Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa Loop is a multi-day Trek to explore the Andes Mountain

Quilotoa Loop is a multi-day trail that connects remote villages to the Quilotoa Volcano & Lagoon in the highlands of Ecuador on andes region (in the Province of Cotopaxi).

You do not need a local guide or porter to hike the Quilotoa Loop. However, You must have an itinerary plan.

Quilotoa Lagoon Beach Trail — Quilotoa Loop Trail

The loop of Quilotoa walks across deep valleys, dusty paths and rolling green hills where also small natives settlements are located. This trek aventure can either starts or finishes at the colored Quilotoa crater lake (It's up to you! where to start but let see which is the best option).

WHERE TO START THE QUILOTOA LOOP?

You can start the trail in the Quilotoa Crater and continue in the opposite direction to the town of Sigchos or Isinlivi. In this way the path is less demanding as you will lose altitude due to Quilotoa Volcano is the highest point on the trail. As a suggestion, it is preferable to keep the Quilotoa Volcano for the last day of the trail and make that beautiful lagoon the final achievement.

If you want to start the loop from the Quilotoa, check out: How to get to Quilotoa?

HOW TO GET TO QUILOTOA LOOP?

Quilotoa Loop trek is popular because is near to Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

From Quito, take the subway -Metro de Quito- to the last southern station (named Quitumbe Station) where the Quitumbe Bus Station is also located. On the second floor of the Quitumbe Bus Station are the points of sale for bus tickets to the city of Latacunga. Buses depart regularly every 30 minutes. The ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs around $2.30 USD.

Once in Latacunga, you'll need to catch a bus to Sigchos or Isinlivi on the same Bus Station. Buses depart every hour. From Latacunga to Sigchos takes about 2 hours and the ticket costs $2.30. Bus schedules in Ecuador change frequently. *You can spend a day/night in the city of Latacunga.

Quito Metro - Subway Stations Map

DOWNLOAD QUITO SUBWAY STATIONS MAP

Keep an eye on your valuables at all times or make sure your luggage is stored in a safe place.

Quilotoa Loop - Sigchos to Quilotoa

The classic hike route is from the town of Sigchos to the Quilotoa crater. You also can start at the Isinlivi village (depends how many days you have for the trail) The whole Quilotoa loop is 40 km and it takes anything from two to five days, depending on the starting point and walking intense.

The trail is well signed. However, you must use a basic maps, a GPS device or a Map App. If you are not confident enough for this trail please check out a private tour for Quilotoa Loop.

Sigchos - Isinlivi - Chugchilan - Quilotoa Map

These paths are used by local people but also is possible to hike for days without meet other backpackers. Dry season in Ecuador is the best time to do Quilotoa Loop (June to Septembre). December till February is also a good period. There's no bad time to hike Quilotoa Loop; just need to be well-equipped.

QUILOTOA LOOP ITINERARY

DAY 1: SIGCHOS > ISINLIVI (DISTANCE: 14KM) | ESTIMATED DURATION: 3-4 HOURS

DAY 2: ISINLIVI > CHUGCHILAN (DISTANCE: 12KM) | ESTIMATED DURATION: 4-6 HOURS

DAY 3: CHUGCHILAN > QUILOTOA (DISTANCE: 14KM) | ESTIMATED DURATION: 6-8 HOURS

An alternative Quilotoa loop trail is: Sigchos > Río Toachi > Chugchilán > Quilotoa.

Trek Quilotoa Lagoon Loop — Trail Quilotoa Lagoon Crater

Trek Quilotoa Loop — Trail Quilotoa Shalalá

WHERE TO STAY ON QUILOTOA LOOP?

There are accommodations available along the trail. You can find them on your favorite website or travel app. Search for it by the name of the village: "Sigchos" > "Isinlivi" > "Chugchilán" > "Quilotoa".

Recommendations for the Quilotoa Loop

No ATM along the trail. Withdraw enough cash for trail days.
On the Hostel area you can have Internet and Mobile Signal.
Trekking poles are great when hiking downhill or uphill.
The lodges offer packed lunch for the next day's tour.
If this is the case, prepare for altitude sickness.