Quilotoa 1 DAY Tour

Class II – III

Description

A far reaching, fully packed day tour that takes you to the stunning emerald crater lake of Quilotoa. An impressive 3 km wide caldera filled with turquoise water, set at an elevation of roughly 3800 meters (12,467 feet), there are some striking viewpoints along the way where you can stretch your legs and appreciate the scenic landscape. Available activities at the crater are a few, travelers can hike down to the edge of the lake (approximately 30-minute hike per way), rent a mule, hike to the highest peak or in the surroundings.

Season	All year
Included	Private round trip transportation Licenced English speaking guide (for 1-3 passengers Driver/Guide) Entrance fees All activities as described in the itinerary.
Not Included	Optional mules rent. Optional kayak trip in the lagoon (30 mins approximately). Activities not mentioned Meals and Drinks Personal expenses Tips (Optional)
What to bring	Cap or hat Sport or trekking shoes High factor sun block cream or gel Bottled water to carry with you in tour UV400 sunglasses with 100% UVB block Digital camera or mobile phone Warm clothing & rainproof jacket Cash for souvenirs, meals & tipping Backpack to carry personal belongings Passport copy, keep original stored in hotel
Requirements	The places that you visit are flexible. The itinerary can be adapted directly with your guide, depending on your interests.
Departures	Any day
Price	1 Passenger USD 239 p.p 2 Passengers USD 126 P.P 3 Passengers USD 109 p.p 4 – 6 Passengers USD 94 p.p

Itinerary

Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 3 kilometers (2 mi)-wide caldera was formed by the collapse of this dacite volcano following a catastrophic VEI-6 eruption about 800 years ago, which produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that reached the Pacific Ocean, and spread an airborne deposit of volcanic ash throughout the northern Andes. This last eruption followed a dormancy period of 14,000 years and is known as the 1280 Plinian eruption.

This full day cultural tour begins with a visit to a local indigenous market at either Saquisilli (Thursdays only) or Pujili (Sundays only). The drive to Laguna Quilotoa – an amazing emerald lagoon inside a volcano crater at the height of approximately 3,800 m – displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. The trip through the villages of the area provides a fantastic chance to see one of the most authentic parts of the country. In the afternoon we will visit a local indigenous home where you have the opportunity to interact with the locals.

Prepare yourself for a taste of cultural and hiking.