A private 3-day loop that pairs Cotopaxi’s volcanic highlands with the dramatic crater of Quilotoa and Toachi Canyon. Expect high-altitude trails, rustic village stays and sweeping Andean views—prepare for rocky terrain and fast-changing weather.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail opens with wind and dust high above the Andean rim: you leave Quito and climb through a ladder of volcanic landscapes until Cotopaxi’s cone shadows the road. On day one the air thins and páramo grass bends like low waves, and at Limpiopungo you’ll feel the lake’s cool silence daring you to slow down.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness with prior day-hiking experience; comfortable with sustained uphill and downhill hikes at high altitude
Wildlife
History
Quilotoa’s lake occupies a collapsed caldera created by a major eruption; the villages along the loop retain strong Quechua agricultural traditions and communal land use.
Conservation
Trails pass fragile páramo ecosystems—stick to paths, pack out waste, and favor local guides to support community-based tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Quilotoa Loop and Toachi Canyon: Hike 3 Days / 2 Nights (PRIVATE Tour) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a full day in Quito or another high point (2,800–3,000 m) before starting; symptoms of altitude sickness are common above 3,500 m.
Sturdy footwear matters
Use stiff-soled hiking boots for steep, rocky descents into the crater and loose scree sections.
Pack for sudden weather
Bring a waterproof shell and warm mid-layer—afternoon storms and strong winds are frequent at high elevations.
Respect local rhythms
Village stays are modest—travel light and support local businesses by buying food or crafts in small towns.
Stiff-soled hiking boots
Protects ankles and provides traction on loose scree and rocky descents.
Waterproof shell jacket
Keeps you dry and blocks wind during sudden high-altitude storms.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Warmth for cold mornings and nights above 3,500 m.
Hydration pack (2–3 L)
Sustains hydration at altitude where thirst perception can lag.