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61hannahc
We had planned to spend 2, maybe 3 days on the loop, staying in Quilotoa and Chugchilan. From Latacunga we got a bus to Zumbahua and a truck from there to Quilotoa. The disappointment started with the truck ride - after agreeing a price of $5 total, the driver demanded $6 when we got to Quilotoa. Not a big difference but it was the principal and the rudeness that annoyed us. We ended up staying at Hostal Cabanas/Alpaka - check out the reviews for this place (two names but one hostel) - but the short story is that it was extremely expensive, very unwelcoming, and left us with a bitter taste about staying in Quilotoa.The lagoon itself is beautiful, although can be tricky to see - it was completely clouded over all afternoon when we first arrived, and although we saw it the next morning in all its glory, the clouds came in again pretty quickly. We had planned to make it to Chugchilan, but after spending one night in Quilotoa we decided to call it quits and head back to Latacunga. The landscape in this region is beautiful and it was definitely an experience seeing the way people live there, but for us the negatives outweighed the positives. Quilotoa village is tiny and pretty rundown, and they charge you $2 each just to get into the place. The people were very unfriendly and we certainly didn't feel welcome. The other problem was that everyone was out to get money from us - the accommodation options are all expensive ($15 - $50 for a private room compared to $8-$10 most other places in Ecuador), truck drivers try to overcharge, and even buying basics like water or snacks is much more expensive than anywhere else. We live in Ecuador, speak Spanish, and know what to expect in terms of prices and quality, and Quilotoa was much more expensive than anywhere else we know. As a result of all these things, we decided not to continue on the loop, as it felt very isolated and from reading the guide books, food and accommodation were going to be pretty expensive at all stages of the loop. If we were to do it again, we would pay for an organised tour, or be prepared to get up early and see the lagoon as a day trip from Latacunga. One thing we enjoyed was the market at Zumbahua on our way back to Latacunga - great to have a wander around and also to buy alpaca clothing, which was cheaper there than in most other places. So if you're passing through on a Saturday, check it out.
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9timh
We read about the Quilotoa loop in Lonely Planet. We were undecided but went anyway and it was overall a good experience, though not sensational. A few key points below.The road is being resurfaced and is much better than described in the LP. This is very new though and makes the journey easier. We took the bus at 1145am from Latacunga to Zumbahua. A nice little town, but really unless you're going to the markets on the Saturday there is little else to do here. Quilotoa crater is nice, but we didn't think it spectacular. If you have done a fair bit of traveling in South America, there are other more special sites to see, but still worth the stop on the loop. It's around 4-5 hours walk around the top of the crater depending on your fitness level, and it's at altitude so make it a little more taxing. We did the hike around, though the scenery doesn't really change for the entire walk (as opposed to a regular hike where the scenery changes as you walk). In hindsight, we would have gone to the crater on the bus from Latacunga, then hiked down to Chugchilan in the afternoon which is around a 12km walk and the scenery is probably more interesting there too. Not much to do in Chugchillan, but you can do horse riding from Cloud Forest Hostal. If you are going to stay overnight anywhere, do it here, as the hostal is really cool and Jose the owner is so amazingly friendly too. We went horse riding up into the altitude and then to the cloud forest which is very fun. Only my second time riding and thought it was sensational. My fiancee has been horse riding a lot and she enjoyed it very much as well. Would definitely do it again.As for the markets in Saquisili, pass. Not a very pleasant place and the markets aren't special- in our minds anyway. Plenty of other choices throughout SA. Hit up Otavalo instead in Ecuador.In summary, if we did it again- 1145am bus to Quilotoa, chill here for a bit and take in the scenery. Hike to Chugchillan and relax in the afternoon at Cloud Forest Hostal. Take a horse riding tour the next morning, stay overnight again then catch the early bus back to Latacunga and forget about Saquisili. And most importantly, dress warm for Quilota. The 2 days we were up there the wind was howling and it was freezing!If you are really keen, you can walk from Zumbahua to Quilotoa (14km). You can also take a truck for about $5 from Zumbahua to Quilotoa or for Quilotoa to Chugchillan for about $10 if you miss the bus (only 1 each way per day) They'll try and tell you more so make sure you negotiate the price before you get in. It also costs $2 entry to Quilotoa. Good luck!
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Altoadventures
My husband and I hiked the entire crater rim and we had incredible views whether looking into the crater or looking away! It is well worth the trip from Latacunga not only for this amazing natural phenomenon but for the bus ride to it. A stopover in Zumbahua for the Saturday market was very interesting if you can fit it in. A pickup from Zumbahua to Quilotoa is only $5 and quicker and easier than the bus. You can also hike down to Chugchilan which only takes about five to six hours but repeats half the hike around the crater so you may only want to do one or the other.
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crader
Beautiful views. Be prepared by working out in advance and give yourself time to get acclimated to the altitude.
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LiesbethGoedhart
The Quilotoa crater lake itself is stunning and the hike down is steep, but worth it. There are horses available if you can't face the climb back up. However, what made the trip there really worth while for me is the countryside you see on the way. The Tigua paintings and the sagas they describe (such as the one about the condor, child of Pachamama) are fascinating and the indigenous villages along the way between Latacunga and Quilotoa, such as Zumbahua and Pujilli, are great to visit as well. When we were in Zumbahua, there was a monthly fiesta in full swing, complete with bands etc. Delightful! The rooms at the Hostal Chukirawa are simple but comfortable enough and the room rate (about $20 pp, not per room) includes breakfast and dinner and complimentary tea.
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danielkW9794KD
I have read some poor reviews saying this is not worth it as a day trip from Latacunga. I would agree. Do not bother coming to the lake just to snap a picture or two and expect it to amaze you. Spend the day, hike around the crater (I heard estimates from 4-8 hours hiking, it took me a little over 3 not rushing). I also used Quilotoa as a starting point to hike to Chugchilan about 12km away. It is a really beautiful area, and it is worth taking a little time to walk and enjoy it. Walk down to the lake, hear the silence inside the crater, put the camera down for a couple minutes (I am a photographer).
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AllRoundTraveller
We've taken a two persons day tour to Quilotoa circuit, including the lake, the Tigua paintings and few more pueblos, with Greivag Travel Adventure, located in Calle Guayaquil, Latacunga and it was one of the best experiences of our whole stay in Ecuador. Tho whole trip is interesting and very scenic and or tour guide + driver, Edi, very friendly and extremely professional. To be recommended without any doubt.
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Woodroad
This crater lake is an hour and a half's drive up a twisting mountain road from Latacunga. The drive is scenic and was particularly memorable because we stopped at an indigenous family's home near the road. That was the clear highlight of this excursion because we saw a family (an old wife and a young wife with their three very dirty kids) in a typical home, with a couple of dozen Guinea pigs scurrying about on the floor. The kids were cute and the parents gracious in letting us see their home. The lake, on the other hand, was a disappointment. It's largely a tourist destination, and five minutes looking at the lake -- which is beautiful -- is not quite worth the trip up and back, especially when the return was in the dark. I would bag Quilotoa itself, but the indigenous homes along the way were worthwhile.
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Yogacoffee
Very often when researching sites to see, you become enthralled with the pictures and are slightly less impressed in person. This was not the case with Quilotoa. Upon reaching the location in which you could see the crater lake in its entirety, my breath was completely taken away by its beauty. (And yes, it truly does look like the pictures!) It might be windy, but go for the kayak rental because when else can you say you kayaked across a volcanic crater lake?! We hiked down to the site but opted to take mules/donkeys on the way up since we were a little exhausted from our kayak ride. This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest places I have ever seen with my own eyes.
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lahueca
If you are in Ecuador you can not miss to visit Quilotoa lake, a must place to visit. Once you are there don't missed and go down to the lake, a 30 minutes walk but worth it. The way back will take you one hour, maybe a bit longer but you will love the hike.The entrance fee is 2 dollars per person and that money will help the community, which has develop a lot the last years.Once you are back from the hike do not forget to go to the market and of course visit one of the restaurant in the village.If is not a sunny day can be very, very cold otherwise will be a perfect day.
