Quilotoa Lagoon
Located in the Andean region of Ecuador, in the province of Cotopaxi, is the Quilotoa Lagoon, a hidden treasure in the heart of Zumbahua. This natural wonder is located inside the caldera of a volcano, with its waters of colors ranging from blue to turquoise green, is located in the crater of an ancient volcano that erupted many years ago. The Quilotoa Lagoon has always been a place, surrounded by vegetation, that transmits serenity and calmness.
Legend of the Lagoon
According to the stories I was told in my childhood, the lagoon has its origin in a touching legend. It is said that the Cotopaxi volcano weeps for the lost love of Mama Tungurahua, who left with Taita (father) Chimborazo, both volcanoes. Cotopaxi, in love with Tungurahua, cried so much that her tears filled the volcano’s caldera, creating the Quilotoa Lagoon. This is just one of the many stories I was told about this enchanting place.
Festivities and Culture
The local community celebrates several festivities, including the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun. This ceremony is held in Thanksgiving to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Taita Inti (Father Sun), celebrating the harvest, an important source of income for the community, which grows legumes, beans, potatoes, and more. Community tourism is a common practice here, where visitors are welcomed with open arms and can participate in local traditions and customs.
The inhabitants of the area honor their customs and traditions through their typical dress. During festivities, men usually wear a hand-woven red poncho and a white scarf, while women wear a pink shawl and sheep’s wool yarn.
Tigua Art
Another cultural jewel of the Quilotoa is the famous Tigua art. Tigua paintings, also known as Naif paintings, are painted on sheepskin using a particular technique that reflects the daily life of the peasants. These colorful paintings portray scenes of life in the countryside, with men and women harvesting together, dressed in their traditional costumes, or dancing by the mystical lagoon.
Activities in Quilotoa
Visiting the Quilotoa Lagoon offers a variety of activities that will allow you to enjoy its beauty from different perspectives:
- Hiking: You can take a great hike around Quilotoa, enjoying wonderful views from different angles. The weather is changeable, so every moment offers a new experience.
- Kayaking and Boating: When descending to the lagoon, you can choose to kayak or rent a boat to tour its waters. It is a unique opportunity to get a close look at the lagoon’s surroundings.
- Horseback Riding: For those who prefer not to walk, horseback riding is available from the lagoon to the main entrance.
Visit Quilotoa Lagoon
This place not only offers breathtaking landscapes and exciting activities but also invites you to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the community.
I hope this blog has conveyed to you the magic and charm of the Quilotoa Lagoon, so don’t hesitate to visit it and live your own unforgettable experience!