Hike through unique Andean landscapes and small indigenous villages. Routes: Insilivi – Chugchilán, Chugchilan – Quilotoa, Quilotoa crater descent, Toachi River canyon, Insilivi, Tigua community known for bright paintings of Andean life, Zumbahua Indian Market.

This tour offers day trips ranging from 1 to 6 days in the Andes. The hikes vary from 4 to 6 hours per day, and you can choose from easy to challenging hikes or opt for a relaxing day in the comfortable and cozy mountain lodges.

Quilotoa Loop Routes

QUILOTOA - CHUGCHILAN

Start at the top of the Quilotoa Crater by the crater edge & down to the Toachi River Valley, then climb up to Chugchilan. 6 – 7 Hours Hike

QUILOTOA LAGOON TREK

LAGOON TREK & TIGUA

Hike down to the shore of the lagoon & Kayak around, Horse Back Ride Back to the edge, and visit The Tigua Village.

CHUGCHILAN - INSILIVI

Start in Chugchilan, down the road into the valley of the Toachi River. Walk along the river, cross to the other side of the valley and end up climbing up to the village of Insilivi.

QUITO - INSILIVI

INSILIVI ACLIMATIZATION TREK

Drive from Quito and start with a short thek of 3 km. to Insilivi

Quilotoa Lagoon descent Trek & Kayak

Hike down for about 40 minutes to the shore, kayak in the amazing waters of this lake, and horseback ride back to the top!

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DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION	Quito, pick up from your hotel at 8:30 am/ Quito around 6:30 pm
DURATION	Our trips range from one-day excursions to two to four-day adventures.
COST	The cost per person per day for groups of 4 or more starts at $80. For a group of three, the cost is $100 USD pp; for two people, it is $120 USD; and for one person, it is $220 USD. Please note that additional accommodation costs may apply.
INCLUDED	Private transportation English Speaking guide for the whole program Box Lunch Entrance fees
NOT INCLUDED	Accommodations for extended hiking trips Activities not mentioned Personal expenses, Extra nights Drinks, tips Optional Drop off at Baños de Agua Santa, Riobamba or Latacunga

Quilotoa

📍 3789m / 12431feet

Chugchilan

📍3190m / 10466feet

Insilivi

📍2774m / 9101feet

At Barefoot Expeditions, we believe in the power of responsible travel. We partner with local communities, support conservation initiatives, and prioritize eco-friendly practices to ensure that our trips benefit both the destinations and the people who call them home. Traveling in small groups fosters intimate encounters, genuine connections, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Find the schedule for the local markets below.

Saquisilí Market – Thursday

Saquisilí is a charming town located only 20 minutes away from Latacunga. The bustling Saquisilí market is renowned for being one of the most significant markets in the province of Cotopaxi. The streets are filled with vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere that brings the entire community together. If you’re an early riser, you can even purchase a Llama at 6 a.m. in the animal section.

Zumbahua Market – Saturday

Zumbahua, a charming village nestled amongst rocky peaks, can be reached within 90 minutes from Chugchilan. Every Saturday morning, the vibrant Zumbahua Market takes place, showcasing an array of indigenous and colorful goods. Visitors can also find many llamas for sale at the market. The fair typically wraps up around 1-2 p.m.

Chugchilán Market – Sunday

How about taking a stroll through the quaint Sunday Market in Chugchilán after enjoying a scrumptious breakfast? Although the town itself is small, on Sundays, it sees an increase of around 100 people who gather to socialize.

Guantualo Morning Market – Monday

One can opt to hike or ride horses across the canyon from Chugchilan to reach a quaint, rural community market, which remains largely untouched by tourism. It offers a glimpse into the traditional trading practices that have existed for centuries. The journey takes about three hours each way.

Latacunga Market – Tuesday

Latacunga is the biggest town in the Quilotoa Loop alongside the Panamerican highway.

4-Days/3-Nights Uphill Quilotoa Loop Guided Trek

LATACUNGA WEATHER

If you’re seeking a captivating experience in the Ecuadorian Andes, we highly recommend visiting the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon. You can opt for a day trip or explore the area over several days, including Quilotoa, Chugchilan, and Insilivi. If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can choose between the 4-day uphill itinerary from Sigchos to Quilotoa or the downhill itinerary from Quilotoa to Sigchos. Additionally, you can embark on a spectacular trek through the Cloud Forest, which includes visits to Chocho (Andean bean) and cheese factories at Chugchilan.

Day 1: QUITO-INSILIVI

We start our journey in the morning, taking the Panamericana highway that runs through the avenue of the volcanoes. If the day is clear, we witness the breathtaking view of the Cotopaxi Volcano. After a drive of about 2 hours, we reach the Guingopana Pass, which offers incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and the valley of the Toachi River. We trek for around 2 hours, covering a distance of 3 km, to reach the village of Isinlivi and get acclimatized. Meals: Lunch and dinner. Hotel: Llullu Llama.

Day 2: TREK INSILIVI TO CHUGCHILAN

We gear up for another day of trekking after having our breakfast. This day offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the daily lives of the local people while traversing through the breathtaking Andean landscapes. The trek is relatively easy, involving ascending and descending, walking along hamlets and cultivated valleys all along the Toachi River. After descending to the canyon, we climb for a minimum of 5 hours and a maximum of 6 hours, covering about eleven kilometers until we reach the charming town of Chugchilan (3200). This small town boasts a mix of mestizo and indigenous populations and is becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists. Meas: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and dinner. Hotel: Mama Hilda or similar.

Day 3: TREK CHUGCHILAN TO QUILOTOA

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, we embark on our hike to the Quilotoa Loop. Our journey begins by descending to the Toachi River, which we follow upstream. We gradually ascend the canyon and cross the Rio Sigui Canyon to reach Guayama town, where we can take a moment to rest. We continue our hike, passing through Andean crops and local homes for approximately eleven kilometers. Upon reaching the top of the Quilotoa Loop (3800 mosl), we are rewarded with the breathtaking sight of a volcanic crater home to a stunning emerald lake. This is the perfect opportunity to capture some unforgettable pictures. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, and Dinner Hotel: Chukirawa Hostel.

Day 4: QUILOTOA LAGOON TREK AND TIGUA ART WORKSHOP

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, you can head to the crater and hike down to the lake’s edge for a kayaking adventure. To return, you have the option to rent horses or take a steep walk back. Later, enjoy a traditional lunch in the highlands before visiting the Tigua community, famous for its vibrant paintings depicting Andean culture. Your day will conclude with a drop-off in Quito. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. End of our services