Star a full day from Quito city to explore the timeless beauty and Quilotoa crater located at 12,467 feet. You can be as active or relaxed as you like. Enjoy the Ecuador’s famous water-fill crater, with its commanding view of lagoon in the western Andes mountain range, the remnant of an ancient volcano. Quilotoa offers a wide variety of activities from which to choose: hiking, kayaking, photography or just enjoy this peaceful place. On the way to Quilotoa you will enjoy a scenic view about different elevations and volcanoes. Learn more about Ecuadorian Kichwa communities, local markets and customs, then get a taste of local flavors in one of the restaurants of the community.

On the way to the lagoon, we pass through a small city called Pujili. The city of Pujili is very famous for its indigenous festivals where the main character is the Pujili dancer. In this town where the majority of its population is indigenous, we usually stop for a moment to admire the dynamism of its merchants who take over the food market to offer the basic food to its inhabitants.

Also, we can stop and share with people of the communities. We will stop in a small gallery to observe handicrafts, paintings, masks that capture the Mother Earth or Pacha Mama. Also, the scenic view shows up a big extension of barley, potatoes, wheat, lupines, ocas and more plantations.

Close to Quilotoa lagoon, we will observe one of the largest parish town in this region, called Zumbahua. This place homes true indigenous population who conserve ancestral traditions. Also, gives place to one of the oldest Andean Indigenous market which the best day to admire this market is on Saturdays.

Upon arrival, we prepare our small back pack to start the descent. We walk down on a coiled trail for approximately 40 minutes. On the road, we observe the lagoon with different colors which is perfect to do photography. By arriving in the lagoon, we can walk around of this or rent kayaks to navigate on the sulfur water of the lacuna. The ascent, we will start road up from the lower part of the lagoon until arrive in the viewpoint. We walk up approximately for 60 minutes or so. This will depend on your physical condition. However, this tourist attraction offers mule back riding rent with an extra cost, in case you don't feel ready for the climb up.

Upon returning to the upper part of the lagoon, we will take a break to lunch. After this, we will continue our drive to the city of Baños. Baños sits at the foot of an active intimidant volcano.