Quilotoa
Cotopaxi
Quilotoa is a remarkable crater lake formed within the caldera of a volcano that erupted catastrophically about 800 years ago. This 3-kilometre-wide caldera contains a deep, greenish lake resulting from dissolved minerals and ongoing fumarolic activity beneath the surface. The volcano's last major eruption, known as the 1280 Plinian eruption, shaped the landscape and deposited volcanic ash across the northern Andes. Visitors are drawn to Quilotoa for its breathtaking views from the caldera rim, which reaches elevations up to 3,915 metres. The area offers a challenging 10-kilometre hike around the crater rim, providing spectacular scenery and a glimpse into the region's volcanic past. The village of Quilotoa nearby serves as a gateway to the famous Quilotoa Loop hiking circuit, making it a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers. Basic lodging and guide services are available, while camping at the crater bottom offers a unique experience despite limited amenities. The lake's water level has been gradually declining in recent years, adding to the dynamic nature of this extraordinary natural feature.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Quilotoa is during the dry season to enjoy clear views and safer hiking conditions. Visitors should prepare for a steep descent into the crater and a strenuous climb back up. It is advisable to purchase entrance tickets on arrival, with modest fees supporting conservation. Hiring a local guide or mule can enhance the experience, especially for the longer hikes around the caldera rim. Camping is allowed at the crater bottom, but visitors must bring their own potable water and gear. Booking accommodations in nearby Quilotoa village ahead of time is recommended during peak seasons.
Datos interesantes
- •The 1280 Plinian eruption of Quilotoa was so powerful that volcanic ash reached the Pacific Ocean and spread across the northern Andes.
- •The caldera lake is about 250 meters deep and has a distinctive green color due to dissolved minerals.
- •Fumaroles exist on the lake floor, indicating ongoing volcanic activity beneath the surface.
- •Camping is permitted at the crater bottom, but there is no natural potable water source there.
- •The lake's water level has been slowly declining over the past decade, according to local observations.
Historia
Quilotoa's caldera formed following a massive VEI-6 eruption approximately 800 years ago, after a dormant period of about 14,000 years.
This eruption produced extensive pyroclastic flows and volcanic ash deposits throughout the northern Andes.
The presence of a crater lake during the eruption is evidenced by a phreatomagmatic eruptive phase.
Over centuries, the caldera accumulated water forming the deep lake seen today.
The surrounding lava domes and irregular crater rim have been shaped by subsequent volcanic activity and erosion.
The site has evolved into a significant natural and cultural landmark in Ecuador's Andes.
Guía del lugar
Crater Rim Hike
A challenging 10-kilometre trek around the irregular caldera rim, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Andes mountains. The trail passes three lava domes and reaches elevations up to 3,915 metres.
Crater Lakecirca 1280
The deep green lake formed inside the caldera, approximately 250 meters deep and located at 3,500 metres above sea level. Its color comes from dissolved minerals, and fumaroles are present on the lake floor.
Quilotoa Village
The small village near the caldera serves as the main access point to the volcano and is a hub for visitors undertaking the Quilotoa Loop trek.