Cuicocha is a crater lake situated at the foot of Cotocachi Volcano, not far from Otavalo, at an altitude of 3200 m. There is a small hotel and restaurant on the lake.
History of Cuicocha
Emerging from the dark waters of the 3 kilometer wide lake are four...
Parque la Matriz can be found beneath the gaze of a towering sculpture of Jesus. La Matriz is Cotacachi’s main plaza and is ringed by the flags of a dozen diverse nations. The display is fitting, since this is where the city displays its international awards. A large glass plaque marks...
Mercado de los Andes is the city’s main food market and includes a large produce section, with every type of fruit you’ve heard of and likely a few that you haven’t. There are also some cheap clothing stores, notable for their variety of typical Ecuadorian hats.
The market itself is nothing...
The hike around Cuicocha Lake can be completed anywhere between 3.5 and six hours, depending on your general level of fitness. Most people head off around the lake anticlockwise from the restaurant. Be aware that the hike has steep sections, especially at the beginning if you take the...