Just a few kilometers south of Quito, Lloa feels like a distant place but is actually close by. It’s a green valley surrounded by clouds at the base of Guagua Pichincha Volcano. This area is known for its diverse natural features and beautiful scenery within Quito’s Metropolitan District. Here, hot water flows from the volcano, waterfalls hide in the forest, and life remains mostly rural.
In Lloa, farmers, livestock workers, and community tourism projects live together, creating special geotourism experiences. Weekend visitors come for fresh air, hot springs, hiking, and traditional food. Thanks to its location in the Interandean valley, guests can enjoy the varied ecosystems of the Andes while helping local families.
Lloa is an ideal place to relax without leaving Quito’s metropolitan area. You can mix gentle adventures with rest in its famous hot springs and support local families directly. As part of the UNESCO Global Geopark program, Lloa offers a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural richness that invites visitors to explore and appreciate it.
Lloa: a rural parish surrounded by fog, volcanoes, and countryside life
Lloa is one of 33 rural parishes in the Metropolitan District of Quito. It’s about 12 km southwest of the city, located in a valley formed by volcanic activity on the slopes of Guagua Pichincha. This valley sits between the eastern and western Andes mountains in the Interandean region. Its average height is around 3,000 meters above sea level, ranging from 1,800 to almost 4,784 meters. Because of this, you can experience many different weather conditions in one day: strong sun, thick fog, light rain, and clear skies.
The area is mostly rural: wide grasslands with cows and sheep grazing on gentle hills, farms growing potatoes, corn, and vegetables, and scattered homes of families who have farmed and raised animals here for generations. You notice this rural feel right away—quiet streets, little traffic, a slow pace of life, and an “old-fashioned village” vibe that’s very different from the busy city.
Lloa also has a spiritual side. At its entrance is Huayrapungo, the “Door to the Wind,” where you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cinto. This spot offers natural views of southern Quito and nearby volcano peaks along the Route of the Volcanoes. Many visitors stop here to take a moment to reflect before heading down into the valley.
Geologically, Lloa’s landscape was shaped by volcanic activity caused by the Nazca Plate moving under the South American Plate. This has created diverse rock formations, hot springs, and unique soils that support many types of plants and animals. Local efforts focus on protecting this geological heritage while encouraging responsible tourism.
In recent years, Lloa has become popular for nearby tourism. Reports show it combines farming with welcoming more visitors—especially from Quito—who come for day trips or weekends. There are family-friendly places like Molino Adventure Park and Cuscungo Adventure offering fishing, petting farms, hiking trails, and camping. There are also quiet hostels without parties or noise, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
All these things make Lloa feel like a green “backstage” to Quito: a large area (one of the biggest parishes in DMQ) where water, volcanoes, and rural life create an identity just starting to be discovered by tourists but still mainly belonging to its local community. Lloa is also being considered for UNESCO Global Geopark status because of its rich geology and commitment to conservation.
Things to Do in Lloa: Hot Springs, Waterfalls, Hiking, and Guagua Pichincha
Lloa is known for the water coming from Guagua Pichincha. Springs from the volcano feed cold waterfalls, warm pools, and streams that flow through the valley. This special landscape makes Lloa a popular spot for nature and adventure tourism near Quito.
Visitors often follow the water’s path—hiking up and down, walking through mist, and ending the day with a soak in hot springs or a traditional meal. You can also learn about the area’s volcanic features and enjoy community-based tourism that supports sustainable development in Ecuador’s geoparks.
Urauco Hot Springs and the Seven Waterfalls
One of the most famous spots is the Urauco hot springs, a tourist area run by the local community for over 15 years. The pools include one with green water and another with mud, both filled with mineral-rich water that visitors find healing and relaxing. This place offers more than rest; it highlights the region’s natural beauty since the springs come from geothermal activity near the Guagua Pichincha volcano. Visitors can enjoy showers, rest areas, sports courts, and a small restaurant, making it a great spot for couples, families, or friends.
What to Expect at Urauco Hot Springs
- Healing Properties: The mineral-rich waters are known for their healing and relaxing effects.
- Natural Beauty: The springs are located near the Guagua Pichincha volcano, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Amenities: Enjoy showers, rest areas, sports courts, and a small restaurant on-site.
Nearby, the Cachaco River and Palmira area lead to the “Seven Waterfalls” or “Seven Faces,” a group of cold but very scenic waterfalls. You can reach them by a trail that takes about an hour and a half to hike. Along the way, handrails and ropes have been added to make the path safer. The sound of flowing water and sightings of birds and insects make the walk enjoyable. This trail shows off the rich plant and animal life of the high-altitude paramo ecosystem. It’s also an example of well-organized community tourism, where 26 families work together to protect nature and share earnings.
Exploring the Seven Waterfalls
- Trail Access: The waterfalls can be reached via a hiking trail that takes approximately 1.5 hours.
- Safety Measures: Handrails and ropes have been installed along the path for added safety.
- Biodiversity: The trail showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the high-altitude paramo ecosystem.
Adventure in Guagua Pichincha
Lloa is best known as the starting point for trips to Guagua Pichincha, an active volcano standing 4,784 meters tall. From the village, vehicles go up to a refuge at about 4,560 meters. From there, hikers set out for the summit to see the steaming crater, Quito city to the east, and on clear days, other volcanoes like Cotopaxi, Corazón, or Rumiñahui. This hike lets visitors experience Lloa’s unique geology and different ecosystems along the way.
Hiking to Guagua Pichincha
- Starting Point: Lloa serves as the starting point for journeys to Guagua Pichincha.
- Vehicle Access: Vehicles can drive up to a refuge located at approximately 4,560 meters.
- Summit Views: Hikers can expect panoramic views from the summit, including sights of Quito city and nearby volcanoes.
The trail passes through high mountain areas with grasslands, volcanic soil, and slopes where you might spot white-tailed deer, curiquing birds, or even Andean condors. The hike needs good fitness and care with altitude but is doable for hikers with some mountain experience if they go with local guides or tour companies. Taking part in these activities helps visitors learn about the area’s natural wonders while supporting local people who depend on tourism.
Wildlife Spotting on the Trail
- Grassland Areas: Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer in grassy regions along the trail.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Look out for curiquing birds and Andean condors soaring overhead.
- Volcanic Landscape: Experience firsthand the unique geology shaped by volcanic activity.
Sport Fishing, E-Bikes, Mountain Bikes, and Food
If you prefer easier activities, Lloa has adventure parks and farms where you can try sport fishing, horseback riding, camping, visiting animal farms, and easy hiking. Places like Molino Adventure Park and Cuscungo Adventure offer fishing ponds, tunnels with small windows, picnic spots, and country restaurants—great for families with kids. This area is also a good starting point for nature trips near Quito.
Another great choice is the Lloa–Palmira bike route: a fully bike-friendly path that starts on paved roads and then turns gravel. It has gentle hills and nice views of the Guagua Pichincha and Atacazo volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll see farms selling dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt among green fields. This route suits people with some biking experience and is ideal for groups of friends or families with teens. For more adventure, try the El Chaquiñan Bike Trail or visit nearby places like Cotopaxi National Park or Mindo.
And don’t forget the food. The main dish is roasted lamb served with potatoes, corn, broad beans, ripe plantain, and salad—all made from animals raised locally in the parish. It’s the perfect treat after a day of hiking, visiting hot springs, or cycling.
How to Get to Lloa from Quito and Tips for Your Visit
Getting to Lloa is easier than it looks when you see the valley from a distance. Traditionally, there were two main routes: a cobblestone uphill road from Chilibulo near the Hospital del Sur, and a paved road starting from La Mena 2 area, passing through Reino de Quito, Santa Bárbara, and El Cinto before reaching the town center. Both routes take about 20 minutes by car from Mariscal Sucre Avenue, covering around 12 km from Quito.
Since October 2025, there is also a direct public transport route from the Quitumbe terminal to Lloa. This new route, set up by the Municipality of Quito and the community, connects Lloa to the city’s metro system including Metro, Trolebús, and Ecovía. What used to take over an hour and a half with several transfers now takes less than half that time, making travel easier for both locals and tourists.
If you prefer more flexibility, taxis or private cars are still good options. The trip usually takes about 20 minutes and costs between $7 and $9 depending on your starting point and traffic.
When visiting Lloa, try to travel sustainably to protect the environment. Use public transport when you can and respect local nature reserves by staying on marked paths. Support local businesses and be careful with your waste. By doing this, you’ll help keep Lloa beautiful for future visitors while having a better experience yourself.
What to Bring and When to Visit
You can visit Lloa any time of the year, but be ready for typical Sierra weather—sun and rain in the same day. It’s best to wear comfortable clothes like a cotton t-shirt with a warm layer, sports or hiking shoes, a cap, and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water and avoid carrying glass items when walking near rivers. If you plan to explore Lloa’s natural spots like the Urauco hot springs or the seven waterfalls, pack accordingly.
For visits to hot springs and waterfalls, bring sandals for the pool, a towel, and extra clothes if you’re with kids. If you’re climbing Guagua Pichincha from Lloa, make sure to have a windbreaker, thermal jacket, gloves, hat, and trekking poles if possible. Always check the weather before you go and follow advice from guides or locals. Remember, Lloa is surrounded by volcanoes, making its landscape very unique.
The best way to enjoy Lloa is to take it slow: stop at Huayrapungo viewpoints, talk with restaurant owners, try the local roasted lamb or dairy products from nearby farms. Keep in mind that this community welcomes tourism while keeping its rural charm.
