Laguna Quilotoa is the gorgeous caldera that remains from an ancient erupted volcano. Now mostly a tourist attraction, this region also serves as home for many indigenous Andean people who make their living farming the fertile land surrounding the crater’s rim.

We took a bus trip from Quito to visit Laguna Quilotoa and the surrounding town. Scheduling didn’t allow us to complete the 5 mile hike around the rim, but we took in the incredible views from roughly 12,500 feet.

More shares from our trip to Ecuador: