"A crater lagoon with turquoise water in the volcano named Quilotoa is one of the postcards of Ecuador."
Product of the collapse of Quilotoa
volcano, about 800 years ago, a caldera was formed with a perimeter of about 9
km and 250m of depth, within which is formed a lagoon with turquoise colored
water when struck by sunlight..
To begin our adventure we head south of
Quito looking for the Panamerican highway on the so called "Avenue of the
Volcanoes", the name given by the famous explorer Alexander von Humboldt, as
from Quito to Riobamba volcanoes can be seen on both sides of the road:
Pasochoa, Corazon, Illinizas, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui, etc.
Arriving at Latacunga you should leave
the Panamerican Highway and drive westwards into the Zumbahua region. From the
town of Zumbahua it takes around another 10 km to reach Quilotoa. The entry has
the value of 1 USD for Ecuadorians and 2 USD for foreigners.
"Visit the Quilotoa is an awesome experience around 3800 meters above sea level"
This lake is considered one of the most
beautiful volcanic lakes in the Ecuadorian Andes. From the crater edge and on a
clear day you can see the different snow-capped volcanoes.
For those who like sports activities
like Trekking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Camping, kayaks and boats can be
rented. The way up from the lagoon to the crater edge can be done by foot (1.5
hours) or by mule (45 minutes) for 8 USD.
