Quilotoa Crater Lake
An emerald lake inside a dormant volcano, the most stunning natural sight on the Andean plateau.
Overview
Quilotoa is a caldera lake in a dormant volcano at 3,914 metres, its surface a dreamlike blue-green. The circular trail around the rim takes about three hours and offers a 360-degree panorama of the Andes. Nearby indigenous markets show Kichwa culture, with colourful traditional dress and handicrafts that are hard to leave behind.
History
The caldera was formed by a catastrophic eruption around AD 800, which collapsed the volcano and left a crater about three kilometres across, later filled with water. The lake's colour comes from dissolved minerals. The surrounding area is home to Kichwa communities, whose weekly markets at Zumbahua and Chugchilán carry on a long trading tradition.
Highlights
- •The emerald crater lake
- •The circuit hike around the rim
- •Indigenous handicraft markets
Practical tips
- •The altitude is high, so take it slowly
- •Warm clothing is essential
Practical information
- Best time
- June to September
- Tickets
- About USD 2
- Opening hours
- Open all day
- Local food
- Potato soup, corn cakes and roast guinea pig
- Getting around
- Quito is the base, and the volcano and lakes are best visited on a day tour
- Visa
- Chinese citizens may enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Visiting the Galápagos Islands requires a separate national park permit and fee.
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