Quilotoa Volcanic Crater Lake Adventure

There is a famous hiking route in Ecuador called the Quilotoa loop. It's a multiday hike between small villages around a caldera (crater lake) in the Andes highlands of Ecuador. We didn't go for the hike, but went for the unbelievable scenery.

Quilotoa sits at 3914 meters above sea level or 12841 feet, it's a 3km wide lake and was formed during a volcanic eruption about 600 years ago. It was well worth the drive up there and is a must-see if you go to Ecuador.

The drive to the lake was epic-at one point we were over 4000m above sea level; it was the highest point I've ever been on Earth. Our heads were constantly spinning as the driver was hopefully focused on the road. There were many switchbacks and panoramic views.

Along the road to Quilotoa we stopped and visited a canyon along with some alpacas and llamas. We supported the locals by enjoying a big lunch, paying for a driver and buying some alpaca wool goods.

This alpaca is almost as cute as Crypticat. Alpacas are fluffier than llamas, otherwise it's difficult to tell the difference. It's much better visiting animals in their natural habitat even if they are tied up and locals are giving them haircuts and charging for photos.

We have done so much in the past 10 days, it's time to relax. Ecuador has been a real suprise for us as we never expected it to be so amazing. It is rather difficult to travel there for the less experienced or comfort travellers but if you have the means and don't mind stepping out of your comfort zone you should definitely go there.

Thank you for reading 🐱

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