"Keep me in the Quilotoa Loop" Top 5 Page for this destination Laguna Quilotoa by richiecdisc

Laguna Quilotoa Travel Guide: 62 reviews and 415 photos

local transport still in use - Laguna Quilotoa

The difference between off the beaten path and those more traveled on is only a matter of well…being traveled on. We’ve all seen it before when one of our little secrets becomes run of the mill on the travel wire. Now, these distinctions are of course subjective and one person’s idea of adventure is another’s common fodder. A case in point is Ecuador’s increasingly popular Quilotoa Loop. The massive crater lake Quilotoa has been a place of gathering amongst the indigenous population for generations and one look at the awe striking caldera explains why.

the massive Laguna Quilotoa

It has likewise been popular with the general population of Ecuadorians as a tourist destination though for admittedly shorter duration. But it has only been since the early 90s that it has become a target for gringos seeking adventure en route to the stunning lake created from a volcanic eruption some 800 years ago. Undoubtedly, what these early daring travelers found was that while the lake itself was indeed incredible it was the journey there that was the true find. Passing through relatively unchanged villages on foot, horseback, or via the local bus was not only a life enhancing experience, it was fun. One noteworthy trekking guidebook was published and its info later syndicated by the Lonely Planet and a “new” path was created for the intrepid traveler.

the past and future race, who will win?

A few years later and it’s one of the ‘in” places to travel in Ecuador. Has all this notoriety ruined this rural paradise? So far the answer is no. Will a steady if slow trickle of gringos be its downfall? Not if those passing through remember to respect local customs and the local people, to leave as little of their trace as possible and hence keep off the beaten path just that.

Last visit to Laguna Quilotoa: Sep 2007
Intro Updated Feb 13, 2008
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Reviews (24)

traditionally dressed girl drags pig next to truck - Laguna Quilotoa

customs are changing Local Customs (2)

A lot of travelers get romantic notions about what should remain the same in cultures not their own. I am certainly... more travel advice

D & I with our packs walking to Chugchilán - Laguna Quilotoa

backpacking gets you where the buses... Sports & Outdoors (1)

Backpacking is a great way to see things you would never see otherwise. It's true that taking the local buses lets you... more travel advice

color locals with the zoomie - Laguna Quilotoa

our kind of backpacking What to Pack (1)

The Quilotoa Loop does not lend itself to a roll away suitcase. Local buses can be crammed and your bag is likely to be... more travel advice

their own kind of backpacking Local Customs (2)

One of the more common sights in the Andes, be it Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador is that of mothers carrying their children on... more travel advice

Favorites (5)
See All not letting him eat cake
Nightlife (1)
searching for the perfect beat
Hotels (4)
See All a bit pricey for a hostel
Restaurants (2)
See All better than Germany
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Comments (18)

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willy_wonka Feb 16, 2011 at 8:47 PM

i havent even begun to look at your ecuador pages yet, but perhaps i should, seeing im gonna try and con mr w_w to do ecuador and colombia the next time we visit the oldies in peru! love your work richie!
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MalenaN Oct 1, 2010 at 10:41 PM

The Laguna Quilotoa looks absolutly beautiful! When I go to Ecuador next year it is on my list of places to visit. I will see where I stay, but I defenitly want to do some hiking and visit the market in Zumbahua.
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twd002 Dec 10, 2009 at 1:18 AM

Hotel Revenue Management
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mircaskirca Jul 25, 2009 at 10:46 PM

Lovely village, especially the b&w picture, and this lagoon is breathtaking! Like the Andean way of backpacking :) And markets... love them! Tomates de arbole are delicious fruit as well is yucca bread. Haha, had to laugh about your purchase of bananas :)
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Sharrie May 30, 2009 at 4:18 AM

If you had seen so much without the $$$, what more would you see with them? The moon? ;-) Nonetheless, let's work on the money part of the deal :-) I'd love to see those pix on glossy papers... that's what makes me buy a book!
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Basaic Feb 21, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Great tips and beautiful pictures!
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thelukey Sep 2, 2008 at 2:17 PM

Great page - just the other day I was telling my wife about the time I hiked from Chugchilan to Quilotoa (in December 1998). Now I'll have her look at your page to see what I was talking about!
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kevin24 Aug 16, 2008 at 8:24 AM

dkllllllllllllllllllllll hello hi, ==================== kevin0 http://www.games.com
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GuthrieColin Apr 10, 2008 at 12:14 AM

Excellent work on this page! Laguna Quilotoa looks very interesting and i like your analysis of the local culture.
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Bwana_Brown Mar 12, 2008 at 11:47 AM

Another fantastic chapter in your adventures in Ecuador! It seems you manage to find awe-inspiring scenes at every corner and Laguna Quilotoa is no exception. Yes, it is fun when you meet other travellers and manage to have a little party!