Quilotoa Loop Trek: 3 Days In The Ecuadorian Andean Mountains

The Quilotoa Loop is a popular trekking route for travelers and backpackers in Ecuador. The Quilotoa Loop is a self-guided multi-day hike in the Andes mountains. It’s a must for budget backpackers who want to trek in Ecuador. While it doesn’t receive as many visitors as other areas in South America, it is an excellent way to see the Ecuadorian Andean landscape and hike through a mix of wilderness, farmland, and pastures. Most of the people who live in the villages along the route have lived in the region their whole life and maintain traditional practices.

The route will guide you from the low end of the valley in Sichos, crossing the valley floor and a river each day before climbing to the crater. Over the full route, you’ll ascend from 10,000 to 12,500 feet after ending at Laguna Quilotoa, a crater lake inside an extinct volcano.

There are many variants on the Quilotoa Loop, with no "official" route, but the trail presented here is emerging as the standard route, and if you ask for directions, this is the route to which you’ll be directed.

Need to Know

Bring cash (American dollars are the official currency in Ecuador) as there are no ATM’s along the loop and no hostels or shops accept credit/debit cards.

It is helpful to bring small snacks and candy for the children you’ll meet along the way.

There are many dogs along the trail, some stray, but most owned by local farmers. They can be aggressive, and it is helpful to hike in a group or bring a trekking pole to help scare them off if needed.

Be mindful and respectful of private property as you’ll cross many farms. Close all gates so that livestock cannot escape.

Most of the route is above 9,000 feet, so acclimatize for 1-2 days.

What to Pack:

I left my main backpack in storage at the hostel in Latacunga. I only took with me what I could fit in my small day pack. I used an Outlander 35L Backpack

In you pack you should bring clothing, your passport (or at least photocopies of it), first aid-kit, a headlamp, a phone charger, some toiletries, at hat, and a water bottle.

o Good pair of hiking shoes or trainers

o Pair of shoes to wear at the end of each day (sandals or a closed-in shoe)

o Socks (plus a bonus pair)

o Light pants or hiking shorts (I actually trekked in Jeans)

o Raincoat (this is a MUST!)

o A hat for hiking

o A beanie for cold nights

o Long Sleeve shirt for sun protection

Like in all of my trek guides, keep it simply and pack light.

Other: Pack a deck of cards, this will come in handy at night in the mountains.

Transportation To Sichos:

The best place to jump off from for the trek is the town of Latacunga. Here you can stay the night at a hostel in town and arrange to have your main backpack and items of value stored while you are away on the trek. It is also at the hostels in Latacunga you can get official trek directions, with some places even offering a printout step by step guide to the trek.

Latcunaga Hostel Recommendation: Hostel Tianna

In Latacunga take a taxi to the bus station. Once inside you will see a long line of different bus companies. You can walk along the terminal to see where each company is going that day. Find a company that says Sichos on its departures sign. They will normally list all the times of the day they are leaving on the sign as well.

You can pick a time and pay for your ticket. When it comes time to leave, just simply go out to the bus terminal and listen for the your bus being called. It will sound something like “ Sichos,Sichos,Sichos!” being yelled from the bus. Show them your ticket to confirm you are getting on the right bus, get on board and get ready for the two hour ride up into the Andes Mountains.

The Trek

Day 1: Sichos > Isinlivi

The trek starts in a mountain town of Sichos.

Do your research about the trek, and get the step by step trek guide printed out at your hostel. I also recommend you download the map on Maps.Me as a backup plan.

Signage along the route has improved markedly in the past year, and there are clear directional signs and helpful red/yellow blaze markers along the route. However, the route may change or be washed out in areas due to storms and you should always check with a local before starting the day’s trek.

Starting in the town’s central square, head southwest to the edge of town. Here you’ll see a sign pointing to Isinlivi. Follow this sign and the red/yellow blazes along a dirt road, heading roughly south and moving downhill toward the valley floor.

Take in all the green mountain sides, the fresh air, and the complete beauty of where you are. Keep a good pace, as it is best to arrive to Isinlivi before night fall, so you can enjoy the hiker heaven at the famous Llullu Llama Hostel.

Eco-lodge Llullu Llama: This hostel is a must! Llullu Llama is a Mountain Lodge loved by hikers that have now become one of the most important parts of the Quilotoa Loop experience. The terrace overlooks a gorgeous valley and the sunset.