The small village of Quilotoa lies to the southwest of the lake, and basic accommodation run by the local indigenous people is available. Zumbahua is the next nearest town. Quilotoa developed itself since its early days into one of the most important tourist attractions of the country, and the government provided the infrastructure to support it. The Quilotoa crater is protected by the Reserva ecológica Los Illinizas.

The volcano consists of a 3-km wide caldera, or volcanic crater, surrounding a 224-meter deep lake.

Local communities around the Quilotoa Lagoon are great places to experience the traditional culture, explore artisan markets or try regional food.

The entry for pedestrians is free but it costs $2 to enter the village with your car. Unlimited access to the crater and the lake is included in this price.

Quilotoa is very small village and everywhere is 5-minute walk.

The Quilotoa Loop is a ring-shaped trail which connects remote villages in the high Andes in Ecuador in Cotopaxi region.

Hike down to the laguna. It takes approximately 45 minutes to walk down and about 90 minutes to walk back. It's a very steep, unpaved path and at this altitude needs a relatively good level of fitness.

Horses or mules are available to ride back up for $10. It is best to make arrangements with a handler before you walk down.

Hike along the Quilotoa Loop in either direction. The next villages are approximately 12 km in either direction through beautiful Andean mountain scenery.

Hike around the crater lake: 3½–4½ hours. It's only about 9.5 km but it's all up and downs. There are views of the Cotopaxi in the distance. The trail follows the rim of the crater passing through the Monte Juyende (3940 m), the highest of the hike's several view points. Beware, there are numerous paths and getting on the wrong ones may put you in danger; there are very narrow trails right over huge cliffs. You should get a map and review it with locals before you leave.

You can bathe in the lake, although it does have a light foul smell and is very cold. For the less adventurous, canoes can be rented to navigate on the lake for $2 per hour.

There is a small tourist crafts market near the entrance to the laguna walk.

If you want to buy provisions, there are few small grocery stores in Quilotoa, however the choice is very limited and the price is elevated.

-0.86777-78.9145321 Sinchy Tupak (on the ridge of the crater 100 m after starting the crater loop.). Very small restaurant but the view on the lake is unbeatable. They offer breakfast, standard Ecuadorian lunch and sandwiches. Coffee $1.5, lunch $5. (updated Feb 2018)

-0.866852-78.9158852 Kirutwa (end of the main road), ☏ +593 2 987271917, operaciones@maquitaturismo.com. Also on the crater rim you can have the view on the lake if you eat at the first floor. The food is Ecuadorian soup and corn. Coffee $2. (updated Feb 2018)

Do not forget that you are at 3,900 meters high and the weather can change very quickly.

The crater loop may be problematic if the rain starts while you are at the middle.

Don’t go without a map, and knowing precisely which path to take. According to alpine difficulty rating standards such as the French Hiking Federation, alternative trails reach maximum levels of technicity, effort and danger. Acrophobic people should know that some parts of the trail are very high.

Latacunga