Chugchilan to Quilotoa
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 7.34 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3,652 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 1,575 ft
- Max elevation
- 12,844 ft
- TrailRank
-
55
5
- Min elevation
- 9,744 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- 5 hours 59 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1111
- Uploaded
- February 27, 2017
- Recorded
- February 2017
near Chucchilán, Cotopaxi (Ecuador)
Viewed 6674 times, downloaded 409 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Day 3 of a 4 day hike known as the Quilotoa Loop. This is the hardest day of the trip but also the most rewarding with views of the Laguna de Quilotoa.
The hike starts off with a small descent to a river crossing but is followed by over 1,100 meters of climb and ends at elevation of almost 4,000 meters. Altitude sickness, fatigue and washed out portions of the trail are a real concern.
We encountered clouds at altitude but got several nice views of the laguna. I noted three viewing spots as waypoints but there are 8 to10 good places to view the laguna near the end of this trail as you approach the village of Quilotoa. With clouds closing in and rain approaching we were happy to arrive at the Chukirawa Hostel in Quilotoa. The hostel has a great location with easy and fast access to the viewing platforms overlooking the Laguna de Quilotoa. We visited the platform after checking in/getting settled and again the next morning for more pictures and inspiration.
Wear or take layers to accommodate the changes in weather and altitude. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time, it is the toughest hiking day of the loop but the scenery is very impressive.
Here is the summary for the four day hike: Quilotoa Loop.
The hike starts off with a small descent to a river crossing but is followed by over 1,100 meters of climb and ends at elevation of almost 4,000 meters. Altitude sickness, fatigue and washed out portions of the trail are a real concern.
We encountered clouds at altitude but got several nice views of the laguna. I noted three viewing spots as waypoints but there are 8 to10 good places to view the laguna near the end of this trail as you approach the village of Quilotoa. With clouds closing in and rain approaching we were happy to arrive at the Chukirawa Hostel in Quilotoa. The hostel has a great location with easy and fast access to the viewing platforms overlooking the Laguna de Quilotoa. We visited the platform after checking in/getting settled and again the next morning for more pictures and inspiration.
Wear or take layers to accommodate the changes in weather and altitude. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time, it is the toughest hiking day of the loop but the scenery is very impressive.
Here is the summary for the four day hike: Quilotoa Loop.
Waypoints
Bridge
Panorama
Intersection
10,810 ft
Town Guayama
We skirted this small town. Visit the main street if you are interested or are looking for food/water.
Wilderness hut
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Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Great