South America
Quilotoa Loop
Ecuador
Distance
160 km
Duration
2-3 days
Best Season
June to September
The Quilotoa Loop is a high-Andean circuit west of Quito that links market towns, canyon viewpoints, and the brilliant crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa. Expect winding paved and gravel roads, big altitude swings, and stop-start driving through Indigenous communities, farmland, and dramatic volcanic scenery.
Practical notes
Mountain weather changes fast, and unpaved sections can be rough, muddy, or slow after rain. Fuel, food, and services are limited on the loop, so start with a full tank and avoid pushing the route after dark.
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Stops along the route
Departure
Latacunga
Andean base town with plazas, churches, and easy fuel stops before the climb.
City
Saquisilí Market
A lively highland market town with stalls, color, and strong local rhythm on market days.
City
Isinliví
Small canyon village surrounded by steep green slopes and quiet rural tracks.
City
Sigchos
A remote mountain town where the road narrows and the scenery turns rugged and open.
City
Chugchilán
Trail town above deep valleys, with hostels, views, and cold high-altitude air.
Arrival
Laguna Quilotoa
The crater lake fills the final stop with emerald water, sheer walls, and thin mountain air.
Things to Do
Landmark
La Moya Viewpoint
A dramatic overlook with wide canyon views and bright volcanic ridgelines.
market
Saquisilí Thursday Market
Browse one of the highlands' most active markets for produce, textiles, and local trade. It is best in the morning when the stalls are busiest.
hiking
Isinliví canyon walks
Short trails drop from the village into steep valleys with big views and quiet farmland. The walks are a strong way to break up the drive.
viewpoint
Toachi Canyon viewpoints
Pull over for layered cliffs, river bends, and wide Andean panoramas. Light changes quickly, so the scenery often looks different each hour.
nature
Quilotoa crater rim walk
Walk part of the rim for sweeping views over the turquoise lake and volcanic walls. The altitude makes even short sections feel demanding.
landmark
Quilotoa lake viewpoint
Take in the crater lake from the main overlook before descending to the shore. This is the signature photo stop on the loop.
Where to Eat
Ecuadorian market food
Mercado Central de Latacunga
Good place for hornado, soups, and fresh juice before entering the loop. It is a practical stop for an early meal and supplies.
Ecuadorian and Andean
Restaurant El Cráter
A common stop near Quilotoa for lunch with lake views and warm plates. It suits a late arrival after the crater walk.
Local Ecuadorian
Tigua pottery and roadside eateries
Simple roadside kitchens around Tigua often serve trucha, soup, and llapingachos. They are handy on the drive between canyon sections.
Andean home cooking
Chugchilán community restaurants
Small lodges and eateries in Chugchilán usually serve hearty set meals for hikers and drivers. Expect filling, no-frills food at altitude.