Quilotoa Loop, chugchilan and Isinlivi

 

This cultural tour takes us to one of the most beautiful lagoons in Ecuador and South America, the amazing Laguna Quilotoa, and surrounding villages. On day trips that occur on Thursday’s, we start our day with a visit to the famous local market of Saquisilí. On other days when the market is closed, we visit the first missionary church in Ecuador, located in Pujili, instead. Continuing our trip, we pass through the indigenous villages of the area which provide a fantastic chance to see the TRUE ECUADOR. When we arrive at the spectacular Laguna Quilotoa, we hike down to the Laguna and back up again in a stunning two-hour hike tour. It is possible to hire mules for part of the trek. Paying special attention to the culture and rural life of indigenous Andean people, this trip is a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty of Ecuador in all of its forms.

Ecuador Ecuador Ecuador Ecuador

Travel program

Itinerary:

Day 1: Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) – Quilotoa Shalala (3500 m)

Day 2: Hike from Quilotoa to the Village of Chugchilán

Day 3: Hike from Village of Chucchilan to The Village Isinlivi

Detailed Program


Day 1: Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) – Quilotoa Shalala (3500 m)
We’ll leave from Quito (9,186ft/2.800m) in the morning and will drive the Quilotoa Lagoon; during the tour we will stop at an Indian hut. After we will visit the Tigua community to observe the leather crafts that people make in these place. The tour will take us about 4 hours later, we’ll arrive the viewpoint where you can observe the magnitude of the crater and its lagoon background. We will descend along an irregular road; the walk will take us one hour until arrived bottom of the lagoon, there we will have taken photos and rest. we’ll have a lunch at bottom of the lake. Lodging at Quilotoa shalala (D;B;LB)

Day 2: Hike from Quilotoa to the Village of Chugchilán
Hiking from Laguna Quilotoa to Chugchilán we will have beautiful views of the canyon of Toachi River. First we will walk by the crater edge with impressive views of the lagoon inside, until we descend to the plateau where lies the small indigenous village of Huayama. As we descend the switch back trails down to the Toachi River Gorge, the climate and scenery changes dramatically. Soon we will be surrounded by the canyon walls and hike along the river banks. The hike ranges from 4 to 5 hours and is moderately challenging.
We will be staying at Cloud Forest Hostal It is a basic, but friendly and clean hostel run by José Luis , Chugchilán is a well known destination for hikers. This little town is a typical village of a mountain region in Ecuador. It has a small plaza, a church and a school, and most of the people still use a horse or donkey as transport. Here we will feel like a few hundred years back in history. (B;LB;D)

Day 3: Hike from Village of Chucchilan to The Village Isinlivi
Hike from Chugchilan to Isinlivi. This hike follows the Toachi canyon and you will hike a great part along the river and pass through small highland villages. The hike ranges from 4 to 5 hours and is moderately challenging. After lunch we drive back to the village of El Chaupi (Place of mountaineering) The journey finishes with a coffee before to go back to Quito. (B;LB)

What's Included


Services included in the prices:
  • Entrance fee in quilotoa lake
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • All the food Writing in this program
  • Saquisilí indigenous market (only thursday)
  • Indigenous community family
  • Accommodation in Shalala lodge and Chucchilan Hostal
  • Tigua community painting gallery
  • Bilingual guide

Not included:
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation and meals while in Quito
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch (if option not selected)
  • Gratuities (optional) Tips
  • Mule ride ($10.00usd, subject to change)
  • Kayak rental ($4.00usd, subject to change)
  • Other non-specified expenses
What to bring:
  • Warm clothing (layers)
  • Sun block
  • Sun glasses
  • Gloves
  • Scarf
  • Wool hat
  • Original passport
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Extra snacks and water
  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Camera

Prices & Dates


Dates & Prices: To be determined / Contact us! ✓
Country / Location: Ecuador
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
Legend Booking-information
EZZ - Single room supplement
On this trip, places are still available On this trip, places are still available.
On this trip, only a few places left. On this trip, only a few places left.
This trip is sold out / closed. This trip is sold out / closed.