Hiking the Quilotoa Loop: Everything You Need to Know

The Quilotoa Loop is one of Ecuador’s multi-day treks, taking you through Andean villages, valleys, and eventually to the Quilotoa Crater Lake. It takes 3 days to complete, leading you through Isinliví, Chugchilán and Quilotoa where you can stop for the night. It’s often described as a moderate-to-difficult trek, but this is NOT for average fitness levels. There’s a lot of elevation gain and steep climbs. The trip can be done both ways, however, going from Sigchos to Quilotoa is the harder way as it is more elevation gain. We decided to hike the path this direction as it gives you the view of the lake on the last day.

Along the way, you’ll pass through local villages where people might aggressively ask for money or food. While it can feel uncomfortable, we chose not to give anything, as it encourages more persistent behaviour toward future hikers. It’s a personal decision, but something to be aware of. Here’s a full breakdown of how to do the Quilotoa Loop independently, including transport, accommodation, and important tips like avoiding aggressive dogs.

Hike overview:

• Day 1: Sigchos to Isinliví (~12 km, 4.5h)
• Day 2: Isinliví to Chugchilán (~14 km, 5.5h)
• Day 3: Chugchilán to Quiloyoa Crater Lake and Quilotoa Village (~11 km, 4.5-6h)

Getting to Latacunga from Quito

Latacunga is not as polished as Quito, and we noticed a lot more people asking for money, especially around the bus station. 

We stayed at Hostal Rosim, which was basic but cheap, $5 per night per person. It had a big kitchen, a large living area, and offered breakfast (very basic, but still a nice touch). The area around the hostel felt alright, but we still stayed cautious at night. At the hostel we also found QR codes that let us download offline hiking maps for the Quilotoa Loop (highly recommended), along with other useful travel info like bus schedules.

We decided to use Guru Maps to follow offline trail maps. Here is the GPX link for the Quilotoa loop:

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/quilotoa-loop-16621743

Notice: the map of the trail leads to Tigua (4 days instead of 3). We decided to stop in Quilotoa and take a bus back to Latacunga.

Latacunga to Sigchos (Start of the Quilotoa Loop)

We decided to stay one extra night in Sigchos before starting the hike, which turned out to be a great decision. This gave us time to stock up on food and get a good night’s rest. There are plenty of small restaurants and grocery stores in Sigchos, so it’s smart to buy snacks and supplies for the next day.

Day 1: Sigchos to Isinliví

• Distance: ~12 km
• Time: 4.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Most blogs say this is the easiest section of the hike, so we started late in the morning. In hindsight, leaving early would have been smarter to avoid afternoon rain.

The first 5 km were mostly downhill and quite easy, but the last 3-4 km were a brutal uphill climb. The trail is not always well-marked, so watch for painted color markers on trees and rocks, and double-check your offline hiking map (Guru Maps worked great for us).

Where to Stay in Isinliví:

We stayed at Casa Luz del Mar, a small homestay run by a local family, and it was amazing. The owner is super friendly and helpful.

• Cost: $10 per person
• Rooms: Big, comfortable, and clean
• Kitchen: Yes, perfect for making our own cheap meals

If you’re looking for something fancier, there are more expensive lodges in town. There are also only two small grocery stores and only one café (Taxoloma Saloon), which serves food and good coffee.

Day 2: Isinliví to Chugchilán

• Distance: ~14 km
• Time: 5.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

We started at 8 AM, and this was by far the most scenic day of the trek. The first part was mostly flat, making it really enjoyable. However, the last 3 km were very steep and exhausting. Be aware of money requests! While resting, we were approached by a local man who started telling a long story about his wife needing surgery and asking for money. It’s common for hikers to be targeted this way, so just be aware. Aggressive dogs are another issue, bring hiking poles or a stick along the way to shoo them away. 

Where to Stay in Chugchilán:

Chugchilán is bigger than Isinliví, with more restaurants, stores, and accommodation options.

We stayed at Hostal Lagoon, which was $15 per person, more expensive than before, but that’s pretty much the lowest price in this town.

• Includes: Breakfast & dinner
• Amenities: Kitchen, common area with games

Day 3: Chugchilán to Quilotoa Crater

• Distance: ~11 km
• Time: 4.5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Hard

This is often called the hardest day. The altitude gain is brutal, especially the last 3-4 km, which are very steep. We reached the Quilotoa Crater in about 4.5 hours, but we were completely exhausted. The last stretch of the hike was not enjoyable due to locals aggressively asking for money and food. Saying no wasn’t enough, they kept following and insisting. It felt uncomfortable, and while we understand their situation, it set a bad precedent for future hikers.

Our take: We chose not to give anything, as it could lead to safety issues in the future.

Once you reach the lake, it feels like the finish line, but there’s still another 2 km to go, which felt endless. We took 1.5 hours to complete this section, with many breaks. Quilotoa itself felt like a tourist trap, the town is built around tourism, and everyone is trying to sell you something. The atmosphere felt less welcoming compared to the small villages we passed through.

Getting Back: Quilotoa to Latacunga

Nature

Most of the 'wildlife' you will see during the trek are farm animals. Cows, turkeys, llamas, pigs and horses. As this trail is not really known for spotting animals, we didn't expect to see anything. We saw some dead snakes unfortunately, which was extra sad for my herping partner. However, it is still a great hike to do to enjoy the views.

Final Thoughts

Would we recommend the Quilotoa Loop? Yes, but be prepared. It’s challenging, beautiful, and a cool experience, just don’t underestimate the difficulty.