A Striking Andean Sight
A warm fireplace, heaters and an electric blanket were luxuries beyond imagination at the Quilotoa Crater area, almost 4000 m (aprox 13000 ft) above sea level at the Cotopaxi province. However, two years ago, Quilotoa Crater Lake Lodge started hosting those who wish to enjoy the striking view of the lake and its surroundings, while taking pleasure of a warm shelter and delicious gourmet food. Moreover, the lodge offers internet access and a selection of movies to watch at the family-style living room, as well as a selection of books and old magazines to choose from. Quilotoa Lodge offers personalized service in a cozy ambiance, and focuses on environmental responsibility, encouraging its visitors to collaborate with the conservation of the natural resources of the area. The lodge's owners are working towards obtaining the "Smart Voyager" certification.

This small lodge can host up to 17 passengers. It is a 3-4 hour drive South of Quito. Price per night is $35 for single occupancy, $45 for a double room and $55 for a triple. These prices include a full breakfast with natural fresh fruit juice and eggs. Lunch and dinner are served upon request for $8 plus taxes. Daily menus are especially tasty, surprisingly found at a relatively remote area such as the small Zumbahua town.

Quilotoa crater
A ten minute walk from the lodge is the striking Quilotoa (key-low-toe-ha) crater, a water-filled 3 kilometer (2 miles) wide caldera. This caldera was formed by the collapse of the volcano in an eruption that took place approximately 800 years ago. The caldera has since accumulated a 250 m (820 ft) deep crater lake, which has an extraordinary turquoise color as a result of dissolved minerals. It will take you a half hour hike down to the lake. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor and hot springs occur on the eastern flank of the volcano. At the lake you can hire a half-an-hour ride on motor boat for $2 (the price may vary according to the number of passengers). Kayak rental is also offered for $2 for a half-an-hour.

We recommend that you hire a mule for your return. For $5 you save a challenging steep hike over a sandy slippery terrain. Enjoy the ride up while you take in the amazing view.

Tigua
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. These paintings are very colorful, and portray the lands and customs of the people that live around the Quilotoa. Olga Fish, a German resident in Ecuador, discovered the skills of these people and encouraged them to paint not only on drums of sheep skin as they originally did, but also on sheep skin canvasses. Now these paintings are found at the Zumbahua town, as well as in all Ecuadorian folklore shops. We recommend the book "Tigua Painters" by Mayra Casares.

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