Volcano Trekking and Scenic Adventure in Quilotoa

This tour takes you to explore three fascinating destinations in Ecuador: Quilotoa, Tigua, and Toachi. Ideal for adventurers. Begin with a hike around the crater of the Quilotoa volcano, famous for its emerald-green lagoon, with options for kayaking or mule rides. Then, visit Tigua, a picturesque village with traditional art, where you can admire cave paintings and wooden masks. The tour culminates at the Toachi Canyon, a geological fault over 2,000 years old, ideal for geology and photography lovers. A unique experience that combines nature, culture, and geology.

1. 1

   Quito

   Pass by

   Departure time: Approximately 8:00 AM from Quito. During the journey, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and observe several volcanoes, some active and others extinct: Cotopaxi (active, one of the country's tallest and most iconic volcanoes), Pasochoa (extinct), and Rumiñahui (extinct volcano with an impressive rock formation).

2. 2

   Cotopaxi National Park

   Pass by

   Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador’s most iconic protected areas, located in the Andes near Quito. It is home to the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The park features stunning páramo landscapes, lagoons like Limpiopungo, and diverse Andean wildlife. It’s a popular destination for hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and mountaineering, offering breathtaking views of the Ecuadorian Andes.

3. 3

   Illiniza Ecological Reserve

   20 min

   The Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve is a natural area noted for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. If time permits, you can take a 400-meter hike to the crater lagoon, enjoying the local flora and fauna. Alternatively, you can take a short hike around the Quilotoa Volcano crater, famous for its emerald-green lagoon and panoramic views. On the route you will visit a Local's House: A visit to Don Julián's house allows you to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Andean inhabitants, at over 3,500 meters above sea level. The presence of the guinea pig is notable, an animal that, according to local beliefs, protects against negative energies. You can also see plantations of Andean tubers, such as potatoes, and other agricultural products.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 hour

   At Quilotoa Volcano, visitors can enjoy activities such as: Hiking: A 30-minute climb to the top of the crater is available (you can rent a mule for the ascent). You can rent kayaks or take a motorboat ride around Quilotoa Lagoon (optional)

5. 5

   Canon del Rio Toachi

   35 min

   The Toachi Canyon is a geological fault over 2,000 years old, located near the Quilotoa Volcano. It is famous for its rock formations and stunning landscapes, ideal for geology and photography enthusiasts.

6. 6

   Galeria del Primer Pintor de Tigua - "Julio Toaquiza Tigasi"

   40 min

   In Tigua, you can visit an art gallery where traditional sheepskin paintings inspired by daily life and local customs are displayed. You can also see wooden masks depicting the region's traditional dancers.

7. 7

   Quito

   Pass by

   After a day of exploration and enjoyment, we return to Quito, completing the tour.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.