The Quilotoa Tour Full Day with Lunch offers an exhilarating adventure for nature enthusiasts. Discover the captivating Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its stunning turquoise waters nestled in the Andes. Set out on a moderate hike around the crater, with an optional mule ride back to the top. Enjoy the vibrant culture, visiting an artisan workshop and savoring a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, you’ll uncover the region’s enchanting beauty and insights. Get ready to be swept away by this unforgettable experience.
Key Points
- The Quilotoa Tour Full Day with Lunch is a comprehensive excursion from Quito that explores the stunning turquoise volcanic Quilotoa Crater Lake.
- The tour includes a guided hike around the crater, an optional descent to the lake’s edge, and a visit to an artisan workshop in Tigua.
- Lunch featuring traditional Ecuadorian cuisine is provided, and the tour is suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels.
- The journey involves approximately 3 hours of driving each way on winding roads, so measures for motion sickness are recommended.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, but an optional mule ride is available for the return trip.
Tour Overview
The Quilotoa Tour Full Day is a comprehensive tour that allows visitors to explore the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake in Ecuador.
This full-day excursion from Quito takes travelers to the famous turquoise volcanic lake, as well as other notable sights along the way. Highlights include a hike around the Quilotoa Crater, a visit to an artisan workshop in Tigua, and a journey through the Toachi River Canyon.
With a maximum group size of 20 and an experienced bilingual guide, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of Ecuador’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
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Highlights of the Tour
Although the Quilotoa Tour Full Day covers a range of engaging activities, the hike around the crater lake stands out as the tour’s primary highlight.
Travelers will be awestruck by the breathtaking views of the turquoise volcanic lake nestled within the Andes mountains. The hike offers options to descend to the lake’s edge or ride a mule back up, allowing visitors to tailor the experience to their fitness level.
Plus, the tour includes a visit to an artisan workshop in Tigua, providing a glimpse into the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Inclusions and Logistics
The Quilotoa Tour Full Day includes a range of essential logistics and inclusions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The tour package covers tourist transport, a bilingual guide fluent in Spanish and English, and all applicable entrance fees.
Lunch is also provided, featuring a traditional Ecuadorian meal with options like two soups, a choice of beef or chicken with rice, and dessert.
Pickup is confirmed one day before the tour, and the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.
Physical Fitness Requirements
A moderate fitness level is required for the Quilotoa Tour Full Day, as the itinerary involves a hike to the volcanic crater lake.
Travelers should be prepared for a moderately challenging trek down and back up the lake’s rim. The hike can be strenuous, especially during ascent, and may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
However, an optional mule ride is available for the return trip, making the experience more accessible.
Tour Experience and Feedback
Travelers on the Quilotoa Tour Full Day can expect friendly, knowledgeable guides who provide personalized attention throughout the experience. The scenic beauty of the landscapes, including the turquoise volcanic crater lake, offers ample opportunities for stunning photography. While the hiking experience can vary depending on weather and physical condition, options include walking down to the lake or taking a mule ride back up. Lunch is a traditional Ecuadorian meal with multiple choices, though feedback indicates some variability in quality.
Guides | Scenery | Hiking |
---|---|---|
Friendly | Beautiful landscapes | Options for different abilities |
Knowledgeable | Turquoise crater lake | Down to lake or mule ride up |
Personalized attention | Potential for stunning photos | Varies by weather and fitness |
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Travel Considerations
Though the journey to Quilotoa takes approximately 3 hours each way on winding roads, which may cause motion sickness for some, travelers can take measures to ensure a comfortable experience.
Dressing in layers is recommended, as conditions can vary significantly between the lake and Quito. Packing extra clothes for rainy weather, snacks for the road, and being prepared for altitude changes is advised.
While the scenic drive is part of the adventure, travelers prone to motion sickness may want to consider medication or other remedies.
Traveler Reviews and Insights
Feedback highlights the overall enjoyment of this tour, with travelers praising the beautiful destination, great guides, and stunning views.
However, some travelers suggest more stops for photos along the way.
The quality of the included lunch has been a mixed experience, with some mentioning delicious traditional Ecuadorian fare and others finding it lacking.
Common themes in reviews include the challenges of the winding roads and occasional delays in pickup, as well as varying experiences with weather conditions during the hike.
Pricing and Group Size
The Quilotoa Tour Full Day is priced from $75.00 per person. This full-day adventure allows a maximum group size of 20 travelers.
With this small group size, guests can expect a more personalized experience from the bilingual guide. The tour’s inclusions, such as tourist transport, entrance fees, and a traditional Ecuadorian lunch, provide good value for the price.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Plus, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions due to the moderate fitness level required.
Sum Up
The Quilotoa Tour Full Day with Lunch offers an immersive adventure into the stunning Andes. Explore the breathtaking crater lake, visit an artisan workshop, and savor Ecuadorian cuisine, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or cultural explorer, this tour provides an unforgettable experience. Moderate fitness is required, but the rewards of this journey make it well worth the effort.
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