The Quilotoa Loop

Whoever first came up with the idea of this Loop is a genius in marketing. It really is a great way to see some very rural, and incredibly beautiful, Ecuadoran landscape.

The Southern Part of the Loop

The Loop covers the area southwest of Quito, still in the highlands. The single natural highlight is Quilotoa Lake, a volcanic crater nearly 400 meters deep filled in at the bottom with a lake that, when the sun shines, looks green. A spectacular view from above (a 6-hour hike will take you around the top) or at lakeside (an hour either by foot or donkey will take you down).

Quilotoa Lake

The first stop on the clockwise journey, however, is Tigua, a little village with some amazing artisans who in some cases create their next masterpiece in the store while customers shop. Next is Quilotoa, a tiny little town with little to offer beyond the lake and the view (you can see Cotopaxi and both Iliniza peaks). Only about 150 people live there, and all seem to be in the tourism industry. The women wear traditional clothing, high heels and hats that look like fedoras.

Another spectacular view

A good hike or bumpy car ride down the road brings up Chugchilan, a cute little village and gateway for hikes to several other rural villages. Breathtaking scenery once again.

Chungchilan

The top part of the loop rivals the bottom in scenery, but there really aren't towns worth stopping at. The entire loop can be seen efficiently in two days or in a nice, relaxed week.

Northern Loop

A couple of quick lessons learned, however. Transportation can be a bit tricky and limiting to what you can see. It is possible to walk between some of the villages, or ride horses, but obviously plan ahead and bring only the basic necessities, which should include warm weather gear for nights. Or go the other way and rent a car. Then you can bring as much as you want and spend time wherever you please.

The Iliniza peaks are visible (clouds permitting) from the northern part of the loop