Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito to Quilotoa Lagoon
You'll start early at 8:00 AM and drive through volcanic landscapes heading south from Quito. The route takes you past extinct volcanoes, and if weather cooperates, you'll see the active Cotopaxi Volcano in the distance. Stop first in Tigua community where local painters work in their studios and share their traditional techniques with visitors. From there, head to Zumbahua village, where you might catch the weekly indigenous market if timing aligns. The main event is Quilotoa Lagoon, an impressive crater lake surrounded by steep walls. You can walk around the crater rim for photos, or jump in a kayak or small boat if you want to get on the water. After grabbing lunch in the community, you'll make the drive back to Quito, arriving by evening.
- Start point
- Sher E Punjab, Juan Leon Mera N26-77, Quito, Pichincha 1705, Ecuador (Visa Travel Center Office, 08:00 - 08:15)
- End point
- Sher E Punjab, Juan Leon Mera N26-77, Quito, Pichincha 1705, Ecuador (Visa Travel Center Office, 18:00 - 18:30)
Included Activities
- Visit Tigua community and meet local painters
- Visit Zumbahua village and indigenous market
- View Quilotoa Lagoon crater and scenic photography
- Entrance to Quilotoa Lagoon area
Optional Activities
- Kayak ride on Quilotoa Lagoon
- Boat trip on Quilotoa Lagoon (approximately 40 minutes descent)
- Horse rental at Quilotoa Lagoon ($10 additional)
- Lunch at Quilotoa community
Landmarks Cotopaxi Volcano Tigua Community Zumbahua Village Quilotoa Lagoon 
