Quilotoa crater lake - The Green eye of the Paramo

On the road that goes from Latacunga into the coastal lowlands, just by the town of Zumbahua some 10 km. to the north is the entrance to reach the Quilotoa lake an extraordinary turqoise colored water formation located at the bottom of the crater with the same name, in the Chugchillan mountain corridor. The mineral content of the waters disallows the existence of certain species. It is possilbe to hike down to the lake, it will take you a half hour. We recommend that you hire a mule for your return (the locals hire this service for US $3.00). Enjoy the hike down and the ride up while you take in the amazing view.

In the surrounding highlands you find various mountains full of paramo and wildlife. The place that is located by the Illiniza twin peaks, is famous for the practice of mountain biking. On the road that goes towards the lake it is possible to observe the artisans' clay pottery of pre-Columbian designs to this day. Once you are in the highlands, you can see the Indian peasants, as they live and work in communities. Maybe you are fortunate to see them in action, men and women in their colorful shawls harvesting together. The "llamas" are still used for cargo (this was practically abolished after the Spaniards introduced the horse in America). The landscape is that of different colored patches of crops even on the steepest mountainsides. Llamas and sheep are part of the daily lives. These animals provide food, wool for clothing and weaving, and transportation. Close to "Zumbahua" you will run into "Tigua", a small town with a community dedicated to produce naïf paintings not on traditional canvass but on dried sheep skin.