Quilotoa Loop

Route overview

A multi-stage route through Ecuadorian Andes, with highlights including Quilotoa crater lake, highland villages, rural paths, volcanic landscapes.

Quilotoa Loop gives hikers a structured way to experience Ecuadorian Andes over several days. The route is best approached as a staged hike, with planning attention on permits, accommodation, weather, navigation and daily distance. For BuddieHikes, it is a strong candidate because the trail is long enough or remote enough to benefit from a hiking partner, while still being understandable as a clear route objective.

Quilotoa Loop is a 40 km hiking route through Ecuadorian Andes, suited to hikers who want Andean village and crater lake trekking terrain and a clear multi-day objective.

Trail facts

Country

Ecuador

Region

Ecuadorian Andes

Distance

40 km

Typical duration

3–4 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation gain

Not specified

Best season

June to September

Trail type

Highland village trek

Access and logistics

Permits and access

Check current permit, quota, park-entry or guided-access rules with the official source before planning this route.

Bookings

Book accommodation, huts, campsites or required permits ahead in peak season.

Safety context

Mountain weather, altitude, exposed ground, long ascents and limited escape options can make conditions serious even in the main hiking season.

Highlights

Quilotoa crater lake, highland villages, rural paths, volcanic landscapes

Why find a buddy

This route is well suited to finding a hiking buddy because the distance, logistics and multi-day structure are easier and safer to manage with someone who has a similar pace and planning style.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

Explore and prepare

Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.