Representative view of Quilotoa, Ecuador
Lake
🇪🇨 Ecuador · South America

Quilotoa

Turquoise crater lake and the multi-day Quilotoa Loop village walk.

Budget level
Very affordable
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Ideal stay
1–3 days
Best for
Nature, Adventure, Backpacking

Overview

Turquoise crater lake and the multi-day Quilotoa Loop village walk. It is one of the places we suggest when planning a trip to Ecuador.

Plan & book

Stays, activities and transport for Quilotoa will be bookable here soon.

Where to stayComing soon

Curated stays by area and budget will appear here once hotel partners are connected.

Tours & activitiesComing soon

Bookable experiences will appear here once activity partners are connected.

Car rentalComing soon

Rental pickup options will appear here once car partners are connected.

Why go to Quilotoa

  • A representative lake stop on most Ecuador itineraries
  • Fits the wider South America travel style

Budget

Quilotoa is very affordable by Ecuador standards. Across Ecuador, mid-range travellers typically spend about $65–$110 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Ecuador budget breakdown.

Practical information

Language
Spanish, with Kichwa widely spoken in highland communities; English is limited outside tourism
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Power
Type A/B, 110–120V
Entry
Entry rules depend on nationality — verify current official requirements before booking. Galápagos visitors pay a national park entry fee and a transit control card.

When to go to Quilotoa

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 1–3 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

  • Long-distance buses are cheap, frequent and reach almost everywhere on the mainland
  • Domestic flights link Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and the Galápagos

Suggested itineraries

Quilotoa fits into a wider trip around Ecuador. See Ecuador itineraries.

Ecuador guides