Quilotoa Crater Lake

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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