeditions, we believe in the power of responsible travel. We partner with local communities, support conservation initiatives, and prioritize eco-friendly practices to ensure that our trips benefit both the destinations and the people who call them home. Traveling in small groups fosters intimate encounters, genuine connections, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Local Market Schedules Along the Quilotoa Loop
Explore the vibrant local markets along the Quilotoa Loop, each offering a unique glimpse into Andean culture and traditions.
🛍️ Saquisilí Market – Thursday
Located 20 minutes from Latacunga, Saquisilí hosts one of the largest and most important markets in Cotopaxi province. The streets come alive with vendors, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. Early risers can even witness the llama trade at 6 a.m. in the animal section.
🛍️ Zumbahua Market – Saturday
Nestled among dramatic mountain peaks, Zumbahua Market is a 90-minute drive from Chugchilán. Every Saturday morning, it bursts with indigenous crafts, fresh produce, and traditional goods. The market also has a large llama trading section and typically wraps up around 1-2 p.m.
🛍️ Chugchilán Market – Sunday
After a hearty breakfast, take a stroll through the quaint Sunday market in Chugchilán. Though the town is small, Sundays bring together around 100 people, offering a great opportunity to experience local life.
🛍️ Guantualo Morning Market – Monday
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, hike or ride horseback across the canyon from Chugchilán to visit this rural community market, still untouched by tourism. Here, you’ll witness centuries-old trading traditions. The journey takes about three hours each way.
🛍️ Latacunga Market – Tuesday
As the largest town on the Quilotoa Loop, Latacunga hosts a bustling Tuesday market, offering a mix of traditional Andean goods, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts.
4-Days/3-Nights Uphill Quilotoa Loop Guided Trek
If you’re seeking a captivating experience in the Ecuadorian Andes, we highly recommend visiting the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon. You can opt for a day trip or explore the area over several days, including Quilotoa, Chugchilan, and Insilivi. If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can choose between the 4-day uphill itinerary from Sigchos to Quilotoa or the downhill itinerary from Quilotoa to Sigchos. Additionally, you can embark on a spectacular trek through the Cloud Forest, which includes visits to Chocho (Andean bean) and cheese factories at Chugchilan.
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Day 1: QUITO-INSILIVI
We start our journey in the morning, taking the Panamericana highway that runs through the avenue of the volcanoes. If the day is clear, we witness the breathtaking view of the Cotopaxi Volcano. After a drive of about 2 hours, we reach the Guingopana Pass, which offers incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and the valley of the Toachi River. We trek for around 2 hours, covering a distance of 3 km, to reach the village of Isinlivi and get acclimatized. Meals: Lunch and dinner. Hotel: Llullu Llama.
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Day 2: TREK INSILIVI TO CHUGCHILAN
We gear up for another day of trekking after having our breakfast. This day offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the daily lives of the local people while traversing through the breathtaking Andean landscapes. The trek is relatively easy, involving ascending and descending, walking along hamlets and cultivated valleys all along the Toachi River. After descending to the canyon, we climb for a minimum of 5 hours and a maximum of 6 hours, covering about eleven kilometers until we reach the charming town of Chugchilan (3200). This small town boasts a mix of mestizo and indigenous populations and is becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists. Meas: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and dinner. Hotel: Mama Hilda or similar.
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Day 3: TREK CHUGCHILAN TO QUILOTOA
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, we embark on our hike to the Quilotoa Loop. Our journey begins by descending to the Toachi River, which we follow upstream. We gradually ascend the canyon and cross the Rio Sigui Canyon to reach Guayama town, where we can take a moment to rest. We continue our hike, passing through Andean crops and local homes for approximately eleven kilometers. Upon reaching the top of the Quilotoa Loop (3800 mosl), we are rewarded with the breathtaking sight of a volcanic crater home to a stunning emerald lake. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some unforgettable pictures. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner Hotel: Chukirawa Hostel.
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Day 4: QUILOTOA LAGOON TREK AND TIGUA ART WORKSHOP
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, you can head to the crater and hike down to the lake’s edge for a kayaking adventure. To return, you have the option to rent horses or take a steep walk back. Later, enjoy a traditional lunch in the highlands before visiting the Tigua community, famous for its vibrant paintings depicting Andean culture. Your day will conclude with a drop-off in Quito. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. End of our services
LATACUNGA WEATHER
Where to Stay During the Quilotoa Loop Tour with Barefoot Expeditions
Planning to trek the stunning Quilotoa Loop with Barefoot Expeditions? This multi-day adventure takes you through the Ecuadorian Andes, from Sigchos to Quilotoa, with stops in charming villages like Isinlivi and Chugchilán. Based on the 4 day itinerary from Barefoot Expeditions, here’s a guide to possible places to stay at each key point along the route. These accommodations range from cozy hostels to community-run lodges, offering a mix of comfort and local charm. Note: Prices and availability may vary, so it’s best to book ahead!
Day 0: Latacunga (Starting Point)
Before embarking on the trek, you’ll likely spend a night in Latacunga, the gateway to the Quilotoa Loop. It’s a great spot to store extra luggage and prepare for the journey.
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Hotel Rosim: Affordable and trekker-friendly, with rooms starting at $15-$24. They offer free breakfast and bag storage. Book on Booking.com
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Hostal Café Tiana: A budget favorite with dorms and private rooms, perfect for meeting fellow hikers. Prices start around $10-$20. Book on Booking.com
Day 1: Sigchos to Isinlivi
The trek begins in Sigchos (2,800 meters elevation) and ends with an overnight stay in Isinlivi after a 3-4 hour hike. Barefoot Expeditions highlights the rural charm of this leg.
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Hostal Taita Cristobal: A welcoming, family-run spot with hearty meals included. Prices start at $15-$20 per person. Book on Booking.com
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Llullu Llama Hostel: A trekker’s favorite with a cozy vibe, jacuzzi, and meals included. Rates around $25-$35 per person. Check Availability
Day 2: Isinlivi to Chugchilán
After a 4-6 hour hike through the Toachi River valley, you’ll rest in Chugchilán (3,200 meters elevation), a village known for its indigenous culture and growing popularity among tourists.
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Hostal Mama Hilda: Mentioned by Barefoot Expeditions as a typical stay, this cozy lodge offers home-cooked meals and a warm atmosphere. Prices range from $20-$30 per person.
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Hostal Cloud Forest: Known for hearty food and trail signboards, with shared and private rooms from $15-$25.
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Black Sheep Inn: A luxury eco-lodge option with stunning views and vegetarian meals, starting at $20 for shared rooms. Visit Their Site
Day 3: Chugchilán to Quilotoa
The final 6-8 hour hike takes you to Quilotoa (3,914 meters elevation), home to the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater Lake. You may stay overnight here to enjoy the views at sunrise.
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Hostal Chukirawa: Close to the crater, with breakfast and dinner options. Prices start at $18-$30 per person. Book on Booking.com
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Hostería Alpaka Quilotoa: A comfortable choice with great food and proximity to the crater, around $30-$40 per person.
Optional Post-Trek: Latacunga
After the trek, you might return to Latacunga to rest before heading to your next destination. Reuse your pre-trek accommodation or try:
Tips for Booking
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Cash is King: Most places along the Loop don’t accept cards, so bring enough USD (Ecuador’s currency).
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Meals Included: Many hostels offer breakfast and dinner, but confirm when booking—especially in Quilotoa, where it’s not always standard.
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Altitude Prep: With elevations up to 3,914 meters, acclimatize in Latacunga or Quito beforehand.
Ready to hike the Quilotoa Loop with Barefoot Expeditions? Check out their full itinerary here and secure your spots at these amazing stays.
