Laguna de Cuicocha

A crater lake about 3 km across at the southern foot of Cotacachi volcano, with two forested lava-dome islands in the lake and a trail around its shore.

Cuicocha lies in Cotacachi Canton, Imbabura Province. It fills a crater about 3 km across at the foot of Cotacachi volcano, is up to about 200 m deep, and sits at roughly 3,000 m or higher. Two islands in the lake, formed by dacitic lava domes, are called Yerovi Island and Teodoro Wolf Island, and landing on them is prohibited. The lake area forms the southern end of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, managed by the environment ministry. There is a visitor centre at the entrance where you register with ID, and entry is currently free. The highlight is the lakeside trail, the Máximo Gorki Campusano Trail, about 12 km in total, taking 4–5 hours and winding along the crater rim. On clear days you can see Cotacachi, Cayambe and Imbabura volcanoes, and high-altitude plants such as orchids line the way. If you only want the views, walk the short stretch near the visitor centre. Boats sometimes circle the island on weekends. To get there, take a bus from Otavalo to Quiroga and then a taxi uphill, or charter a taxi directly from Otavalo or Cotacachi, about 20–30 minutes. The lake is often paired with the Otavalo market on the same day. It sits high and clouds often roll in during the afternoon, so arrive in the morning and bring a windproof jacket.

Laguna de Cuicocha

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby