This 7.5 mile trek is one of the most astonishingly beautiful day hikes in Ecuador. The hike takes approximately 5 hours, andtakes youpast Quilotoa’s volcanic crater lake, down into the valley through the town of Guayama, and finally up the canyon into Chugchilán. While the hike is not extremely challenging, pay close attention to the route and, as always, the weather. The route begins in the tiny town of Quilotoa. Signs were used to mark the hike, but they have since been removed or blown over.

From El Mirador- the lookout over the crater (across from Pacha Mama)- look left across the lake to where three sandy patches will be visible along the ridge. Your aim in this first section is to make it to the third sandy spot- the lowest along the ridgeline- where you will descend from the ridge into the valley. From El Mirador, walk to your left along the ridge on the well-defined path. At the beginning of the path, a sign with helpful hints also has a map painted on the back of it. The path will wind along the top of the ridgeline, giving the hiker breathtaking views of the emerald lake and patchwork valley. While you walk through more than three sandy patches, be sure you have reached the lowest sandy spot before turning down into the valley. Thisthird sandy patch has a rock cairn in the middle of it, with an empty signpost sticking out.

From the sandy spot you will be able to see your next objective, the small town of Guayama. Take the path that descends straight down the hill, past a small house. Once you reach the bottom of the hill, a road will take you through the middle of the town. The wee village has few amenities, though there is a basic shop with drinks and a small hostel (Hostal El Chucurito, $5 pp) in a house at the far end of town bya cemetery.

At the farend of town, the road will curve left pastthe cemetery. You will find the continuation of the path to Chugchilán at the third right. In the final section of the hike, the path will wind through beautiful pastures and then steeply down into the river basin, before climbing up into the town of Chugchilán.

The path is obscured a bit in one spot, where three options present themselves in a small grassy clearing. Take the middle route that looks like a tunnel, which leads down into the canyon on a narrow path with tall steep rock walls. Once at the bottom, just keep following the well-trodden trail past local dwellings and up and into Chugchilán.

The hike in this direction is mostly downhill, however the final section is steep and challenging. It also can be difficult to find your way on this hike, especially if the weather is cloudy. Only undertake this adventure if you are confident in your sense of direction. Make sure that you have enough time to complete the hike before the afternoon weather moves in; never leave from Quilotoa after 1:30. If you have any doubts, hire a local guide for $10-$15 in either Quilotoa or Chugchilán, or ask locals along the way. Andino people are friendly and will point you in the right direction!

Hiking

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