Quilotoa Day Trip from Quito: Lagoon Hike & Tigua Art Stop

Summary

Lagoon hikes, local art stops & canyon views from Quito

You’ll hike down into Quilotoa’s volcanic crater for close-up views of its turquoise lagoon (or ride a mule if you’d rather). Warm up over lunch with locals before meeting Tigua artists in their workshop—watch them paint or try your own hand. End with sweeping canyon views before returning to Quito with new stories and maybe sore legs.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through the highlands when I realized how far Quito actually sits from Quilotoa Lagoon—three hours, but it didn’t feel that long. Our guide, Andrés, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: a farmer herding sheep in a bright red poncho, the way the clouds moved like slow dancers over the Ilinizas. The bus windows fogged up every time we climbed higher. Someone in the back started humming quietly; it fit the mood.

The first real jolt of excitement hit at the community lookout. The wind was sharp—like, really sharp—and suddenly there it was: this wild turquoise patch inside an old volcano. We started down toward the lagoon (the path is dusty and kind of slippery, just saying). I tried not to think about climbing back up later. Andrés laughed when he saw my face and said, “Don’t worry, you can always take a mule if you want.” Some folks did. I walked it and my legs still remember.

Lunch was simple but good—hot soup and rice with chicken at a little spot run by locals. I still remember how smoky it smelled inside, like wood fire and something sweet I couldn’t place. Afterward we stopped by a workshop in Tigua. The artists were painting these tiny scenes on wood—bright colors everywhere, roosters and mountains and people waving with paint-stained fingers. One woman let me try a brush stroke; she grinned when I messed up (which was nice of her). Then we headed out to Toachi Canyon for one last view before heading back to Quito. That light on the cliffs… hard to describe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Quilotoa Lagoon and Toachi Canyon

• Travel to Ecological Reserve Los Ilinizas
• Go to community lookout
• Descend to Quilotoa Lagoon
• Walk around lagoon and free time
• Option to rent mule for ascent
• Lunch break
• Visit artisan workshop in Tigua
• Visit Toachi Canyon lookout
• Return to Quito

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Quito to Quilotoa Lagoon?

The drive takes about three hours each way; expect a full-day tour including stops.

Is hiking back up from Quilotoa Lagoon difficult?

The ascent is steep and can be tough; mules are available for rent from locals if needed.

Are meals included on this tour?

Lunch is included during the day trip after visiting Quilotoa Lagoon.

What else do we visit besides Quilotoa Lagoon?

You’ll stop at an artisan workshop in Tigua and see Toachi Canyon lookout before returning.

Is hotel pickup included?

The tour includes tourist transport but check with your provider for exact pickup details.

Are entrance fees covered?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in the price of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The hike can be challenging; not recommended for travelers with poor physical condition or certain health issues.

What’s included

Your day includes bilingual guiding in English or Spanish, all entrance tickets along the route, tourist transport from Quito to Quilotoa Lagoon and back again, plus a hearty lunch after your hike or mule ride down to the water’s edge before continuing on to Tigua’s artisan workshops and Toachi Canyon lookout.