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Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador — Mountain
South America

Quilotoa Loop

Ecuador

In short: Quilotoa Loop is a 160 km mountain road trip in Ecuador, typically driven over 2-3 days, best in June to September. Highlights: Latacunga, Saquisilí Market, Isinliví.

Distance
160 km
Duration
2-3 days
Best Season
June to September
IconicModerateMountain

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

Latacunga — Departure — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
Departure
Latacunga
Andean base town with plazas, churches, and easy fuel stops before the climb.
Hotels
Saquisilí Market — City — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
City
Saquisilí Market
A lively highland market town with stalls, color, and strong local rhythm on market days.
Hotels
Isinliví — City — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
City
Isinliví
Small canyon village surrounded by steep green slopes and quiet rural tracks.
Sigchos — City — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
City
Sigchos
A remote mountain town where the road narrows and the scenery turns rugged and open.
Hotels
Chugchilán — City — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
City
Chugchilán
Trail town above deep valleys, with hostels, views, and cold high-altitude air.
Hotels
Laguna Quilotoa — Arrival — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
Arrival
Laguna Quilotoa
The crater lake fills the final stop with emerald water, sheer walls, and thin mountain air.
Hotels

Things to Do

La Moya Viewpoint — Landmark — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
Landmark
La Moya Viewpoint
A dramatic overlook with wide canyon views and bright volcanic ridgelines.
Saquisilí Thursday Market — market — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.
Isinliví canyon walks — hiking — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.
Toachi Canyon viewpoints — viewpoint — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.
Quilotoa crater rim walk — nature — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.
Quilotoa lake viewpoint — landmark — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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

Mercado Central de Latacunga — Ecuadorian market food — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.
Restaurant El Cráter — Ecuadorian and Andean — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.
Tigua pottery and roadside eateries — Local Ecuadorian — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.
Chugchilán community restaurants — Andean home cooking — Quilotoa Loop — Ecuador
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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Quilotoa Loop drive?

The Quilotoa Loop covers 160 km from start to finish.

How long does the Quilotoa Loop take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2-3 days on the Quilotoa Loop, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Quilotoa Loop?

The recommended season for the Quilotoa Loop is June to September.

Where does the Quilotoa Loop start and end?

The Quilotoa Loop runs from Latacunga to Laguna Quilotoa.

What are the main stops on the Quilotoa Loop?

The Quilotoa Loop passes through Latacunga, Saquisilí Market, Isinliví.

Can I drive the Quilotoa Loop in a regular car?

Yes — the Quilotoa Loop is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Quilotoa Loop safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Quilotoa Loop?

The Quilotoa Loop is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.