Latacunga to Quilotoa Laguna, Ecuador Experiences & Stories from a Backpacker

The next morning from Latacunga I got a local bus to Zumbahua/Quilotoa, again with amazing countryside to see along the way, it takes 2 or so hours, at the bus terminal locals were loading in produce to take to the famous Saquisili market. The journey to the lagoon travels through small towns such as Pujili which is known for making large ceramic jars,

Crops planted in rock-free areas on the hills of the highlands.

look out for the monuments at traffic islands and on the side of the road around Pujili and a huge colored staircase leading up a hill. As the bus climbs and climbs high into the mountains, the temperature cools down a few degrees and the people become more colorful with their traditional clothing and hats. You will love the lush green mountain views, local farms and houses and clean, crisp air up here! The bus goes to Zumbahua and then another 13kms right to Quilotoa Laguna where there are a few homely hostels with fire places run by the indigenous locals. It was raining and hailing when I got up there after a sunny week so it was very cold, at the hostel the bedrooms had their own pot-belly fires and thick blankets to stay warm. The family cooked myself and the other guests a nice dinner that night with breakfast in the morning too. The locals up here are very nice, friendly and happy people, they wear full traditional clothing, the women with their colored shawls and skirts, hats, white socks and clog-like shoes. After breakfast, being a nice fine morning, it was time to walk just 30

Rock formations and boulders on the hills to Zumbahua.

metres to Quilotoa Laguna and walk down the crater to the waters edge. The rocky track was hard on the ankles, I would advise wearing strong shoes for this walk. The lagoon is an emerald blue/green color and was too big for me to fit into a single photo shot. Once I made it down from the rim to the water, I enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by the crater, it was very peaceful. There were a couple of locals by the water ready to hire you a small canoe to venture out on the water or a small horse should you not feel like walking uphill at 3800 metres above sea level. I enjoyed the waters edge and surrounding area for a while and then decided that $5USD was a good investment to hire a small horse to take me back up to the rim of the lagoon. The horse was slightly stubborn in needing regular rests but he did a great job. After lunch at the hostel in Quilotoa, it was time to get the bus back to Latacunga, it was a thursday and I wanted to get to Otavalo in the north

Road sign - Laguna Quilotoa 53km, Pintores de Tigua 35km.

for the famous saturday markets by friday afternoon. I spent the night in the same hotel as I had 2 nights previously across the road from the bus terminal so that I could make an early and convenient start in the morning northward firstly to Quito and then on to Otavalo. In Latacunga that night I enjoyed eating a local meal consisting of mashed potato with fried eggs on top, meat and salad. I sat down with the locals at a communal dinner table where everyone was enjoying the same dish, it was delicious! View all photos in the Latacunga to Quilotoa Laguna Photoset.

Videos from Latacunga to Quilotoa Laguna, Ecuador:

Views of Quilotoa Laguna Video

My Hostel & Hotel Reviews for Latacunga to Quilotoa Laguna, Ecuador:
	Hostal Pillarenita, Latacunga, Ecuador (Jun 2009 - 2 nights) - Nice little rooms with tv on 2nd or 3rd level with street views, shared bathroom, it's opposite the bus terminal for buses for the Quilotoa loop, I stayed here before and after Quilotoa.
	Hostal Pacha Mama, Quilotoa, Ecuador (Jun 2009 - 1 night) - Great hostal run by a nice family of indigenous locals, its at nearly 4000 meters above sea level so each room has its own pot-belly fire, they serve a nice meal also, recommended.