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Quilotoa Lagoon & Traditional Painting Lesson

Expedition Overview

The Quilotoa surprises more than one. From the viewpoint, located at 4,000 meters above sea level, you can see the lagoon formed in the crater of a volcano. The water, for minerals, has different shades: green, turquoise, blue. A perfect day tour to enjoy the andean landscapes and traditions.

Itinerary

This full-day tour begins with a visit to a local Paint shop located in Tigua, an indigenous town in the south of the Andes, where you will learn how native people used to create incredible paintings using sheepskin as canvas, you will paint your own Ecuadorian scene painted on stretched sheepskin and conserve it as a souvenir. After that, we will enjoy the drive to Laguna Quilotoa that displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. The tour includes a hike down into the Laguna Quilotoa, a sparkling emerald lake inside the inactive volcano crater. The return hike takes one hour, or there is the option of renting a mule for $12. We will arrive back in Quito in the early evening.

Food & Accommodation

Lunch. 

What to Expect

Accommodation: Hotel - Campside
Location: ecuador highlands
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Activity: Trekking, Climbing
Activity List
1
.- Quilotoa Loop
2
.- Traditional Painting Lesson
Additional options
What is the food like?

On this day of adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such potato soup, corn, fresh vegetables with plenty of local fresh tropical fruits. Lunch usually consists of nice picnic self-service in the mountains and local restaurants that serve traditional soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.

Pre-Post Trip Accommodation

Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night

Transfers

Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person

General Specifications

STARTS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito

8:00 am on Day 1

ENDS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito

18:00 pm on Day 1

What´s Included

✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation

Comfortable land transportation

Activities

Hiking down to Quilotoa Loop

Meals

1 lunch

Gear

Hiking sticks

Guides

Certified & specialized English-speaking adventure leader

Equipment

Hiking sticks

🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Flights

International flights

Accommodation

Single/ Double room pre & post night

Airport transfers

international flights

Insurance

Travel & health insurance (mandatory)

Meals

Not described in the itinerary

Tips

For guides and drivers

What to bring?

What do I need to bring
Sun cream
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
Sun hat or cap
Waterproof sweater and pants
Spare clothing (including socks and shoes)

FAQS

What is the minimum age for this trip?

8 years old as a minimum age.

What is the currency?

US American Dollars

What Travel Insurance do you recommend?

World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000

What vaccinations do I need?

For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.

What’s the weather like?

Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.

Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).

What Do I Do about drinking water?

The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.

How much should I tip?

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service

Expedition Overview

The Quilotoa surprises more than one. From the viewpoint, located at 4,000 meters above sea level, you can see the lagoon formed in the crater of a volcano. The water, for minerals, has different shades: green, turquoise, blue. A perfect day tour to enjoy the andean landscapes and traditions.

Itinerary

This full-day tour begins with a visit to a local Paint shop located in Tigua, an indigenous town in the south of the Andes, where you will learn how native people used to create incredible paintings using sheepskin as canvas, you will paint your own Ecuadorian scene painted on stretched sheepskin and conserve it as a souvenir. After that, we will enjoy the drive to Laguna Quilotoa that displays a beautiful view of the Andean mountains, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. The tour includes a hike down into the Laguna Quilotoa, a sparkling emerald lake inside the inactive volcano crater. The return hike takes one hour, or there is the option of renting a mule for $12. We will arrive back in Quito in the early evening.

Food & Accommodation

Lunch. 

What to Expect
Accommodation: Hotel - Campside
Location: ecuador highlands
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: Passenger’s hotel in Quito
Activity: Trekking, Climbing
Activity List
1
.- Quilotoa Loop
2
.- Traditional Painting Lesson
Additional options
What is the food like?

On this day of adventure, you'll be fueled by delicious local food, such potato soup, corn, fresh vegetables with plenty of local fresh tropical fruits. Lunch usually consists of nice picnic self-service in the mountains and local restaurants that serve traditional soup, main dish and juice, a warm and filling meal after a big day of adventure.

Pre-Post Trip Accommodation

Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night

Transfers

Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person

Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications

General Specifications

STARTS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito

8:00 am on Day 1

ENDS
Passenger’s hotel in Quito

18:00 pm on Day 1

1
day
FROM $130
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation

Comfortable land transportation

Activities

Hiking down to Quilotoa Loop

Meals

1 lunch

Gear

Hiking sticks

Guides

Certified & specialized English-speaking adventure leader

Equipment

Hiking sticks

🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Flights

International flights

Accommodation

Single/ Double room pre & post night

Airport transfers

international flights

Insurance

Travel & health insurance (mandatory)

Meals

Not described in the itinerary

Tips

For guides and drivers

What to bring?

What do I need to bring
Sun cream
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
Sun hat or cap
Waterproof sweater and pants
Spare clothing (including socks and shoes)
FAQS

What is the minimum age for this trip?

8 years old as a minimum age.

What is the currency?

US American Dollars

What Travel Insurance do you recommend?

World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000

What vaccinations do I need?

For Ecuador Highlands, Covid vaccination is required.

What’s the weather like?

Seasons in Ecuador have nothing to do with temperature – instead there is a dry season and a wet season. In Ecuador, the winter season is hot and wet, and the summer is dry and cold. Ecuador’s dry, summer season falls between May and December. January to April is Ecuador’s wet wintertime. There is not much of a transition between the seasons.

Most of Ecuador has mild temperatures year-round. In the highlands of the Andes, the temperatures are usually cooler and depend of the altitude mainly, the higher the colder, The average temperature in Quito is in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (17 – 18 degrees Celsius). But the average temperature by the snow-cover volcanos can be mid-50s Fahrenheit (10 – 13 degrees Celsius).

What Do I Do about drinking water?

The tap water in Ecuador is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two. There will also be water in the transportation.

How much should I tip?

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service