We organised at only a weeks notice a customised private tour for 2 people with Fernanda at Southern Paradise Tours. Her flexibility, enthusiasm and advice were outstanding. It was 5 days out of Quito and they dropped us in Banos at the end as we were headed south. Day 1: Cuicocha acclimatisation trek (near Otavalo); day 2 climbed Fuya Fuya... More

This place is a MUST visit. It is absolutely breathtaking. Transportation there is a bit of an adventure because it's in a pretty remote are high in the Andes but it is worth it. Also, the weather can be an issue. I got to the little village of Quilotoa in the afternoon (around 2pm). The village sits literally next to... More

This amazing lake inside a volcanic crater in the middle of the andean pàramo is one of the main attractions of Ecuatorian Andes. You can enjoy this wonderful view simply reaching the panoramic point by car. If you want to reach the lake you have to walk down a steep path and is also possible to take a tour of... More

Liked: The descent into the crater. Disliked: The ascent from the crarter. Some may grumble about the tarriff imposed by the town to enter its domain, but it is a necessary means of revenue. More

Hike down from crater rim is 1 miles with 1,200' descent. Getting back up you have two choices: 1. walk while enjoying the views & stopping to catch your breath 2. via horseback. They charge $8 for a ride up. Don't miss it! here are places to eat, get a drink and bathrooms on top of the rim. Local artisan... More

Arrestingly, indescribably, beautiful, but cold and windy - so dress well. Although there are many informal restaurants just inside the gate to the crater parking area, the selections are limited - you may not be able to get something hot to drink outside of meal times, for example. You can walk, ride or drive to Quilatoa. We caught a ride... More

The Lonely Planet makes it out that it's incredibly hard to get to Quilotoa Lake, however it is not. I found out how to get there from the owner of the Hotel where I stayed in Latacunga, Hotel Central (a great place for the budget traveller in Latacunga). If you ask about getting to Quilotoa in a tour shop, they... More

Beautiful place, impossible to capture on film. There are several comforatable hostels run by Quechua families in the Village of Quilotoa itself. Good rustic food and warm rooms (with stoves and plenty of blankets) are available. Do a hike to get the most out of this site. More

I visited Quilotoa a few weeks ago and wanted to suggest visiting this destination. The tuquoise lake of Quilotoa is unique, you can go from Quito to the Quilotoa in one day, it takes around 4 hours to travel, the road is now very good and there is only a few kms (2 or 3 ) with the dirt old... More