The Quilotoa lagoon is an emerald inserted in a volcano's crater. This singular natural accident located in the ecological reserve Ilinizas, created in December of 1996, has still passed unnoticed to some nature lovers.

The area of Ilinizas, located between the counties of Pichincha and Cotopaxi, is an eternal spring for the basin of the Esmeralda River, formed by the beds of the Toachi, the San Pedro and the Pilatn. The reserve, of 149.900 has, is like a sponge because its two elevations form a geologic barrier that condenses the humidity coming from the coast.

Because it is so difficult to access it, the biological diversity of Ilinizas is still a mystery. The reserve is divided in three sectors. The first one is conformed by the Mountain Ranges of Zarapullo and of Tenefuerte, the Ilinizas and Corazn Hills and the Toachi River. The second one is located at the south and has an extension of 23,600 has. The last sector is a small area that covers an extension of hardly 800 has and it corresponds to the Quilotoa Lagoon.

Climbing the summit of the Iliniza is a fascinating experience, but it is advisable to do it between August and December in order to avoid the rains. It is also recommended to be in the company of a guide to be able to enjoy the following tourist attractions:

The sector of the Ilinizas (south and north):The departure point is a deviation of the Panamericana Highway, close to Machachi. Then, at the Andean village El Chaupi, you begin hiking for one hour and a half. The path becomes sandy and sheer, until the base of the Ilinizas is reached, at almost 4,000 m altitude.
In the first refuge, a privileged lookout point to observe the North Iliniza and the South Iliniza is located. The former one is a glacier, while the latter is presented more defiant. They are a true challenge for the experienced andinistas.

The closer one gets to the Ilinizas the steeper and rocky the road becomes. For that reason, there is a place baptized with the name of "The step of the death": going through this narrow path produces vertigo.

When reaching the summit of the North Iliniza you can see, in the distance, the colossal image of the Cotopaxi volcano, surrounded by spongy clouds. You can also observe the panorama presented by 30,800 has of moor.

When getting to its summit at 5,116 m altitude, one realizes what a small space it is, there is hardly space for six people. To ascend until the summit produces an inexpressible sensation, felt by few. It is to reach the goal to where strength and perseverance have taken you.

The Quilotoa lagoon:It is a salt water lagoon of volcanic origin that has more than 3 kms of diameter. There are 440 m between the level of the water and the upper border of the volcano.

The legend says that a man took the cattle of his boss to a hole formed by an explosion. Here he buried panela (sort of black sugar), vanilla and a quintal of salt and left. When he returned he found the well had been covered by water.

In the surroundings of the lagoon they grow cows, sheeps and donkeys, and native flora has been altered. This imbalance in the ecological chain has logically changed the fauna of the area.

This lagoon -a celestial jewel- is a perfect place for taking pictures at the break of the day and at sunset.