Quilotoa Lagoon and Volcanoes Avenue Day Trip with Entrances

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Quito, Ecuador

10 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Roger_W ·

Feb 2026

Due to a scheduling complications I ended up taking a day trip to Baños instead of this one. However, this was not an inconvenience and trip was still fantastic. Irene was a highly knowledgeable, friendly and entertaining guide and made sure the day was memorable and went smoothly. The day was filled with some wonderful sights and experiences. Thank you and highly recommended!.

· william_c ·

Jul 2025

Great experience! Guide was very knowledgeable and gave provided a lot of historical context to sites along the way. Our guide also knew the best vista points for photos and drove us to our destinations safely. 10/10 recommend!

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Overview

Journey to the beautiful Quilotoa volcano, driving through stunning mountain scenery and stopping to visit local Andean communities, during this day trip from Quito. Travel along the spectacular ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ passing beneath its towering peaks, eventually stopping at a village of an indigenous community, to explore a local home and learn about their daily life. Finish your day with a trip to the lagoon inside Quilotoa volcano. This day trip includes a guide, entrance fees, round-trip hotel transport, and lunch.

Take a day trip to Quilotoa Lagoon from Quito
Drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes, passing beneath its towering peaks
Interact with an indigenous community and learn about their way of life
Explore the surreal environment of Quilotoa Lagoon and enjoy a mule-riding adventure
Menu lunch and round-trip hotel transfers included

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Menu lunch (only in private service)
Tigua Painter´s Community
Entrance ticket
Guided activities

Mule ride ($10.00USD, subject to change)
Kayak rental ($3.00USD, subject to change)
Meals
Tips

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Hotel picks up / drops off outside of the city have an extra charge.

Itinerary

Laguna Quilotoa

4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Mira Andes Ecuador (Pass By)

Tigua

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Sara_H

I had the absolute best experience hiking Quilotoa with Pamela as my guide. She is incredibly knowledgeable, so sweet, and extremely attentive throughout the entire hike. From the start, she made everyone feel comfortable and supported, and her passion for what she does really shows. The hike back up is definitely steep and challenging, but Pamela gives the best motivation and encouragement exactly when you need it most. She checked in often, kept the energy positive, and made the whole experience enjoyable and rewarding. She truly is amazing at her job, and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide. I had such a wonderful time and would highly recommend Pamela to anyone visiting Quilotoa!

Reviews

4.9

based on 114 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

It’s a long drive from...

Reilika_M, Mar 2026

It’s a long drive from Quito, but the view at the end is very beautiful. The hike down to the bottom of the crater is easy, but the climb back up is very difficult. It’s worth realistically assessing your physical condition, as the altitude is high and it’s hard to breathe. At the end of the day, we asked the guide to visit a rose farm as well, and he arranged it. Many thanks to her!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you, Reilika, for sharing your experience! 😊 The Quilotoa Lake tour is definitely a journey, and we always aim to make it as rewarding as possible with those incredible views at the end. You’re absolutely right that altitude can make the hike more challenging, and we appreciate you highlighting that for future travelers. We’re also really glad we could help arrange your visit to the rose farm and make your day even more special. We hope to welcome you again for another unique experience in Ecuador! 🇪🇨

Amazing experience MUST DO

Sara_H, Feb 2026

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you so much, Sara! 😊 We’re truly happy to hear you had such a special experience on your Quilotoa Lake tour. Pamela is a wonderful part of our team, and it means a lot to know she made you feel supported and comfortable every step of the way. That hike can definitely be challenging, so it’s great to hear she kept the motivation high and helped turn it into such a rewarding experience for you. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. We’d love to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Ecuador! 🇪🇨

Memorable and great value experience

Roger_W, Feb 2026

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you, Roger, for your kind words! 😊 Even though there was a change of plans, we’re really glad everything worked out and that you had such a fantastic day exploring Baños. It’s great to hear that Irene made the experience smooth, engaging, and memorable throughout. We truly appreciate your flexibility and your recommendation. We hope to have the chance to welcome you again for another amazing experience in Ecuador! 🇪🇨

Great day trip from Quito

Cori_O, Dec 2025

This was a great day trip from Quito and worth doing separately from Cotopaxi if you want to do the hikes. We had an unbelievably sunny day for it being the rainy season, and we were able to see so many beautiful mountain peaks on the drive. Our guide Pamela was so friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. The hike is short but quite steep. Our driver Ivan was also great, and the pick up/drop off from the hotel is a nice touch.

Beautiful lake

Taiyang_L, Dec 2025

Diego drove us to and from the lake, along with a couple stops to visit the local people to see how they lived. The lake was very beautiful and must be hiked quickly before the clouds and rain come in around 2 pm. Recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, rain jacket and water to hike to and from the lake.

The experience at...

Deborah_W, Nov 2025

The experience at Quilotoa Lagoon & Volcanoes Avenue exceeded our expectations. Our guide Javier was so informative about Quito, Ecuador and the sights. We learned so much and also experienced the mule ride back up the mountain from the lagoon.

The incredible Lagoon tour

Shula_r, Jul 2025

Seeing a lagoon that is the result of a volcanic eruption is amazing. The tour guide Joshua is amazing . His knowledge of the area and the culture is extensive , his English is perfect. He has great relationships and he builds immediate rapport with the group.

Great tour!

william_c, Jul 2025

Absolutely beautiful day at Quilotoa Lagoon!!

Emily_E, May 2025

We had a wonderful day with Diego!! The crater and lagoon are beautiful! Even with the clouds moving in, it was amazing to see! The hike down was a bit challenging, but really not too bad. I had a bit of altitude sickness, and I made it with no problems. We DID decide to take the horses back up ($10 apiece), and that was an experience all in its own! :) Diego was an excellent guide, explaining about life and history in Ecuador. We stoped at an artists workshop, and had a delicious lunch. All-in-all a great day, 10/10!

Very Nice trip.

THATYANA_L, Apr 2025

Very Nice trip. Wonderful view of the volcano. Diego showed all his knowledge about the region and was very careful.

Convenient and Fun Quilotoa Trip!

Marc_S, Apr 2025

Great experience to visit Quilotoa from Quito! I did this solo and I was picked up from my hotel in Quito by Erica (guide) and Andreas (Driver) around 7:15 AM. We were driven through the beautiful countryside (~3hr total drive) with two stops: one for breakfast/coffee and one to visit an indigenous home and see some guinea pigs. Then we did the beautiful Quilotoa hike from the top down to the water’s edge and back up. This took us about 2-2.5 hours total. Note that this is not the Loop Hike, which takes much longer. The climb back up was definitely exhausting, even for someone who exercises, but feasible for people of all ages with frequent breaks. After the hike you enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant around 2:30 PM, then most people fell asleep on the long drive back to Quito (~3 hours). While I would’ve loved a bit more time at Quilotoa to explore, this trip is a great way to do Quilotoa conveniently from Quito and allows you to see all of the highlights! Thanks to Erica and Andreas for a great experience.

I was solo traveling and...

Kate_K, Mar 2025

I was solo traveling and wanted to experience Quilotoa Lagoon and Volcanoes Avenue Day Trip safely and with a guide. I got the best guide, Diego! He was incredibly informative. Any questions I had, he could answer and I learned so much about the history of Ecuador and the famous volcanos and lagoons within it. The ride is slightly long, but worth it to see Quilotoa Lagoon! It was one of the most beautiful spots I've ever seen and I achieved my dream of meeting an alpaca. I can't recommend enough!

Wonderful lagoon hike

halise_y, Feb 2025

Diego was a great guide. He paid attention to the quickly changing fog and weather and made sure to take us to the lagoon before the community visit. When we got to the lagoon, we decided to hike down. It was a beautiful view and a lovely hike (down). Coming up was harder because of the altitude and steep terrain. But I dont regret it and it felt like such an accomplishment. The lunch (trout and shrimp) was amazing too.

It's a private tour for...

Felix_W, Jan 2025

It's a private tour for us for a group of 4. Tour guide is good. All arrangement is perfect. Donkey/Horse ride up hill is excellent on the way back and save a lot of energy due to the altitude. Restaurant that arranged for lunch is good. Good food and cheap price. Tour is highly recommeneded

Really enjoyed this tour....

Kitty_J, Jan 2025

Really enjoyed this tour. For starters, the van had such large windows on each side which made for exceptional viewing of the landscape. Our tour guide and driver were both attentive and fairly organized, with the guide giving the tour in both Spanish and English. He also helped me work on my Spanish (much needed for this American!) in an approachable way. The sights were breathtaking and the hike back up from Quilotoa crater lake also took my breath away - literally. I had debated taking a full day out of my time in Quito to do this tour, but I’m so glad I did. It was a great way to see more of the countryside and parts of Cotopaxi province, and I absolutely lucked out with a lovely little group from all over the world.

Great tour, super...

Ian_D, Jan 2025

Great tour, super knowledgeable guide. We got to see many volcanoes along the drive (including a stunning view of Cotopaxi) we stopped at a couple of indigenous locations to meet locals (and Alpacas!!) Then onto the volcano crater itself which was amazing. The hike is challenging but very rewarding! Highly recommend

Fantastic tour of Quilatoa Tijua along with a good hike!

Jeff_P, Dec 2024

The private tour was just my wife and me all day in a nice van with a dedicated driver. After pickup from our hotel we drove down to Tigua and visited an indigenous store where the family does artwork, mostly painting on sheepskins in the traditional Inca way. They were beautiful! We also took a picture with their llama as well. So cute. Then we drove to the Quilatoa volcano and walked down the steep path to the Laguna and we kayaked ($3). It was beautiful and mostly sunny. We then hiked up the steep hill for 1.5hrs stopping often to catch our breath. Our guide advised snacking on chocolate and drinking water as we rested. It was tough but well worth it! Mules are available for those who want to ride back up. We then had a great lunch at the restaurant at the top. We then stopped for a coffee on the way home. What a smooth and wonderful trip. He explained all about the history of Ecuador, the people, the politics, the food and much more! We highly recommend this tour! Juan Pablo was fantastic and made our day special!

Touring Quilotoa

Kenyatta_H, Aug 2024

This was a great tour despite it was windy and sand blowing everywhere ,my guide adrian was great very knowledgeable I recommend this tour

A day in beautiful Quilotoa

Vianka_L, May 2024

Diego was an excellent tour guide; very knowledgeable and made us feel welcomed and comfortable as well as informative and flexible. Quilotoa was an amazing experience and I do recommend hiking boots for the hike. The views are breathtaking.

A hike indeed.

Sunali_S, May 2024

What a hike! The tour was as stated and a great way to see Quilotoa. Definitely a hike, so wear the right shoes. The tour guide WA a informative and very helpful.

Such fun, a must do

David_E, Jan 2024

Seeing Lake Quilotoa, and visiting the indigenous people. The guide Adrien made everything so much more fun

Amazing day trip from Quito!

Rebecca_D, Jan 2024

A great day trip from Quito - picked up and dropped off from the hotel, and transport to Quilotoa was comfortable. Irene was an amazing guide, very friendly, informative and energetic! Quilotoa was beautiful, and we had plenty of time to explore the surrounding area. Lunch was very reasonably priced and it was nice to try the Ecuadorean dish Locro de papa.

Wonderful guide and adventure

Karenna_M, Jan 2024

What a beautiful trip! We really enjoyed our guide, Javier. He was helpful and informative, but also gave us space. He arranged to have the mules take us back up the trail. The lunch spot was delicious and very cool. He also kept us safe and drove well when it started to hail in the mountains and flood on the highway back to Quito. I would highly recommend both the trip and the guide!

Want adventure? Ride with best 🤘

Carlos_C, Nov 2023

Ballo and Diego showed us a real adventure! We had a great time despite how challenging the altitude can be on sea-level people like us. Diego was knew the lay of the land like the palm of his hand and Ballo (our driver) did great in getting us out of a pickle when we got stuck in the sand. I wouldn't change anything, our experience was perfect and we're still telling the story. Gracias Diego y Ballo!

Quilotoa is a must!

Sabrina_M, Aug 2023

I enjoyed the daytrip to Quilotoa a lot! The weather was perfect, the landscape stunning and it was among my favorite days in Ecuador.

An awesome day trip.

kmark_g, Aug 2023

The views, the hike down and boat ride on the lake were awesome. Daniel took the time to give info on the area, he even waited for me as I slowly did the hike up.

Best tour of Quilotoa with the best tour guide Xavier!!!

Toni_J, Jun 2023

So this excursion was the highlight of my trip to Ecuador. Xavier was the best tour guide ever. He supported me in my quest to speak Spanish. He is an excellent conversationalist. I also learned so much about Ecuador throughout the day. Xavier was keen to my needs during the trip; reminding us to hydrate and re-apply sunscreen. Also, when I tried to make the hike out of the volcano he reminded me that I can do hard things and that I was strong and brave for taking on such a challenge; he kept me motivated and assured that I made the most of the trip. His kindness and thoughtfulness left an indelible mark on my trip. In short the trip was a 3.5hour drive via private car to Quilotoa, hiked down the volcano 4/10 in intensity if you work out 5-6 times a week, boat across the lake $5 extra, hike back up the volcano 10/10 in intensity even if you work out 5-6 times a week, lunch (included in the price), 3 hour ride home. EXCELLENT TOUR!!! 10/10!!!! A must do if in Ecuador!

A great day in the mountains of Ecuador

Judith_B, Jun 2023

The whole day was fabulous. The crater lake is wonderful. I also enjoyed the indigenous farm visit too. Carlos was a. Excellent guide.

The tour guide Diego and his driver(sorry I can't remember his name)were great.Had a great day out with them

Chris_C, May 2023

The day was really damp and foggy to start off with but when we got to the lagoon it cleared. The views from the rim are spectacular and down at the lake aswell.

Totally recommend this tour !

HYUNJUNG_L, Apr 2023

My guide was Irene and she was a totally kind and fun person. Alttough, I traveled alone as an asian but I never felt lonely and she took me a lot of pictures. It was a lit bit hard to walk the downhill but it was worth to try because the view was so beautiful. Only thing that bothered me was that I had to take a taxi to go to the meeting point because I am the person who lives in Quito, not a traveller. Anyway, it's just my situation and everything was perfect.