Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa: Hiking and Descent to the Lagoon All Included

The Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa offers an immersive experience for those seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of Ecuador’s Quilotoa Lagoon. This all-inclusive tour provides private transportation, guided hikes, and opportunities to engage with the local indigenous communities, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage. With breathtaking views of the vibrant blue-green lagoon and the Toachi River Canyon, the tour caters to those with moderate physical fitness, while also offering optional horseback riding. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to broaden your cultural horizons, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of Quilotoa.

Key Points

• The Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa offers a guided hike to the Quilotoa Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake near Quito, Ecuador, with an all-inclusive package.
• The tour includes private transportation, professional bilingual guides, lunch, and visits to indigenous markets and local homes for culture.
• The descent to the lagoon takes 40 minutes to an hour, and the return journey can be strenuous, with an optional $10 horseback ride available.
• The tour has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.
• The package is priced from $68.50 per person, with a $4 per person donation to support the local community.

Tour Overview

The Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa offers visitors an opportunity to hike and descend into the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, located near Quito, Ecuador.

This all-inclusive tour provides professional bilingual guides, lunch, and tourist visits for a starting price of $68.50 per person, which varies based on group size. The tour is available on Thursdays and Sundays as a shared group experience, or daily as a private tour.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour begins. The tour highlights include private transportation, hiking, optional horseback riding, and visits to indigenous markets, homes, viewpoints, and the Laguna del Quilotoa itself.

Location and Accessibility

The Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa is located in Quito, Ecuador, the capital city situated in the Andes mountains.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness, as it involves hiking to the lagoon. The descent to the lagoon takes 40 minutes to an hour, and the return journey can be strenuous.

However, the tour offers the option of horseback riding for the return trip at an additional cost of $10.

Visitors should be aware that there are personal expenses not included in the tour price, such as a $4 donation per person for community support.

Despite these challenges, the tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon and gain insights into the local culture.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa can expect an array of captivating activities and sights. The tour includes:

1. Private transport from Quito to the Quilotoa region and back, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano along the way.

2. A guided hike to the stunning Laguna del Quilotoa, a breathtaking volcanic crater lake. The descent takes 40 minutes to an hour, and the return can be strenuous, with an optional horseback ride available for an additional $10.

3. Visits to an indigenous market and a local home, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and traditions of the region.

4. A stop at the Mirador del Quilotoa, a viewpoint that provides panoramic vistas of the Toachi River Canyon.

Tour Experience

Travelers on the Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa consistently praise the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who bring the region’s culture and history to life.

With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars across 11 reviews, the tour experience is highly recommended. Guests highlight the stunning views of the vibrant blue-green Quilotoa lagoon and the challenging yet rewarding hike down to its shores.

The optional horseback ride back up is a convenient alternative for those seeking to conserve energy.

Beyond the lagoon, the tour includes visits to an indigenous market and home, providing valuable cultural insights.

Though a $4 donation per person is required to support the local community, the overall experience is considered excellent value for money.

Pricing and Inclusions

Priced from $68.50 per person, the Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa offers an all-inclusive experience that caters to both shared and private groups.

The tour package includes:

1. Professional bilingual guide to provide in-depth knowledge of the region’s culture and history.
2. Lunch to fuel explorers during their adventure.
3. Private transportation from Quito to Quilotoa and back, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.
4. Admission to all tourist sites and attractions, allowing seamless access to the lagoon, indigenous market, and more.

While personal expenses like the $4 donation per person for community support aren’t covered, the tour’s comprehensive inclusions provide exceptional value for the price.

Meeting Points

Participants of the Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa can select from multiple meeting points in Quito. The tour can start from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the centrally located Old Town, or a hotel in the city.

This flexibility allows guests to choose the most convenient location based on their travel plans. The tour will then transport participants to the Quilotoa region, approximately 3 hours from Quito, where the hiking and cultural activities take place.

At the end of the tour, guests will be returned to their original meeting point in Quito. This convenience ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.

Customer Feedback

Highlighted by overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa has garnered an enthusiastic response from customers.

The tour’s knowledgeable and caring guides, combined with the stunning natural scenery and rich cultural insights, have left a lasting impression on visitors.

Notable customer feedback includes:

1. Praise for the guides’ enthusiasm and expertise in sharing Ecuador’s history and traditions.
2. Awe-inspiring descriptions of the breathtaking Laguna Quilotoa and the Toachi River Canyon.
3. Appreciation for the opportunity to visit local indigenous homes and markets, providing valuable culture.
4. Mentions of hidden fees for community contributions, though customers generally understand and accept these as part of the authentic experience.

Additional Information

The Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa offers a range of meeting points for participants to choose from, with the tour ending back at the selected location.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required to complete the hike. Visitors should be prepared to cover any personal expenses, such as the $4 donation per person for community support.

While the tour price is inclusive of the professional bilingual guide, lunch, and tourist visits, these additional fees aren’t covered.

Participants can expect a challenging descent to the lagoon, taking 40 minutes to an hour, with the return trip potentially being strenuous, though an optional horseback ride is available for $10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Laguna Quilotoa?

The best time to visit Laguna Quilotoa is typically during the dry season from June to September, when the weather’s mild and the lake’s vivid blue color stands out against the surrounding landscape.

Are There Any Safety Concerns for the Hiking Portion of the Tour?

The hiking portion of the tour may present some safety concerns. The descent to the lagoon can be challenging, taking 40 minutes to 1 hour, and the return can be strenuous. Proper hiking gear and moderate fitness are required.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour overview indicates it’s an all-inclusive experience, but personal expenses like additional food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What Should I Bring to Be Prepared for the Weather Conditions?

One should bring warm layers, rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and plenty of water and snacks. The weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers and packing appropriately is crucial for enjoying the hike and descent to the Laguna Quilotoa.

Are There Any Age or Physical Limitations for the Tour Participants?

The tour has moderate physical fitness requirements and is not wheelchair accessible. While there are no specific age limitations, children and older adults may find the hike and descent to the lagoon challenging. Horseback riding is available for the return trip.

Recap

The Cultural Tour Laguna Quilotoa provides an immersive experience, offering scenic hikes, visits to local markets and homes, and breathtaking views of the vibrant Quilotoa Lagoon. With private transportation, professional guides, and lunch included, this all-inclusive adventure is perfect for those seeking cultural insights and moderate physical activity, with optional horseback riding available. Priced at $68.50 per person, this enriching tour is an excellent choice for travelers to Ecuador.