Near Cotacachi: Cuicocha Lake

Cuicocha Lake. Photo by Andrea Davoust

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 spectacularly perfect vegetation-covered domes which were formed by the last eruption over 3,000 years ago. The name means "Guinea Pig Lake" in Qechua. 

Seeing Cuicocha by Boat

Boats, which depart every half hour or so, will take you around the islands, near which you can observe bubbles of sulfur gas escaping to the surface and turning the water lukewarm. The ride costs about $2 and includes a voucher for a free canelazo at the cafeteria.

Hiking Cuicocha

If you are up for a three-to-four hour hike, you can also follow the path along the rim of the crater, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and of Otavalo valley.

Getting to and From Cuicocha

By car, Cuicocha is about forty minutes from Cotacachi, which in turn is about twenty minutes from Otavalo.

Boating

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