Quilotoa is an inactive volcano. It features an awe-inspiring volcanic crater lake. Surrounded by massive sheer cliffs and filled with deep blue and turquoise water. Quilotoa sits in the center of the Quilotoa Loop, about 1,000 ft. (300 meters) down in the middle of a crater ringed with sharp knife edge mountain peaks. The crater is about 2 mi. (3 km.) wide. Indeed, the Quilotoa volcano is one of the most beautiful natural places to visit.
Lake Quilotoa is the centerpiece of the Quilotoa region. It hosts some indigenous communities, who make their living farming on the land. The entrance to the park is $2,00. Unless you hiking into the town through the Quilotoa Loop. In this case, the entrance is free. About clothing, you need to wear warm and waterproof clothing, a jacket, gloves, and a hat. Inside the reserve, there are stores with souvenirs, and some restaurants.
From Quito, take Panamericana Sur highway to Latacunga 2 hours. From there, take a regular bus to Zumbahua $2. This road contains many switchbacks and hairpin curves. Zumbahua is 2 mi. (14 km.) South of Quilotoa. Keep in mind, that to return, buses leave every hour. Last bus leaving between 4:00 to 4:30 pm. The best time to visit is during the morning, in the dry season from May to November.
