If you’re in Ecuador and love breathtaking natural landscapes, Quilotoa Lake is a must-see. This stunning turquoise crater lake sits at the bottom of a volcano, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rolling hills — a perfect spot for hiking, photography, and soaking in the beauty of the Andes.

This is a spot we were incredibly disappointed to have missed as we didn't have as much time in Ecuador as we would've liked and thought it might have been similar to some of the hiking we did in Peru. We actually wished we had done this instead of going to Banos as we thought Banos was cute but a bit overrated/gimicky and would've prefered this in the end!

Visiting is very affordable, with a small entry fee for the crater rim and optional costs for activities like boat rides or guided hikes. There's also some unique accomodations in the area that offered hikes as well. If you’re in Ecuador and want a truly unforgettable natural wonder with stunning views and peaceful vibes, Quilotoa Lake is a must!