The Quilotoa loop is a multiple-day hike through the Ecuadorian Andes Mountains that connects 4 remote villages: Sigchos, Isinliví, Chugchilán and Quilotoa. It's one of the most beautiful hikes in the country and a must for nature lovers. In 3 days, you hike 39 kilometres. The altitude and the many ascents and descents make it a rather difficult trek.
There are several ways to walk the loop. Because you don’t need a guide, you can fully customise the hike to your preferences. The most common is three days of hiking, starting in Sigchos at 2850m and ending in Quilotoa at 3850m. You could also begin in Quilotoa and hike in the other direction, which is less demanding as you will lose altitude. I recommend climbing to have the highlight of the hike, the Quilotoa Crater Lake, at the end of the trek.
The first leg from Sigchos to Isinliví (14 kilometres, 3-4 hours) is largely along a dirt road where also cars pass. That’s why some hikers choose to do this part by bus and start the hike in Isinliví. If you find 3 days of hiking too long, you are short on time, or you don’t know how you will react to the altitude, this is a good option! For us, this option was the ideal route.
