Approximately
14km to the
north of
Zumbahua
lies the infamous
volcanic crater
of
Quilotoa
with a serene
and mysterious
green lake at
the bottom.
To reach the
lake, climb
up to the rim
and walk down
the other side.
The descent
is about 30
mins but the
ascent is about
an hour. Rent
a mule for just
US $3.00
*.
The water itself
is stagnant,
alkaline and
sulfurous. It's
certainly not
for drinking,
and as it's
absolutely freezing
cold you probably
won't be tempted
to jump in for
a swim, either.
Walking around
the total circumference
of the rim takes
about 4-5 hours.
There are a
few vendors
selling wooden
masks and native
pictures called
Tigua
landscape pictures.
These wooden
carvings are
well-known throughout
Europe and the
USA, and are
often found
displayed in
exhibition centres.
Look out for
the Toaquiza
family at Km
52 on the route
to
Zumbahua.
Places
to visit
This
area's rolling
hills are
perfect for
trekking and
horse riding,
and tourism
is beginning
to thrive.
Additional
trips include
visiting traditional
markets and
cloudforests
belonging
to the Reserva
Ecologica
Los Ilinizas.
Laguna
Quilotoa
One
of the most
popular trips
with travellers
is the Latacunga
circuit that
passes through
Pujili,
Zumbahua,
Quilotoa crater,
Chugchilan,
Sigchos,
Isinlivi,
Toacazo,
and Saquisili
before going
back to Latacunga.
The 200km
circuit takes
about 2-3
days by bus.
Things
to do
Hiking from Quilotoa to Chugchilan
A great hike
taking around
5 hours is from
the Quilotoa
rim and down
to
Chugchilan.
Alternatively,
for around US$15.00
you can hire
a mule and a
guide to take
you to
Chugchilan,
starting from
the crater rim.
Biking
around Quilotoa
For cyclists
the route
is easy going
in most places
with entry
points from
Latacunga
or Lasso.
In the middle
of Sigchos
and Toacazo
the road is
particularly
bumpy so watch
out.
The main villages
en route are
Guingopana,
Guangaje,
Guantualo,
Isinlivi,
Sigchos,
Chugchilan
and onto Quilotoa.
The trip lasts
a good 4 days,
taking in
some gorgeous
scenery along
the quiet
roads.
Another popular
route starts
from Zumbahua
towards Apagua
and up to
Angamarca
before descending
3km to Shuyo
village. The
only accomodation
available
is in a small
shop, so arrive
early if you
want to be
sure of a
bed.
After resting
continue on
to El
Corazon
and then to
Moraspungo,
which has
much more
accommodation
including
pensions,
or onto Quevedo.
You can also
continue on
to Radio
Loma
and into Salinas
passing through
mountain ranges.
Salinas is
famous for
its production
of Swiss-like
cheeses and
chocolates.
Getting
there
There
is a frequent
bus
service with
Trans
Vivero
from Zumbahua
and Quilapungo.
From Quilapungo
the crater
is an hour's
walk away.
Buses for
Chugchilan
or Sigchos
will drop
you 6 minutes
away from
the crater.
*Prices
are approximate
Last
updated 21st
July 2006
