POPULAR ROUTES
Discover the best routes to explore the Quilotoa Loop!
A popular way to visit the Quilotoa Loop is on a multi-day village-to-village trekking adventure, but it is also perfectly fine to base yourself in just one village to explore the highlights of the Loop on day hikes and activities from there. Many people say this is the most rewarding, comfortable & relaxing way to visit the Quilotoa Loop!
It is possible to enter or leave the Quilotoa Loop though Isinlivi, Sigchos or Quilotoa…so one of these villages will be your start point, while another village will likely be your end point. It is also possible to start and end in the same village. In between, there is a wide variety of itineraries, activities and hiking trails possible and you can prepare the itinerary that most fits your needs & interests. It will also depend on your physical conditions which itineraries and activities are best.
We have outlined the most popular routes for you here.
MULTI-DAY VILLAGE-TO-VILLAGE TREKKING
One of the most popular village-to-village trekking trails goes from Sigchos to Isinlivi, Isinlivi to Chugchilan and from there to Quilotoa and Zumbahua…the reverse is also possible! If this itinerary were followed, the hike would take approximately four days, though the trip can be as short or as long as any traveler would like.
The village of Isinlivi is located at the lowest altitude and therefore a great start point for those who still need some time to acclimatize. Starting in Isinlivi means that you ascend every day which can be challenging for some, but reaching the Quilotoa Crater at the end of your trip is highly rewarding!
Doing the reverse route, the elevation decreases each day which for some people is less challenging. This does not mean there are no ascends though! If you prefer to organize this way, make sure to have acclimatized before you start the hike – at least 2 nights in Quito or higher elevation is recommended before your Quilotoa Loop adventure. Isinlivi is located at the same altitude as Quito, and therefore a great place to get acclimatized before travelling to the higher attitude villages.
Here we outline the most popular village-to-village trekking itineraries for you!
Day 1: Catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos and hike from Sigchos to Isinlivi for approximately 3 to 4 hours through the lush green mountains and lower altitude part of the Toachi Canyon.
Day 2: Hire a transport to take you to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, hike inside the crater or along the crater rim. Catch the bus back to Latacunga.
Expert Tips!
- Add in one of the local markets – Sunday in Sigchos, and Saturday in Zumbahua.
- Rest for an extra night in Isinlivi for a more relaxing mountain trip.
- Rent a horse inside the Quilotoa Crater to take you back up the rim.
Day 1: Catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos and hike from Sigchos to Isinlivi for approximately 3 to 4 hours through the lush green mountains and lower altitude part of the Toachi Canyon.
Day 2: Hike down into the Toachi Canyon, follow the river, cross the suspension bridge and climb up to Chugchilan (5-6 hours).
Day 3: Dip into the valley and climb back up on the other side. Take the zig-zagging trails up until you reach the Quilotoa Crater lake (5-6 hours). You made it! Catch a bus back to Latacunga, or stay the night and head out early the next day.
Expert Tips!
- The reverse of this route is also possible. This way you would be descending more, so for some people this is easier. You would catch the bus from Sigchos back to Latacunga.
- Visit the Saquisili market on the Thursday & catch the direct bus from there to Isinlivi. If you like to hike this day, ask the bus driver to drop you off at Guingopana Pass, from there it’s a beautiful hike down to Isinlivi, and the bus can bring you luggage to your hostel.
- Visit the Sunday market in Sigchos! Or, if you decide to stay the night in Quilotoa, if the next morning falls on a Saturday, you can visit the market in Zumbahua!
- For a more relaxing experience, build in an extra night in Isinlivi. You can visit the cheese factory, take a horse ride through the mountains or have a relaxing yoga class.
Day 1: Catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos and hike from Sigchos to Isinlivi for approximately 3 to 4 hours through the lush green mountains and lower altitude part of the Toachi Canyon.
Day 2: Hike down through the Toachi Canyon, follow the river, cross the suspension bridge and climb up to Chugchilan (5-6 hours).
Day 3: Dip into the valley and climb back up on the other side. Take the zig-zagging trails up until you reach the Quilotoa Crater lake (5-6 hours). You made it!
Day 4: Hike from Quilotoa to Zumbahua (2 hours) and catch a bus back to Latacunga.
Expert Tips!
- The reverse of this route is also possible. This way you would be descending more, so for some people this is easier. You would catch the bus from Sigchos back to Latacunga.
- Visit the Saquisili market on the Thursday & catch the direct bus from there to Isinlivi. If you like to hike this day, you can hike up the Nahuira Hilltop for some incredible views and a good practice for the following days.
- Visit one of the Markets along the way! Sunday in Sigchos; Saturday in Zumbahua.
- Add in a biking or horseriding trip for extra adventure!
Day 1: Catch a bus from Latacunga to Guingopana and hike down to reach Isinlivi Village (3 hours).
Day 2: Hike down the green valley to Guantualo, and cross the mountain towards the indigenous community Malingua Pamba (4 hours). Overnight with a local family.
Day 3: Hike down the canyon to Tunguiche, then up, passing by the old hacienda Pilapuchin, and then the zig-zagging trail up until you reach the Quilotoa Crater. Hike for about an hour along the crater rim until you reach Quilotoa village (5 hours total hike).
Day 4: Hike down inside Toachi Canyon and a steep climb up to Chugchilan (5-6 hours).
Day 5: Hike through the Toachi Canyon, follow the river, cross the suspension bridge and climb up to Isinlivi (5-6 hours).
Day 6: Hike the easy part of the loop for 3 to 4 hours to reach Sigchos. Catch the bus back to Latacunga.
Expert Tips:
- In Malingua Pamba a homestay with an indigenous family is recommended – the accommodation is very basic, but the family very friendly. It’s a great way to learn about life high up in the Andes. Organize a reservation through Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge in Isinlivi beforehand. They will also help you with the hiking instructions.
- Make sure to visit Guantualo market on a Monday, and Sigchos market on the Sunday.
- Stay an extra night in Isinlivi for a relaxing day after so much hiking! You can also catch a bus directly from Isinlivi back to Latacunga.
VILLAGE MULTI-ACTIVITY TOURS
In order to explore all the wonders of the Quilotoa Loop it is not at all necessary to sleep in a different village every night and carry heavy luggage from one place to another. For a more comfortable experience, base yourself in either Isinlivi or Chugchilan for a couple of nights and explore the Quilotoa Loop from there. In both villages you will find many day hiking routes for all levels, daytrips to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, fun outdoor activities as well as interesting cultural tours. Choose a lodge with Yoga, Jacuzzi & Sauna…and your mountain trip is complete!
The village of Isinlivi is located at similar altitude as Quito and therefore perfect to get used to the altitude! Because of its lower altitude, Isinlivi weather is softer and the village is surrounded by the greenest mountains of the Loop. A perfect spot for a relaxing mountain escape in a friendly village. From Isinlivi you can make a daytrip to the Quilotoa crater.
Chugchilan is located at higher altitude with lower temperatures and often heavy winds. The advantage of Chugchilan is that it is located closer to the Quilotoa Crater and offers an easy access to the cloudforest area.
We have outlined several interesting themed itineraries for you here. Of course you can mix & match these itineraries into a completely customizable trip just for you!
Day 1: Visit the Thursday market in Saquisili and catch the direct bus to Isinlivi. Hike up Nahuira Hilltop for a complete view over Toachi Canyon and the Quilotoa Crater rim in the distance. (hike: 2 hours).
Day 2: Daytrip to the indigenous community of Malingua Pamba, visit a local family and school. Optional hike back to Isinlivi or visit to Don Bosco woodwork shop. (hike: 2 hours).
Day 3: Early morning cow milking. Cheese factory visit. Afternoon Horseback riding.
Day 4: Daytrip to Quilotoa Crater Lake, catch a bus back from Quilotoa to Latacunga.
Day 1: Catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos and hike from Sigchos to Isinlivi for approximately 3 to 4 hours through the lush green mountains and lower altitude part of the Toachi Canyon.
Day 2: Visit the cheese factory & horseback riding tour. Relaxing afternoon.
Day 3: Daytrip to the Quilotoa Crater Lake.
Day 4: Biking from Isinlivi to Sigchos (2-3 hours). Catch the bus from Sigchos back to Latacunga.
Day 1: Catch the bus from Latacunga to Isinlivi. Get off the bus at the Guingopana Pass and hike down to Isinlivi (3 hours).
Day 2: Visit Quilotoa Crater Lake to catch the best views. Afterwards hike from Chugchilan to Isinlivi down through the Toachi Canyon, along the river, crossing the suspension bridge and up to Isinlivi (4-5 hours).
Day 3: Horseback riding in the morning, afternoon bus from Sigchos back to Latacunga.
Day 1: Catch the bus from Latacunga to Quilotoa, enjoy the views and start your hike down the Toachi canyon and up at the other end to reach Chugchilan.
Day 2: Self guided hike or horseback riding tour to the cloudforest.
Day 3: Hike up the mountain behind Chugchilan and hike in a beautiful paramo landscape to reach the cheese factory. (4-5 hours).
Day 4: Catch the bus back to Latacunga.
Day 1: Catch the bus from Latacunga to Quilotoa, enjoy the views and start your hike down the Toachi canyon and up at the other end to reach Chugchilan.
Day 2: Self guided hike to the plateau (4 hours).
Day 3: Self guided hike up to the cheese factory on the mountain behind Chugchilan.
Day 4: Catch the bus back to Latacunga.
Day 1: Catch a bus from latacunga or Saquisili market to Isinlivi. Afternoon gentle hiking & yoga class.
Day 2: Yoga class in the morning. Horseback riding trip. Jacuzzi & sauna session in the afternoon.
Day 3: Wake-up yoga. Hike to Chugchilan.
Day 4: Catch a bus to Quilotoa Crater Lake to hike inside the crater. Catch the bus back to Latacunga.
Day 1: Catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos and hike from Sigchos to Isinlivi for approximately 3 to 4 hours through the lush green mountains and lower altitude part of the Toachi Canyon.
Day 2: Visit the cheese factory & horseback riding tour. Relaxing afternoon.
Day 3: Biking trip from Isinlivi to Chugchilan (4-5 hours). First a part on a high altitude dirt road, and afterwards over a paved road.
Day 4: Self-guided hiking day.
Day 5: Catch a bus to Quilotoa to take the hike inside the crater (2 hours hike) or hike from Chugchilan to Quilotoa (4-5 hours hike). Catch a bus back to Latacunga.
Day 1: Catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos and hike from Sigchos to Isinlivi for approximately 3 to 4 hours through the lush green mountains and lower altitude part of the Toachi Canyon.
Day 2: Hike to the Top of the World! (4-5 hours)
Day 3: Horseback riding to Guantualo market. (3-4 hours)
Day 4: Biking trip from Isinlivi to Chugchilan (3-4 hours). First a part on a high altitude dirt road, and afterwards over a paved road.
Day 5: Cloudforest Hiking day.
Day 6: Catch a bus to Quilotoa to take the hike inside the crater (2 hours hike) or hike from Chugchilan to Quilotoa (4-5 hours hike). Catch a bus back to Latacunga.