The Quilotoa Lagoon

The Quilotoa Lagoon is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Ecuadorian Andes, a stunning crater lake filling the caldera of a dormant volcano at around 3,900 metres. Its deep waters shimmer in shifting shades of emerald and turquoise green, coloured by dissolved minerals, ringed by the steep crater walls. Visitors gaze down from the rim, hike the spectacular loop trail around the crater, or descend the steep path to the water's edge to kayak on the lake.

What you actually see

• The crater lake - the shimmering emerald-green lagoon in the caldera.
• The rim viewpoint - the breathtaking view down into the crater.
• The crater-rim loop - the spectacular hiking trail around the rim.
• The descent and kayaks - the steep path to the water and kayaking.

When to go

June to September, the drier season, for the clearest weather and views, though the high-altitude climate is changeable year-round, with mist, cloud and cold possible any time; go early for the clearest light on the lake.

Honest expectations

At nearly 4,000 metres the altitude makes even short walks breathless, and the steep descent to the lake is easy going down but a hard, breathless climb back up, so allow time or hire a mule for the return. The weather is cold and changeable, so bring warm layers. It is remote in the highlands, part of the wider Quilotoa Loop of villages and treks.

Nearby

The Quilotoa Loop villages, Cotopaxi and the town of Latacunga are nearby.