
Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito worth booking?
Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $71 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (36)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $71 per person
This full-day Ecuadorian cultural tour takes you to one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador and South America, the amazing Laguna Quilotoa. In addition to hiking this breathtaking natural wonder, you will visit a local village and a native house, learn about the Ecuadorian culture, try some local food, and admire the Toachi Canyon Crater.
What you get
About this experience
This full-day Ecuadorian cultural tour takes you to one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador and South America, the amazing Laguna Quilotoa. In addition to hiking this breathtaking natural wonder, you will visit a local village and a native house, learn about the Ecuadorian culture, try some local food, and admire the Toachi Canyon Crater.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Professional and bilingual guide
- Transportation from/to Quito's meeting point
Not included
- Mules rent $10
- Kayak rent $3
- Quilotoa entrance fee $2
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Laguna Quilotoa
Start your day by exploring the vibrant market of Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujili (Sundays). Wander around the fruits, cereals, meats, flowers, etc. and try some local food from the stands! Then, we will drive through lovely Andean villages and stop at an native house. The owners will explain to us how they live and give us an insight of the Ecuadorian culture. Next stop is the spectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake. Admire the breathtaking landscape, hike down and up to the laguna (45 min down / 1 hr up), go on a fun kayak excursion ($3) or just relax at the top of the crater. Afterwards, we will have a delicious local lunch and drive to Toachi Canyon Crater where you can appreciate the very interesting rock formations.
480 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus
Meeting point
Quito
6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus
Ends at
6:50 am - Depart from Plaza Foch (Mariscal Foch and Reina Victoria) - look for the tour bus
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ecuatraveling
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Necessary Equipment: Sunglasses and sun cream, Water and snacks, Camera, Hiking shoes, Big bag for shopping, Waterproof jacket
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful Laguna Quilotoa
The tour was amazing! Our guide Anthony and driver Alex were great! Highly recommend!!
via Tripadvisor
Stunning views & excellent service
Visiting the Quilotoa Lagoon was truly an unforgettable experience, and all thanks to Ecuatraveling. The agency organized a flawless trip, fulfilling every activity in the itinerary and showing great flexibility to adapt not only to my needs but also to those of the entire group. The service was excellent, which allowed us to fully enjoy this magical place. I recommend bringing comfortable shoes, water, and warm clothing, as the weather in the area can change quickly. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful destinations I have ever visited, and to experience it in the best way possible, I highly recommend planning your trip with Ecuatraveling
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear Quilotoa was unforgettable and that our team delivered a smooth, flexible experience for you and the group. Great tips on gear—comfy shoes, water, and warm layers are spot on for the changing weather. When you’re ready for more Andes magic, we’d love to host you again—whether it’s Cotopaxi hike & bike, Baños waterfalls, the Amazon at Waita Lodge, or even the Galápagos. Thanks for traveling with us and for recommending Ecuatraveling! Best regards, Esteban & the Ecuatraveling Team
via Tripadvisor
Not enough hiking in stunning scenery
Stunning scenery but not enough time to do all the exploring I wanted to do. I was under the wrong impression that this tour would hike around the lake and not just down to the lake
via Viator
Absolutely amazing!!!
This tour is absolutely amazing!! You get to see so much in just one day! The market is super interesting, you get to visit an indigenous family and the lake is absolutely breathtaking! I can highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to learn more about the culture of Ecuador and who loves hiking! Also, you will see lots of Alpacas!!!
via Viator
Amazing day trip
We had a wonderful private day trip tour with Ecuatraveling to Quilotoa! Our guide, Andres, was really welcoming, knowledgeable and willing to be flexible to what our group wanted to do. We were picked up from our hotel in Quito around 8 am, and had a ~3 hour drive to Quilotoa, stopping at local markets and scenic lookouts. Quilotoa itself was stunning and we hiked the ~1.7km down to the lake where we rented kayaks.
Response from the operator: Dear Madeline, Thank you very much for your review, for us it is very important to learn that our work contributed to make your experience in Ecuador memorable, nature around us definitely makes our job a little bit easier :) From all who makes the Ecuatraveling team, wanna thank you for your words and we wish you to keep having amazing travels. Ecuatraveling Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ecuatraveling, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.3.
See everything Ecuatraveling runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito cost?
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Prices start at $71 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 36 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito?
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Included: Lunch; Professional and bilingual guide; and Transportation from/to Quito's meeting point. Not included: Mules rent $10; Kayak rent $3; Quilotoa entrance fee $2; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito?
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7:15 am - Depart from Plaza San Blas - look for the tour bus Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Full-Day Quilotoa Lake Hiking Tour from Quito?
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Across 36 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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