This beautiful lake is located 3800 meters above sea level at the bottom of an ancient volcanic caldera. 440 meters separate it from the edge of the crater. The 3.15 km wide caldera of the Quilotoa was formed about 800 years ago by the collapse of the volcano due to a huge VEI-6 eruption. Over the years, an emerald green lake filled the depths of the crater. Water is very cold, full of minerals and salt, which gives the greenish colour to the lake and as explains the absence of algae in the water, and vegetation or animal life in the immediate vicinity. Fumaroles are found on the lake floor and bubbles in the water can be observed from along the shore. Hot springs are also present on the eastern flank of the volcano. Two events pointing out that this volcano is still active. (Chugchilán, Ecuador)
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