Quilotoa Lake Private Sightseeing Tour

The Quilotoa Lake Private Sightseeing Tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Ecuador’s Andes. This comprehensive excursion whisks guests from Quito on an 8-hour journey to the breathtaking volcanic crater lake, showcasing the region’s picturesque landscapes and vibrant local culture along the way. Whether hiking down to the turquoise waters’ edge or admiring the panoramic vistas, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, the Quilotoa Lake adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this extraordinary journey.

Key Points

• This private 8-hour tour from Quito takes visitors to the stunning Quilotoa Lake, featuring a 3-hour scenic drive and a stop at a local market.
• The tour includes a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the turquoise waters of the volcanic crater lake, with options for a downhill hike to the lake’s edge.
• Mule rental is available for the uphill return journey, providing a comfortable and efficient option for the ascent.
• The tour is led by a bilingual guide and includes purified water and entrance fees, with additional costs for hotel pickup outside Quito.
• Guests have praised the tour for the stunning natural beauty of Quilotoa Lake, the knowledgeable guide, and the enjoyable hiking experience with the mule rental option.

Tour Overview

This private 8-hour tour from Quito offers an opportunity for active travelers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the captivating Quilotoa Lake.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels in the city, and it begins at 8:30 am.

After a 3-hour drive with a stop at a local market, guests will reach the first viewpoint, which provides panoramic vistas of the turquoise lake and the surrounding crater.

Visitors can then hike downhill to the lake, with an option to rent a mule for the uphill return journey.

The tour concludes with drop-off at the hotels in Quito.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a 3-hour drive from Quito to the Quilotoa Lake. Along the way, there’s a stop at a traditional fruit and vegetable market, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture. Upon arrival, the first viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the turquoise lake and the surrounding crater. Guests can then embark on a downhill hike to the lake’s edge. For the return journey, an optional mule rental is available to ease the uphill climb.

Highlights	Details
Scenic Drive	3 hours from Quito
Market Stop	Traditional fruit and vegetable market
Viewpoint	Panoramic views of Quilotoa Lake
Hiking	Downhill to the lake, optional mule for return

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a professional bilingual guide, a bottle of purified water, and the current free entrance fee for Quilotoa Lake.

Guests can also opt to rent a mule for the uphill return journey. However, the cost of food, drinks, tips, and personal expenses aren’t covered.

Plus, there’s an extra charge for hotel pickup outside of Quito, ranging from $30 to $70 depending on the location.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible, and infant seats are available for infants who must sit on laps.

Additional Tour Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the Quilotoa Lake tour. The tour is operated in all weather conditions, so visitors should dress appropriately for the hike and weather.

Valid passports are required on the travel day. Infant seats are available, but infants must sit on laps. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.

Additional tips for the tour include:

1. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and layers for changing weather.
2. Carry your own snacks and drinks, as only a bottle of purified water is included.
3. Be prepared for the 3-hour drive from Quito to the lake.
4. Enjoy the scenic stops and market visit along the way.

Scenic Drive and Stops

Departing from the bustling city of Quito, the 3-hour drive to Quilotoa Lake takes travelers on a scenic journey through the Andean countryside.

Along the way, the tour makes a stop at a traditional local market, where visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and browse the colorful displays of fresh produce. This market visit offers a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the region.

The winding road leading to the lake provides breathtaking vistas of the rugged mountain landscape, setting the stage for the impressive natural wonder that awaits at the final destination.

Panoramic Lake Viewpoint

Upon reaching the first viewpoint, visitors are treated to a panoramic vista of the stunning Quilotoa Lake. The turquoise waters of the volcanic crater lake stretch out before them, surrounded by the rugged, verdant slopes of the crater walls.

Four key highlights of this viewpoint include:

1. The captivating color of the lake, which ranges from deep blue to vibrant green depending on the weather and lighting.
2. The dramatic, almost lunar-like landscape of the crater, with its steep, rocky sides.
3. The opportunity to snap incredible photos from this elevated vantage point.
4. A sense of awe and wonder at the sheer scale and natural beauty of this unique geological formation.

Hiking and Mule Rental

After taking in the stunning panoramic views from the first viewpoint, visitors can embark on the downhill hike to the shimmering waters of Quilotoa Lake.

The moderately challenging descent offers breathtaking vistas of the vibrant turquoise lake cradled within the volcanic crater.

For those seeking a less strenuous return, mule rentals are available to assist with the uphill climb. The mules provide a comfortable and efficient way to ascend the trail, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the serene natural surroundings.

Whether hiking or riding, visitors are sure to be captivated by the stunning beauty of Quilotoa Lake.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Travelers who embark on the Quilotoa Lake tour have consistently praised the experience, with the tour receiving an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews.

The positive feedback highlights several key aspects of the tour:

1. The stunning beauty of the turquoise Quilotoa Lake and the surrounding crater.
2. The knowledgeable and engaging guide, who provides valuable insights throughout the journey.
3. The enjoyable hiking experience, with the option to rent a mule for the uphill return.
4. The scenic drive from Quito, which includes a stop at a traditional market, adding to the culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. It is a private tour, so the group size is flexible and can be customized to the traveler’s preference, typically ranging from solo travelers to small groups.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Hiking Portion?

The tour does not have any age restrictions for the hiking portion. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infant seats are available for those who need them.

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks on the tour. The tour does not provide meals, so bringing your own provisions is recommended to enjoy during the hike and stops along the way.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can discuss options with the tour provider to customize the duration and activities according to their preferences and interests.

How Reliable Is the Mule Rental Service for the Return Journey?

The mule rental service for the return journey is considered reliable. Reviewers have noted the availability and ease of renting mules, which helps with the uphill hike back to the starting point.

Recap

The Quilotoa Lake Private Sightseeing Tour provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Guests can embark on an 8-hour journey from Quito, enjoying a scenic drive, a local market visit, and stunning views of the turquoise volcanic crater lake. With the option to hike down to the lake’s edge or utilize mule rentals, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the Andean countryside.