The magic of Quilotoa Lake

The turquise lake inside of a volcano's crater in the Ecuadorian Andes

I was in Ecuador with Fernanda. We mainly stayed in Riobamba, the city where her family lives. From there, we travelled to other cities and parts of the country. We visited Quito, Baños and we also went on a family trip to one of my favourite places in the country.

Fernanda, her sister’s family, and I went to Quilotoa Lake for an overnight trip. On the first day, we visited the lake and kayaked in it, and on the second day, we hiked the loop around the crater.

Quilotoa is a stunning volcanic crater lake in the Andes, renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters and dramatic setting. Formed roughly 800 years ago following a catastrophic volcanic eruption, the caldera spans about 3 kilometres (1.86 miles) in diameter. It is filled with mineral-rich water, which gives the lake its striking colour.

The lake is located in the Cotopaxi Province, approximately 178 kilometres (111 miles) south of Quito. It can be reached by car or bus, making it a popular day trip for travellers.

Quilotoa holds spiritual significance for the indigenous Kichwa people, who believe the lake is sacred. The surrounding region is home to farming communities that maintain traditional lifestyles, and visitors can often purchase handmade crafts, such as textiles and pottery, from local artisans.

We travelled to Quilotoa from Riobamba by car, a journey that took about three hours. Departing in the late morning, we arrived just after lunchtime. A month earlier with Fernanda’s sister, we booked accommodation in the village near the lake, but during the car ride, I realised that I had reserved a hotel with the same name in another part of Ecuador! Fortunately, we could book another place in Quilotoa and cancel the other reservation without fees.

After setting up in the new accommodation, we immediately went to the crater and started the descendant hike to the lake. Exploring the depths of the Quilotoa Crater Lake is a rewarding experience that combines stunning views with a touch of adventure.

The path from the crater rim to the lake’s shore is a steep but manageable trail, offering magnificent views of the vibrant turquoise waters surrounded by rugged cliffs. The descent is about 1.5 kilometres (just under a mile) and it took around 45 minutes considering picture stops and admiring the landscapes. However, the return trip uphill was more challenging, it was a 1-hour hike, considering the altitude (around 3,900 meters or 12,795 feet), for me, it was not as difficult as I thought. For those unable or unwilling to hike back up, mules are available for hire at the lake’s edge.

Once at the bottom of the crater, we decided to enjoy the peaceful waters by renting a kayak. It is possible to rent a kayak near the shoreline, we paid $3 per person for 30 minutes.

Kayaking provides an unparalleled view of the lake and its surroundings. From the water, you can observe the steep walls of the crater up close, notice the geothermal bubbles rising in some parts of the lake, and feel immersed in the tranquillity of the setting. That day it was gloomy and clouds were passing by over the lake, so kayaking in this situation was unique, I was amazed to be there and see the layers of mist rolling across the lake, blending with the turquoise water and creating a mysterious atmosphere. It was a moment of pure awe and connection with the surroundings.

The day after, in the early morning we started the 10-kilometer Quilotoa Rim Trail, a spectacular hike that circles the crater of Quilotoa Lake. This loop is a shorter alternative to the multi-day Quilotoa Loop trek, making it perfect for those with limited time or who want to focus on the beauty of the crater itself.

It took around 4 hours to complete the hike because, at least for me, the altitude and uneven terrain can make it demanding, but in general it’s manageable. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, narrow ridges, and sections with loose volcanic sand. Some areas are exposed to wind, adding to the adventure.

The trail hugs the rim of the Quilotoa crater, providing uninterrupted views of the lake’s vibrant turquoise waters and the dramatic cliffs plunging into its depths. It was a clear day, and we were able to see the surrounding Andean peaks, including the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano.

Hiking the 10-kilometer Quilotoa Rim Trail was a memorable way to experience the raw beauty of Ecuador’s Andes. With every step, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and the rewarding sense of exploring one of nature’s masterpieces. The trail’s remoteness offers a sense of solitude and connection to nature, each moment feels like a step deeper into the heart of the Andes, where the beauty of the landscape leaves a lasting impression.

At the end of the hike, we had a well-deserved lunch and rested before the ride back to Riobamba. I hope the pictures gave you at least a bit of the sense of magic that I’ve got visiting this place, and you can guess why this is one of my favourite places in this beautiful country.

See you soon,

Flavio