Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake worth booking?
Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $160 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (23)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $160 per person
This full-day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market at Saquilisilí or an historic church in Pujilí (Thursday/Sunday). The drive to Laguna Quilotoa displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountain
What you get
- Hiking sticks
- Lunch
- Fees and entrance to Quilotoa reserve, hike to the lake.
- Transportation: Comfortable land transportation.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader
About this experience
This full-day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market at Saquilisilí or an historic church in Pujilí (Thursday/Sunday). The drive to Laguna Quilotoa displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. Before arriving at Quilotoa we will visit and incredible local gallery in Tigua, where we will have a short painting class to learn about the ancient techniques in this charming town. The tour includes a hike down into the Laguna Quilotoa, a sparkling emerald lake inside the inactive volcano crater. The return hike takes one hour, or there is the option of renting a mule for $12. We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening. We will arrive back to Quito in the early evening.
What's included
Included
- Hiking sticks
- Lunch
- Fees and entrance to Quilotoa reserve, hike to the lake.
- Transportation: Comfortable land transportation.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader
Not included
- Tips
- Souvenirs
- Optional rent of a horse/mule ($12) on the way back up from the lake
- Painting Taller (15 USD per person)
What you'll see and do
Quilotoa
We will visit The Quilotoa lagoon, one of the most beautiful volcanic lagoons on the planet. The most significant feature of this lagoon, with a depth of 250 meters, is its turquoise green waters. The Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes, within its crater a caldera with a diameter of almost 9 km has been formed. We will hike down to appreciate how the minerals have given the surface a greenish and bluish hue when it is hit by sunlight. Inside, there are springs that, from the shore, can be seen as bubbling trails that rise to the surface.
360 minutes here
Tigua
We will visit the traditional Tigua town, where artists have always been known for decorating masks and drums for their festivals with precision and vibrant color. Their talented hands create an extravaganza of color and beauty that is beyond what would be expected from self-taught artists. Once in here you will have a painting lesson with the ancestral technique of painting on a sheepskin. You will take your creation as a souvenir to remember this unconventional experience.
60 minutes here
Canon del Rio Toachi
We will visit the viewpoint of Toachi Canyon, a great geographical accident in the form of a gigantic ravine that partly crosses the reserve and is visible from a natural viewpoint in the vicinity of Sigchos. This geographical feature has a viewpoint to appreciate its beautiful landscape in whose deep interior runs the Toachi River, the main hydrographic axis of the Area.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Inspiring Ecuador
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
What An Amazing Experience!!
Jeannin was an amazing guide! The drive to the highlands was gorgeous and Quilotoa Crater Lake was breathtaking! We recommend hiking boots and hiking sticks to assist with the footing, which can be challenging because it is steep. We would definitely do this trip with Jen again!
via Tripadvisor
Great Guide!
We had a great trip with Manuel, on July 3, 2023. Manuel was very knowledgeable about the area, about Quito, and Ecuador. We enjoyed getting to know him. The private tour gave us great flexibility, which was helpful because we were still acclimatizing to the altitude.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We are happy to know that you enjoy your travel. Definitely a private tour is a great optionwhen looking for flexibility. We hope to welcome you back in the future :)
via Tripadvisor
Very pleasant
An incredible experience thanks to Inspiring Ecuador for its seriousness. Your guides with their professionalism and empathy assisted us throughout the trip. In this time of pandemic they complied with biosecurity standards.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Stop dreaming and make it happen
We are constantly asking ourselves: how to be happy?, and the answer is easy, we just need to take a risk, take your bag, activate a tour and open your mind for the experience, it is fortunate that on the way to this madness you know how to find people who sincerely cheer the trip and cheer you the decision you made, do not waste time travel in the best company.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Back to Nature
Excellent pre-trip organization, detailed information about what we should take, meeting points, I could see that if they were complied with biosecurity protocols every time we got on the transport such as: disinfection of shoes before entering, temperature taking, disinfection of clothes, alcohol for hands and that we all wear masks inside and outside the bus. Very good guide with a lot of knowledge of the environment, knows the route and the locality very well. I would definitely travel with Inspiring Ecuador again. I recommend it.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $160 to $265
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake cost?
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Prices start at $160 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 Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake 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 Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 23 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 Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake?
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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 Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake?
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Around 8 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 Private Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake 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 tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. 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.
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