Quilotoa
Mountain Crater lake within volcanic caldera with vivid colors
Quilotoa’s crater lake shows vivid turquoise water inside a volcanic caldera; hikers descend steep trails, camp the rim and walk around or down to the shoreline.
Quilotoa is a volcanic caldera in the Ecuadorian Andes famous for its emerald-coloured crater lake formed after an explosive eruption. The caldera rim provides panoramic viewpoints and trails that descend to or circle the lake, and local highland villages near the rim serve as access points.
The site’s main attraction is the crater lake itself, with a shoreline that is accessible by foot for those prepared for steep paths. Many visitors combine a rim walk, short hikes, and stays in nearby rural communities to experience the highland landscape.
Quilotoa formed during Pleistocene to Holocene volcanic activity and its present caldera and lake are the product of a major explosive event; the area retains volcanic deposits and steep crater walls. Rural agriculture and tourism coexist in the surrounding highland communities.
The caldera sits in Cotopaxi Province in the western Andes of Ecuador and is a well-known stop on highland touring routes; access is by road from nearby towns and provincial centres.
- Trail and difficulty: A rim trail and steep descent lead to the crater lake shore; the hike down is short but steep and the return climb can be strenuous at altitude.
- Local services and conditions: Local villages on the rim offer homestays and small shops; weather changes rapidly, and strong sun and cold winds are common at the crater rim.
How to Get to Quilotoa #
From Quito: drive west on the Panamericana (E35) to Latacunga, then continue west toward Zumbahua and the mountain road up to the Quilotoa crater. The drive from Quito is roughly 3-4 hours by car (mountain roads, variable conditions) and is about 170-200 km depending on route; many visitors take shared minibuses or tourist shuttles from Quito to Latacunga and onward to Zumbahua. From Zumbahua you can catch a local bus or hire a taxi/4x4 for the final uphill stretch to the rim.
The national park viewpoint and parking area are a short walk from the road/gate (minutes). There is a steep trail down to the crater lake for those who want to hike; local guides and horseback rides are available in the village at the rim.
Tips for Visiting Quilotoa #
- Go at first light: early morning (shortly after sunrise) usually gives the clearest views across the crater lake and lets you beat the day-tour minibuses that arrive later.
- If you want a fuller experience, descend the steep trail to the water - many visitors only photograph from the rim, but the lakeshore and kettles give very different perspectives; be prepared for a strenuous return climb.
- Plan logistics on the Quilotoa Loop: public buses are infrequent and schedules can change, so arrange your onward transport or confirm bus times in advance rather than relying on same-day connections.
Best Time to Visit Quilotoa #
Go during the dry season (June-September) for the clearest views of the crater lake and best hiking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Quilotoa #
Quilotoa's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (904 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (121 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
