Full day at Laguna Quilotoa: nature and Andean culture

Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador



Explore Quilotoa Lagoon in one day from Quito, visiting Tigua Gallery, Toachi River viewpoint, Quilotoa volcano and more. Connect with Andean culture and stunning emerald views

This full-day tour from Quito explores the Quilotoa Lagoon crater, traditional Ecuadorian art, and panoramic viewpoints, suitable for nature and culture enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Explore the impressive crater of Quilotoa Lagoon
  • Visit the Tigua Gallery to discover traditional Ecuadorian art
  • Stop at a viewpoint overlooking the Toachi River canyon
  • Optional descent along a path to the waters of Quilotoa Lagoon

Description

The tour starts at the Tigua Gallery, where you can view and purchase authentic traditional Ecuadorian artwork. Next, you will visit the Mirador del Río Toachi for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Upon arriving at the Lago Verde community, you will access the Mirador de la Laguna de Quilotoa to view and photograph the emerald waters of the crater lake. Along the route, observe indigenous farmers wearing ancestral clothing, flocks of sheep, and fields cultivating potatoes, onions, and barley, framed by steep Andean peaks.

Includes

  • Round-trip transportation from Quito
  • Visit to the Tigua Gallery
  • Stop at the Toachi River viewpoint
  • Tour of Quilotoa Lagoon
  • Service of a certified national tourism guide

Excludes

  • Personal expenses
  • Meals and drinks
  • Additional activities not specified in the itinerary

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For this tour, bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water. The best time to visit is during the dry season for clearer views and easier trail conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes visits to the Quilotoa Lagoon crater, Tigua Gallery, a viewpoint over the Toachi River canyon, and an optional descent to the lagoon's waters.
The tour begins in Quito, Ecuador, with the first stop at the Tigua Gallery.
The tour lasts a full day, typically departing from and returning to Quito.
Yes, there is an optional hike down to the waters of Quilotoa Lagoon included in the itinerary.
Yes, the crater area is safe to visit, but supervision is advised near steep edges and during the optional lagoon descent.
The Tigua Gallery showcases traditional Ecuadorian art, including colorful paintings representing Andean culture.
Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended due to varying temperatures and outdoor activities.
It's best to inform the tour provider in advance to accommodate any dietary restrictions or special requirements.
Dry season months in Ecuador, typically from June to September, offer clearer skies and better hiking conditions.
Laguna Quilotoa is approximately 3 to 4 hours by road from Quito, depending on traffic and road conditions.

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