Lagunas de Ozogoche
A highland lake district of dozens of lakes deep in Sangay National Park, famous nationwide for the mysterious phenomenon each September when migrating plovers tumble into the lakes in flocks.
The lake district lies at about 3,800 m. Large lakes such as Lake Mactayán are scattered across desolate moorland, creating a stark and majestic landscape. Around September each year, migrating plovers fall into the lakes in great numbers; local Indigenous people regard this as a gift to the lakes and hold festivals to mark it. The roads are rough, so it's best to hire a 4WD from Riobamba. The one-way trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, and the weather is cold and changeable.
Opening hours
All day (daytime visits)
Nearby sights
- Lagunas de Atillo
- Nariz del Diablo Railway (Alausí)
- Guamote Thursday Market
- Laguna de Colta
- Balbanera Church
- Mercado La Merced
- Riobamba Historic Center & Parque Maldonado
- Riobamba Cathedral