Quilotoa Loop
Cotopaxi
Quilotoa Loop is a renowned tourist attraction centered around the Quilotoa crater lake, a 3-kilometre-wide caldera formed by a massive volcanic eruption approximately 800 years ago. This eruption, one of the largest in the region's history, created a deep crater now filled with a striking greenish lake due to mineral dissolution. The caldera rim reaches elevations up to nearly 3,915 meters, featuring rugged terrain and lava domes. Visitors can explore the area starting from the village of Quilotoa, often accessed from nearby towns such as Zumbahua or Latacunga. The loop offers a challenging 10-kilometre hike around the caldera rim, known for its sandy and steep paths, providing spectacular panoramic views. Hiking down to the crater lake takes about half an hour, with the return ascent being more demanding due to the 280-meter elevation gain. Basic lodging and camping are available near the crater, though potable water is limited. The lake itself is notable for fumaroles on its floor and hot springs on the volcano's eastern flank. Quilotoa Loop also serves as a gateway to the multi-day Quilotoa Traverse, connecting several Andean villages and offering an immersive cultural and natural experience.
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Tip: The best time to visit Quilotoa Loop is during clear weather for optimal views, as fog can make hiking difficult. Visitors should prepare for a steep and sandy 10-kilometre hike around the caldera rim, and consider hiring local guides or mules for assistance. Entry to the crater requires a small fee, and purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Basic hostels are available near the crater, but camping is also permitted; however, bring sufficient water as potable sources are scarce. Start early to allow enough time for the hike and to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Interesting facts
- •The 1280 eruption of Quilotoa was a VEI-6 event, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the northern Andes in the last millennium.
- •Fumaroles exist on the lake floor, indicating ongoing volcanic activity beneath the water.
- •The caldera rim reaches elevations up to 3,915 meters at lava domes, making the hike around it physically demanding.
- •Quilotoa Loop is a popular starting point for the multi-day Quilotoa Traverse, connecting remote Andean villages.
- •Travertine deposits along the lake shore reach up to 10 meters above the current water level, evidencing historic lake level changes.
History
Quilotoa's caldera was formed by a catastrophic VEI-6 eruption around 1280 AD after a dormancy period of approximately 14,000 years.
This Plinian eruption produced pyroclastic flows and lahars that extended to the Pacific Ocean and deposited volcanic ash across the northern Andes.
The eruption included a phreatomagmatic phase, indicating the presence of a crater lake even during the eruption.
Since then, the caldera has filled with water forming the current 250-meter-deep lake.
Over the centuries, travertine deposits have formed along the lake shore, and local records note a gradual decline in lake water level over the past decade.
Place Guide
Caldera Rim Hike
A challenging 10-kilometre hike around the irregular caldera rim, featuring steep and sandy paths with panoramic views of the crater lake and surrounding Andes.
Crater LakeCirca 1280 AD
A 250-meter-deep greenish lake formed in the volcanic caldera, with fumaroles on the lake floor and mineral-rich waters giving it its distinctive color.
Village of Quilotoa
A small village located at the caldera summit, serving as the main access point for visitors and offering basic hostels, guides, and mule services.
