Guided Quilotoa Lake Crater Hike and Camp
Great views from above the crater looking down
Panoramic views of surrounding mountains and local villages
Camping in the community of Shalala.
Lunch or Dinner in Quilotoa
Chance to hike into the crater on our second day
English speaking professionally guided trip
The Quilotoa Crater is about a 2 hour drive from Quito and well worth the trip. On sunny days the turquoise waters offer stunning photo opportunities and on cooler wetter days the hike around the rim offers a rewarding challenge.
At approximately 12,000ft (3900m) and 11km long the hike around the rim is an excellent option for acclimatization. Lasting between 5-7 hours, depending upon the speed of the group, the hike will start and end at the indigenous community of Shalala. The back side of the crater offers panoramic mountain views. In the last hour of the hike we stop in the town of Quilotoa to eat before hiking the last 45 minutes to the camp at Shalala. The following morning we have the option to hike down into the crater before heading back to Quito.
Prices listed are per person for a single adventurer. Groups of 2 or more are automatically discounted appropriately when added to the cart.
Activity Level
This trip is rated as moderate for activity level. The altitude will be mostly above 12,000ft. The weather in the region can change quickly. This region produces massive amounts of rainfall yearly and guests should have adequate rain gear. There is light scrambling across rim peaks but should not be an issue for active people. Guests will carry a small day-pack which typically weighs 10-15lbs for this trip. Hiking distance is about 7 miles (11km).
Day 1:
- Depart Quito at 6am
- Stop for breakfast close to Machachi
- Arrive Shalala around 9am
- Start hiking by 9:30am
- Stop for tea on backside of crater
- Optional lunch or dinner as we pass through Quilotoa
- Return walking to Shalala to setup camp
Day 2:
- Wake up early and have breakfast at camp
- Store gear for trip back
- Option to hike down into the crater
- Return to Quito
Pick up will be from Quito area or Airport. We will contact guests to make pick up arrangements.
Drop off will be from Quito area or Airport. We will contact guests to make pick up arrangements.
Required Gear List:
3-season water resistant tent (included)
Backpack (20-40L) (included)
Base Layers, fleece or wool hat, hiking pants, hiking boots, hiking socks, insulated waterproof jacket and pants, long sleeve shirts
Headlamp with batteries
Trowel for bathroom, TP, wet wipes, hand cleaner
Sleeping Bag 1°-14° and sleeping pad (air filled) (included)
Mess kit - Spork, bowl, mug
Water bottle
Whistle
Prescription Medications
Recommended Gear List:
Sunhat
Trekking poles
Camera
Electrolytes
Gloves
Casual camp shoes
Sunglasses
Extra clothing (socks, shirts, undies)
All trips include private professional guide service. Groups are not mixed and max guide to guest ratio is 6:1. Groups over 6 will have an additional guide.
Food, water, and coffee included
Trip support provided by tour leader
Lodging or camping as required by trip
- Tent, Sleeping Bag, Airmat, Airpillow, Backpack included in pricing
Entrance fees to all parks and reserves
Transportation to and from the adventure site
Guides will carry camp stoves and gas containers when necessary. Guests are welcome to bring their own
Guides will have water filters to filter water from streams and lagoons
Guides carry first aid kits, emergency locator beacons, two-way radios depending on hike duration
Guides carry sunblock and insect repellent
Never Included:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuity
Cancellations can be made up to 5 days before trip. Cancellations made within 5 days may be charged upto 25% of travel cost, depending upon tour and what arrangments need to be cancelled. We will always try to refund 100% of customer funds on cancelled vacations.