Journey report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
Unbiased climbing. No information.
The Quilotoa Loop, climbing to a 3-kilometre (2 mi)-wide volcanic caldera, is essentially the most well-known multi-day hike in Ecuador.
34.8km
2,480m elevation achieve
4 days, 3 nights
It’s important that you just be acclimatized for altitude earlier than climbing with a full pack. I’d been in Ecuador over 2 weeks earlier than beginning, most of that point above 3000m.
In 2026 virtually each hiker I met was utilizing the AllTrails app offline to search out their method. Our back-up was the Maps.me app offline which incorporates extra trails, extra choices.
Regardless of these apps, all of us managed to overlook a number of facet path turn-offs daily. 😀
LOST.
Most hostels price about $20 for a personal room together with a whole breakfast and dinner. Scorching or heat showers. Good wifi. Jacuzzi and sauna further cost. A unbelievable cut price.
Although I carried a tent as emergency back-up, there’s no method I used to be going to make use of it with so many nice, cheap hostels obtainable.
Climate is a big issue. I hiked in early February, probably the greatest months. However had rain virtually each afternoon. The rule right here is to do as a lot climbing as doable early within the day.
Farm canine are inclined to bark at strangers. At instances you should fake to toss something at them to dissuade.
Typical 3-Day Itinerary (Sigchos to Quilotoa)
Most hikers favor this path to avoid wasting the crater lake for the tip and to acclimatize extra progressively.
Sigchos (2850m) to Isinliví (2950m).
Distance: ~9.9 km (6.1 miles)
Time: 4–7 hours
Particulars: That is the best day, involving a descent into the Toachi Canyon after which an ascent to Isinlivi. The path goes by lush farmland and previous small communities.
Isinlivi to Chugchilán (3200m)
Distance: ~11.8 km (7.3 miles)
Time: 4–8 hours
Particulars: A tougher day with two main climbs and a suspension bridge crossing on the backside of the valley. The hike takes you thru extra dramatic canyon landscapes.
Chugchilán to Quilotoa (3800m)
Distance: ~13.2 km (8.2 miles)
Time: 5–9 hours
Particulars: Probably the most difficult day because of the vital elevation achieve at excessive altitude. The path progressively climbs as much as the rim of the Quilotoa crater, providing gorgeous views of the lake on the end.
As soon as at Quilotoa village, most hikers catch a bus again to Latacunga. I stayed in a single day within the village to have the ability to full the extra 10.8km Quilotoa Crater Circuit subsequent morning. Not simple. That’s an additional 795m elevation achieve.
Day 1
I stayed one evening in Latacunga, gateway metropolis to the Quilotoa Loop. Hostal Café Tiana was wonderful. I opted to hold ALL my gear relatively than go away something behind on the hostel.
Subsequent morning caught the bus to Sigchos. And commenced the stroll to Isinliví.
I didn’t get my ft moist.
Canines are all free. These two by no means menacing.
It was a reduction to lastly attain Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge, one of the best hostel on the Loop.
What a facility.
Wonderful dinner and breakfast included.
$5 / particular person for the jacuzzi.
Day 2
I used to be having fun with Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge — so didn’t begin strolling till 11am. Not sensible. It is best to get going as early as doable every day.
As we’d all missed many small path turn-offs the day earlier than, this time I opened the AllTrails app on my Apple Watch. Basically, the inexperienced means you’ll be handing over that path. It did assist. I missed fewer turns. BUT this does kill the watch battery rapidly.
Day 2 was more durable and wetter.
I noticed few hikers every day as we had been all strolling the identical path. BUT was by no means lonely. Home animals are in every single place on this path.
The solar was out for a number of hours. Harmful close to the equator. It’s simple to sunburn. I ought to have covered-up up higher.
Peanut butter for lunch on the bridge.
As is typical of the climate right here, rain started within the early afternoon. My cellphone ran out of juice and wouldn’t be recharged by moveable battery as a result of the cable was moist. My Apple Watch died.
With out digital navigation, I might actually have gotten misplaced.
Even worst, the final a part of day 2 has a number of doable routes. I ended up on one which was gorgeous, however tougher. In some way I nonetheless made it to Chugchilán, a bigger city. We stayed on the Cloud Forest which featured a Sauna.
Day 3
Having realized my lesson, I began early.
As elevation will increase, I had extra cloud.
Hikers debate which is more durable ➙ day 2 or day 3. Each are difficult.
My fingers had been bleeding a minimum of 3 instances. A few of the vegetation is thorny.
There are some astonishing valley vistas this present day.
Vegetation does change with elevation.
Rush hour.
Celebration time when lastly reaching the crater ridge.
From this level, it’s nonetheless about an hour’s stroll to Quiloto village, a 100% vacationer lure.
I used to be joyful we determined to remain at Runa Wasi hostel. Elegant, pleasant lodging.
By the tip of day 3 you’ve gotten to know hikers on the identical schedule. Celebration time.
Nice meals, as properly.
Day 4
Breakfast as fast as doable ➙ then off whereas the climate was good.
The ten.8km Quilotoa Crater Circuit subsequent morning took me 4-5 hours. An additional 795m elevation achieve with MANY photograph & video stops.
After 3 days with a heavy load, I made a decision to chug a litre of water. Then pace hike the Circuit with no day pack.
There are a selection of viewpoints. This one with the glass ground essentially the most spectacular.
I’d determined to show proper from the village as this was thought of the tougher half. And I wished to do it first in case of rain later. There may be some scrambling.
There are some random llamas on the rim. Village kids ask $1 if you wish to take a photograph.
With no day pack, I made good time.
Climate wonderful this morning. Although fairly windy.
Good views of snow-capped volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo.
For me, this was one of the best climbing day.
You possibly can drive or bus as much as Quilotoa village and simply do that Circuit.
I caught the bus again to Latacunga. And related to Quito.
All and all, a terrific climbing journey.
