Ecuador
Day 2: hike from Chugchilán to Quilotoa
The hike from Chugchilán to Quilotoa is 13 kilometres and takes an average of 6 to 8 hours. With 1300 altimetres, this is the toughest leg of the trek. From Quilotoa take the bus back to Latacunga, where you will spend the night.
Hike from Chugchilán to Quilotoa
The best time to start hiking is around 9 AM. The first kilometres, you descend into the valley. Then it's uphill for the rest of the day - very intensive. After about 9 kilometres (4 hours), you reach the Quilotoa crater rim. This view! 🤩 A perfect spot to take a break: get a cup of coca tea from the small store, have lunch and enjoy the view. You have two options to get to Quilotoa village: the trail leading to the right is a shorter and easier choice (1-2 hours). If you have the time and energy, take the trail to the left and walk the longer and harder route (3-4 hours). If you want to get back to Latacunga the same day, the shorter trail is recommended. Weather changes fast and frequently here: one moment the clouds form shadows on the lake, the next the sun shines, making the surroundings even more beautiful.
Once you arrive in Quilotoa village, walk all the way through the village until you reach a gate with a booth. The busstop to take the bus to Latacunga is on the other side of that gate. This is not marked well. The ride to Latacunga takes about 2 hours.
An evening in Latacunga
After picking up your bags at Hotel Endamo and checking into your room, have dinner in the city centre. Giardino Restobar offers tasty pastas in a cosy setting.
