16 Reasons and Things to Know Before Hiking Quilotoa Loop
Quilotoa Loop is a multi-day self-guided hike in Ecuador. If you plan on hiking Quilotoa Loop or still hesitate if it's worth your time, feel free to read this travel guide. We share reasons why you should hike this popular trek, together with things to know before hiking Quilotoa Loop.
If you plan your trip to Ecuador, you've probably already put on your bucket list Quilotoa Crater, a volcanic crater high in the Andes mountains, filled with green-blue water. We feel that this super-photogenic place is today almost on every Ecuador itinerary.
Long gone are days when Quilotoa Crater was considered off the beaten place that was visited only by backpackers on a loose schedule.
We also rate this destination high as we've included it on our list of must-visit places in Ecuador.
Sure, it still takes a while to get there, either independently from Latacunga or on a day trip from Quito, but the beauty surely outweighs the challenging journey.
Although Quilotoa Crater is wonderful and it was definitely one of our trip highlights, we feel it would not be that great without finishing here the Quilotoa Loop.
REASONS TO HIKE THE QUILOTOA LOOP
We know that Quilotoa Loop has been recently gaining popularity as it is known as Ecuador's best multi-day hike, but still, many travelers do not know what to expect.
First of all, regular vacationers are usually reluctant to include a multi-day trek in the itinerary because there are so many destinations to see, such as Banos, Riobamba, Mindo, and of course, the cherry on the top, the Galapagos Islands.
And no one wants to dedicate too much time to one destination and loose precious time for exploring other places.
Secondly, less experienced hikers think this trek is only for fit and well-experienced travelers with awesome navigation skills.
But according to us, there's not a single reason to be worried and skip Quilotoa Loop.
This two to four-day hike offers incredible diversity - deep valleys, fast rivers, high mountains, thin air, the real Ecuadorian countryside, indigenous villages, and of course, if you decide to hike in the same direction as we did, at the end awaits the Quilotoa Crater.
As you've probably already guessed, we would like to inspire you to hike Quilotoa Loop in this travel guide.
For more detailed information, read this post dedicated to our 3-Day Quilotoa Loop Trek.
This blog post focuses more on practical information and things you should know before hiking the Quilotoa Loop.
As long term travelers, we believe in planning - the more we know, the better the trip usually is as we avoid unpleasant surprises.
We'll also share reasons why we think hiking Quilotoa Loop is one of the best things a traveler can do when in South America. Let's dive into it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING QUILOTOA LOOP
Before we hiked Quilotoa Loop, we did not know what to expect. How much is it going to cost? Where are we going to stay? What about the food? Where can we keep our stuff we do not want to carry?
There were many unanswered questions.
Hopefully, this article will answer some of your questions and persuade you not to wait any longer because Quilotoa Loop is no longer a hidden secret of Andes.
#1 QUILOTOA HIKE IS BUDGET-FRIENDLY
You won't find many cheaper multi-day hikes than Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador (or all around the world in a larger perspective).
The transport is inexpensive as it costs around $5 to get from Quito to Latacunga, under $5 to get from Latacunga to the starting point of the trek, which for the majority of hikers is Sigchos or Quilotoa Village.
Yes, you have to pay the same amount of money to get back, but we still consider it a bargain.
The accommodation price on the Quilotoa Loop is slightly higher than what you probably usually pay for a hotel in Ecuador (if you are a backpacker). Still, breakfast and dinner are included in the rate (double-check your reservation conditions), which is great as you don't need to carry food with you.
To get an idea of how much money you should have - we spent $100 for both of us. We spent on the road for three days and two nights, and this amount includes everything: transport, food, and accommodation.
Of course, it is always better to budget a bit more, just in case.
When traveling independently, you will, of course, save a ton of money by hiking around Quilotoa without a guide or any tour operator services, which is by no means needed.
Another tip on how to save money is to take a tent and camp along the way, but we believe it’s not worth it (moneywise).
#2 BEAUTIFUL SCENERY WILL LEAVE YOU SPEECHLESS
The hike through and above the Toachi Canyon is breathtaking, and the view of the water-filled Quilotoa crater is mesmerizingly beautiful.
The loop walks across deep valleys, dusty paths, around rolling green hills, through small traditional settlements, and either starts or finishes at the azure-colored crater lake high up in the mountains, which was created around 600 years ago by an enormous eruption.
If there's one thing we really think is worth knowing, it is that even though the loop was named after the crater that many travelers consider to be the highlight, the tramping experience will give you so much more.
The trail is not crowded, and every day is filled with countless photo opportunities you will hardly find somewhere else.
#3 ACCOMMODATION IS AFFORDABLE AND COMFORTABLE
We've done many multi-day treks around rural areas around the world, but we must say that accommodation on Quilotoa Loop was one of the best we've ever experienced.
A hotel or two can be found in every village along the road, and they provide travelers with great comfort and service, especially if you consider the remoteness of the place.
The quality was much better than we expected, as when hiking in remote areas of the mountains, we usually don't require much.
The rooms were easily comparable with budget places in the cities in South America.
You don't need to carry a sleeping bag as there are plenty of blankets and one time we even had an additional heater in our room.
Bring your silk liner if you're not sure about the hostel's cleanliness, but we couldn't complain at the time of our visit as everything was in order.
The wifi is a standard now, though the internet connection is not the fastest nor the most reliable, but it is sufficient to check the weather forecast or read the news.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can bring a tent and sleeping bag and camp along the way, especially the overnight stay at the volcano's lakeside must be an amazing and unforgettable experience.
If you are not sure what to pack, check out our Quilotoa Loop packing list!
WHERE TO STAY ON THE QUILOTOA LOOP
When we talk about accommodation on Quilotoa Loop, you should know it is nowadays possible to book a room online.
If you travel in Ecuador outside the high season, it is unnecessary to make a reservation, although we always prefer to know where we are going to sleep in the evening.
On the other hand, during the hiking season, consider seriously to make the booking, especially if you have requirements.
You can find the top hotels on Quilotoa Loop below.
Isinlivi: We stayed in pleasant Hostal Taita Cristobal, or there is another and more popular option with jacuzzi Hostal Llulu Lama. This hostel is the most famous on the trek among travelers - so if you see it available online, do not hesitate.
Chugchilan: There are a few reasonable accommodations in this village. We decided on Hostal Cloud Forest, but there are also other excellent lodgings such as Hostal El Vaquero.
Quilotoa: The most touristy village of all, because visitors can get there directly by bus from Latacunga. Prices are also a bit higher, and not all hotels include breakfast and dinner in the rate. Try Hostal Chukirawa.
Latacunga: If you plan your trip, you will most likely spend the night before and after in Latacunga, a bigger town that usually serves as a base for Quilotoa Loop and also exploring Cotopaxi National Park. One of the best budget options is Hostal Cafe Tiana, but check out Hotel Endamo or Hotel San Agustin Plaza if you have a bigger budget.
#4 FOOD ON QUILOTOA LOOP
We've already mentioned that the hotel price on the Quilotoa Loop usually includes breakfast and dinner. This is actually perfect as you do not have to worry about food much.
Every night in our accommodation, we ordered packed lunch for the next day, so the only thing we did not have was a snack.
It is possible to purchase snacks in small shops in every village; the only problem is they are usually not very healthy.
This is why we bought packs of nuts and bananas in Latacunga to have something to eat outside the main meals. We were quite happy with the quality of food on the Quilotoa Loop, but the meal is always good after day-long hikes.
#5 DRINKING WATER
Tap water in Ecuador, apart from a few exceptions, is not drinkable. If you try to travel sustainably, you very likely think of using less plastic when you travel.
Well, it is quite hard on Quilotoa Loop because you do not want to carry ten liters of water on your back just to survive several days on the road.
One option is to buy bigger water bottles in the villages on the loop, though this solution is not perfect.
If the accommodation has one of those huge returnable water bottles in the common area, then you can fill your water bottles there. This is the best way to approach it, but not all hostels have them.
Another option is to invest in a water bottle with integrated filter before your trip. This product is slightly more expensive, but you will late save a lot of money for bottled water, and of course, your impact on the environment will be much lower.
Being said that, staying hydrated at high altitude (and safe) is the most important thing, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids during the day.
#6 YOU WILL MEET HIKERS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Even though we didn't see many hikers on the trail, we met quite a few in the hostels. It is always nice to share experiences from the day with others and have some fun after an exhausting day.
What is even better, you can be sure that you'll very likely meet same-minded travelers on Quilotoa Loop. This is the reason why the atmosphere in the hotel's restaurants is relaxed.
Usually, travelers on the road talk about traveling. This is why hiking Quilotoa Loop is a great way to learn more about places other people visited and discover hidden gems you've never heard about.
#7 QUILOTOA LOOP ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATIZATION
One of the most important things to know that same like many other destinations in Ecuador, this multi-day trek lies quite high above sea level.
When hiking Quilotoa Loop, you will gain elevation slowly and spend the first night in Isinlivi at 2700 meters, the second night in Chugchilan, which lies at 3200 meters, and the last day you can return back to Latacunga that sits at 2800 meters.
If you're feeling good and don't have any headaches, you might consider staying overnight in Quilotoa village at an altitude of about 3800 meters.
If you've already spent a few days in the capital Quito at an altitude of 2850 meters, you should be fairly acclimatized and don't have any problems with the trek. But it is important to say that every person responds differently to rapid changes of elevation.
As we had experience with high altitude treks (for example, Annapurna Circuit in Nepal) we already know what to expect.
But that does not mean we do not have to acclimatize every time again. Also, the current state of your body and mind can affect how you will feel.
It is important to take it slowly, sleep every night lower than was the highest point of the trek that day, and rule number one is staying hydrated. That's why we always carry our tried and tested reusable water bottles.
Visiting Quilotoa is a great way to acclimatize as most of the national parks and cities in Ecuador lie at high altitude.
#8 TREK LENGTH, DIFFICULTY AND DIRECTIONS
Hiking the Quilotoa Loop is not somehow difficult, although expect that there are some steeper parts. We found it great that you can adjust your Quilotoa itinerary to your health and form. If you're not sure, it is always wise to take it slowly and rather add one more day than to suffer later.
The length of the trek is about 40 km. It usually takes from 2 to 5 days to finish the trek, but the majority of hikers spend three days on the loop.
We also found this amount of time reasonable - we did not have to rush, but on the other hand, we did not arrive at the hotel too early.
There is also an option to extend the hike and visit other villages in the valley and spend in the area even up to 14 days. This alternative is recommended to more experienced hikers with great orientation skills.
You can finish the trek in two days, but prepare yourself for two longer hiking days.
As the area is pretty unique both naturally and culturally, we think three days are optimal to enjoy it to the fullest.
When it comes to the direction, we would recommend you to start at Sigchos or Isinlivi and climb all the way up to the crater as it feels more rewarding to keep the best for the last.
As this trail is really not crowded, you can also hike from Quilotoa to Sigchos without meeting other hikers in the opposite direction.
This option is also slightly less challenging because Quilotoa village is the highest point of the trek, and you will slowly descend to Chugchilan and then to Sigchos.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
#9 QUILOTOA CRATER
The hike's highlight and the reason number one why to actually put the Quilotoa Loop on the itinerary is the Quilotoa Crater itself.
Most people come just for a day, as there is a road connecting the village with Latacunga. But why make it so easy, right?
If you do the hike in the same direction as we did, you will see Quilotoa Lake on the last day. You will actually hike around the ridge's edge for a while, so you'll get many photo opportunities.
The weather in the mountains in Ecuador change quite often, and the game of shadow and light on the water surface is pretty awesome.
You can even encircle the whole lake if you want, but we explored only its right side.
In Quilotoa village is a viewing platform where both, day-trippers, and trampers meet. Another alternative is to walk the path down to the lagoon's shore, but we think the view from above is much more rewarding.
READ MORE:
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Laguna Cuicocha Hike near Otavalo, Ecuador
#10 YOU DON'T NEED A GUIDE
The only guide and instructions you need for hiking Quilotoa Loop are in digital form. The trail is well-maintained. Also, hostels, in order to ensure their guests will find their way, made great signs along the way.
On top of that, you will receive a basic paper map and hiking instructions in every accommodation along the trail, even in Latacunga.
Well, that's being said, that does not mean you won't get a bit lost from time to time. There were a few points along the way where we were not exactly sure if we follow the official trail, but in the end, we always came to a sign, or we met a local who reconfirmed with us the direction.
We always hike with a fully charged phone with a Maps.me app that is a great off-line tool for hiking.
Of course, it is possible to hire a guide and even sleep in private lodges if you do not feel comfortable wandering in the Andes mountains on your own.
However, if you prefer traveling on a budget, Quilotoa Loop is the perfect thing to do in Ecuador.
#11 LEAVE YOUR STUFF IN LATACUNGA
One of the biggest obstacles why travelers do not want to trek Quilotoa Loop are their heavy backpacks. We feel you.
We were on the road for more than a year, and we certainly did not want to carry everything on our back for the next 40 kilometers. Luckily, there's an easy solution.
You can leave stuff you do not need for the next two, three, or four days in Latacunga.
Almost every hostel or hotel in the town offers a very cheap service, which means they will store your backpack during the time you'll be away.
We spent the night in the most popular hostel in the town, Hostal Cafe Tiana, and they charged us only $1 per day.
They store backpacks in the basement - it is locked, but all guests have access there. Then, there are a few lockers, where you can keep your valuables, for example, notebooks.
You must have your lock - they sell overpriced locks at the front desk, so we went out and bought one in a shop just a few steps away from the main square.
And by the way, there are a few more things to do in Latacunga, which you can do after the trek.
#12 CLOSE PROXIMITY TO QUITO
Latacunga is a short ride from Quito, and it takes about 2 hours to get there. Mind you, this is only true if you're arriving from the Quitumbe south bus terminal, but if you travel from the north terminal in Quito, add at least one extra hour.
It takes another 2 hours by bus to get to the starting point of the trek. The travel time is about the same if you go to Sigchos or Quilotoa village.
You will even find many tour operators in Quito who offers Quilotoa Lagoon Day Tour from Quito if you don't want to travel on your own or if you simply did not find on your packed itinerary time for a multi-day hike.
Yes, Quilotoa Loop is not that easily accessible from Quito, such as Mindo, but it is still reasonably close.
#13 EXPLORE ECUADOR'S COUNTRYSIDE AND GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Even though this is one of the most popular places in Ecuador, we hiked most of the time alone.
Basically, we met people only in the hostel and then around the Quilotoa Lake Crater on the last day.
We have to add that we hiked during shoulder season and always started quite early after breakfast. You will likely meet and see more people during the high season, but we would not be worried about over-tourism here just yet.
This trek still offers the almost deserted feel when we compare it to our trekking adventure around Annapurnas in Nepal.
It's a great way to explore the Ecuadorian countryside and meet people in the villages, where the traditional way of life remains.
#14 CASH
One of the things to know before visiting Ecuador is that cash is king. You will hardly find a place in this country where this saying is truer.
Do not expect to find an ATM on Quilotoa Loop, and although we always say that you should carry only a reasonable amount for safety reasons, it is actually better to carry more here, just in case.
Remember to have smaller bills; you won't be very successful with a 50 dollar bill.
#15 YOU WILL BE ASKED FOR FOOD AND MONEY
Had we said that people on Quilotoa Loop still live their traditional life? Most of them do, but some already adapted to tourists' presence, especially children who try to ask for food or money.
You can do in this situation whatever you think is best, but we don't encourage this behavior.
Even though it might sound cruel not to give poor people money or sweets, the last thing you probably want cause is to let them get used to the fact that they will always get something from foreigners.
Also, think twice about whether it is worth taking a photo of a local who is willing to pose in exchange for a few dollars.
#16 WEATHER IS CHANGEABLE
It probably does not come as a surprise, but we feel it is important to say that the weather high in the Andes, and especially on the Quilotoa Loop, is very changeable.
And you should be well-prepared if you want to enjoy your time on the road.
In general, the best time to hike Quilotoa Loop is from June to September, which is considered the dry season, but it can really rain any time of the year.
Clouds usually start to build up in the afternoon, so it is a good idea to start your day as early as possible. We lucked out the weather, and it did not rain even once, but it was probably just a coincidence.
Temperatures at higher altitudes are pleasant - it can be scorching hot when the sun shines, but also very cold, especially in the evening.
If there are a few essentials you should unconditionally have in your backpack, it is a sunscreen with high SPF, a rain jacket, and a few layers to help you deal with the constant changes.
If you have bad knees, consider packing trekking poles.
We used them regularly on our multi-day treks in South-America, for example, on Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or when hiking in Los Nevados National Park.
These sticks are also very useful for protection if a bunch of strayed dogs follows you.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
