Ecuador
Travel to Isinliví, the start of the hike
Travel to Latacunga by bus where you'll drop your bags. Chances are high you are staying in Quito before doing this trek. From Quito's southern terminal, buses to Latacunga run frequently. The ride takes about 2 hours. After dropping your bags, travel onwards with a daypack to Isinliví. Here you can relax in a beautiful mountain lodge.
Drop your luggage in Latacunga
Latacunga is not the most attractive city of Ecuador, however, it has many visitors because of its proximity to Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Crater Lake. Take an early bus to Latacunga and drop your luggage at the Endamo Hotel, where you will spend the night after doing the Quilotoa Loop.
Drop your luggage in Latacunga
Latacunga is not the most attractive city of Ecuador, however, it has many visitors because of its proximity to Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Crater Lake. Take an early bus to Latacunga and drop your luggage at the Endamo Hotel, where you will spend the night after doing the Quilotoa Loop.
Buses from Latacunga to Isinliví run irregularly: once a day, not every day and the timing varies each day. If you would miss this bus, the alternative is to catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos (speaking from experience). The bus ride alone is a true adventure: fantastic views and locals trying to communicatie with you. Sigchos is a small town and its bus station looks more like a parking lot. To travel onwards to Isinliví, ask the bus driver to call a taxi (pick-up truck) to take you to your final destination.
Buses from Latacunga to Isinliví run irregularly: once a day, not every day and the timing varies each day. If you would miss this bus, the alternative is to catch a bus from Latacunga to Sigchos (speaking from experience). The bus ride alone is a true adventure: fantastic views and locals trying to communicatie with you. Sigchos is a small town and its bus station looks more like a parking lot. To travel onwards to Isinliví, ask the bus driver to call a taxi (pick-up truck) to take you to your final destination.
A relaxing afternoon in the Llullu Llama Lodge
The Llullu Llama Lodge offers a unique experience of staying amidst the picturesque Andes Mountains. After checking in, definitely book a session in their spa. The sauna and hot tub are very welcome after a day of travelling. Also, reserve your packed lunch for the day you start hiking. At the check-in counter, the lodge provides a description of the route for each leg of the loop – very useful during the hike. The rooms are comfortable, clean and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. I'm sure you're going to want to shower with the window open - you just can't get enough of the view. The room has a fireplace, which is perfect for warming up on a cold evening. In the evening, they serve a delicious three-course dinner. The lodge also provides several outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching, making it an ideal destination even if you’re not hiking the Quilotoa Loop. Llullu Llama Lodge is a popular spot and there aren't many other sleeping options in Isinliví, so make sure to book this ahead of time.
A relaxing afternoon in the Llullu Llama Lodge
The Llullu Llama Lodge in Ecuador is a must-visit for travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity. The lodge offers a unique experience of staying amidst the picturesque Andes Mountains. After checking in, definitely book a session in their spa. The sauna and hot tub are very welcome after a day of travelling. Also, reserve your packed lunch for the day you start hiking. At the check-in counter, the lodge provides a description of the route for each leg of the loop – very useful during the hike. The rooms are comfortable, clean and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. I'm sure you're going to want to shower with the window open - you just can't get enough of the view. The room has a fireplace, which is perfect for warming up on a cold evening. In the evening, they serve a delicious three-course dinner. The lodge also provides several outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching, making it an ideal destination even if you’re not hiking the Quilotoa Loop. Overall, the Llullu Llama Lodge is an unforgettable experience that offers the perfect balance of comfort, adventure and relaxation. It's a popular place and there aren't many other sleeping options in Isinliví, so make sure to book this ahead of time.
