Full Day Tour Quilotoa

Full Day Tour Quilotoa

3 Activities

1 Destination

Daily

Hotel/Hostel Pick-up & Drop-off

Overview:

This is a full day tour from Quito to visit the Quilotoa Lagoon, an incredible turquoise-colored lake located inside the caldera of an active volcano. This full-day tour is a great way to escape from the city and return to Quito the same day.

Highlights:

  • On the way to Quilotoa, we will stop at a viewpoint from where you can admire the famous Cotopaxi volcano. Note: The stop at the viewpoint to appreciate the Cotopaxi volcano is subject to weather conditions. If they are not suitable, the stop will be omitted to ensure the safety of the passengers.
  • Toachi Canyon is a small, beautiful canyon that is missed by many travelers. We’ll get off the beaten track and make a brief stop here to take some photos of this hidden gem – Toachi Canyon
  • Visit the Shalala Mirador, a modern viewing platform constructed from a wooden frame and glass walls, offering the most breathtaking views over the volcanic crater – Shalala
  • Hike down to the very heart of the volcanic crater to the shores of the beautiful crystal-blue – Quilotoa Lagoon
  • Before leaving for the return to Quito we will visit the traditional Quilotoa Mirador for a final view over the lake from the opposing side of the crater – Quilotoa

What this tour offers:

  • 1 unforgettable destination
    • Quilotoa - An extraordinary water-filled volcanic crater nestled among Ecuador’s central highlands

  • 3 Incredible Activities
    • Toachi Canyon – Picturesque canyon that is missed by many travelers
    • Shalala View Point - Catch some of the most breathtaking views of Quilotoa lake atop this modern platform, constructed from wood and glass
    • Quilotoa Lagoon - Hike down to the shore, where you can see this breathtaking volcanic lake up close

  • Daily departures

  • Hotel/hostel pickups & dropoffs
    • Safety and comfort guaranteed

Price from: $59

Private tour available!

Personalized service with private transport and guide. Contact us for more info!

Tour Itinerary & What's Included

Full Day to Quilotoa

07:15am - 7:50am

Direct hostel/hotel pick-up in Quito (exact time will be confirmed via email and depend on which neighborhood you are located in).

08:45am

Coffee stop in the foothills of the Cotopaxi Volcano to enjoy scenic views and an optional breakfast.

10:30am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Toachi River Canyon – visit the lesser known canyon, where we’ll stop at the canyons deepest point, at 100 meters deep, to take in the amazing view and learn a little about the canyon

10:45am

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Shalala Viewpoint – arriving to Quilotoa lake we head first to the Shalala Mirador, a modern viewing platform built from wood and glass that offers a truly unique perspective overlooking the volcanic crater. A photographer´s playground.

12:00pm

INCLUDED ACTIVITY

Guided Quilotoa Lagoon hike – guided hike down to the shore of the Quilotoa Lagoon, an opportunity to see the breathtaking crater lake up close.

1:00pm

Free time to explore and relax at the lake, before beginning the trek back out.

2:30pm

Free time to enjoy a well-deserved lunch at one of the local community restaurants.

3:30pm

Free time to explore the Quilotoa community.

4:30pm

Depart Quilotoa and begin the trip back to Quito.

7:30pm

Direct drop-off at your hotel/hostel in Quito.


What’s Included

  • Private touristic transport
    • Hotel pick up and drop off
    • Onboard bilingual Hop guide
  • Cotopaxi volcano viewing point
  • Guided stop at the Toachi River Canyon
  • Visit to the Shalala Mirador
  • Guided hike to the Quilotoa crater lake
  • Visit to the classic Quilotoa viewpoint
  • All taxes and entrance fees included

Not Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Evening meal

Important Info & Notes

Departure Days

Every Day

Time of Departure

07:15am - 07:50am

Pick-up Location

All hostels and hotels in Quito (direct pick-up)

Note:

Minimum Time Needed

1 Day

Price

$59 Includes transport, tours and on board guide. *Meals not included.

Travelling between any of the dates mentioned below? Click the tab for the corresponding important information.

24, 24 & 31 DEC + 1 JAN - CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS BREAK

We will be taking a short break at the end of December for Christmas and New Year. We do this to give our bus drivers and guides time to spend with their families during these special holidays. As a business, we know this may disappoint some travelers, but we care about our employees the same way we care about our passengers and want to give them a well-deserved rest.

NO BUS ON: 24, 24 & 31 DEC & 1 JAN

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you check the bus timetables for each pass as not all routes have daily departures.

28 - 31 MARCH 2024: EASTER WEEKEND

Easter weekend holidays: Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

9 & 10 AUGUST 2024: ECUADORIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Biggest public holidays of the year. Hostel and tour prices increase in this period. We will not be able to assist you with booking any accommodation during this period. Please book in advance.

Book With Confidence

You are able to change your departure dates at no extra cost if you were to change your plans.

Book Now

Accommodation Information

Info About Our Luxury Buses

Ecuador Hop – #1 Bus Company In Ecuador

As well as an unbeatable safety record, Ecuador Hop is also famous for its punctuality and comfort. In South America, where things often run later than scheduled, we are very proud to say we achieve a 98.5% on-time arrival for each trip.

If comparing Ecuador Hop to other bus companies, make sure you check their safety record, past accidents, as well as their Tripadvisor page (if they even bother to have one) as often you will find there is a reason why some bus companies have “cheaper” prices than Ecuador Hop.

Features Of Our Buses

Short Distance Buses

  • Modern bus models: We use only up-to-date, well-maintained and high-quality buses to ensure top safety standards and comfort (this is not always a guarantee in Ecuador).
  • Climate control: We make sure the temperature is comfortable for everyone on board.
  • Highest quality brake and suspension system: Our high-quality buses will get you to your destination as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
  • GPS monitoring system: We monitor location and vehicle speed from our headquarters, ensuring your safety.
  • USB ports available: Charge your mobile phone or tablet on board the bus!

Bus Safety Controls

  • Large team of drivers: Our drivers are not overworked/tired as is often the case on other buses.
  • Tour guide onboard: Our tour guide does regular checks on the drivers.
  • Seatbelts: We have a seatbelt for every passenger and ask our passengers to wear them at all times.
  • 24 hour GPS monitoring: Every bus is monitored from a secure point via GPS…we always know where the bus is and if it is taking any unscheduled stops.
  • Constant contact: The drivers and the guide communicate continuously by telephone with the Ecuador Hop office.
  • No tight deadlines: Our drivers are under NO pressure to arrive at a certain time, no need for increased speed or unnecessary risks.