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Lagoon · Otavalo, Imbabura
Laguna de Cuicocha
Lagoon inside the crater of a volcano, at about 3,000 meters, with two forested islands in the middle and a roughly 14 km trail along the rim, at the foot of Cotacachi.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Laguna de Cuicocha
Laguna de Cuicocha fills the crater of an extinct volcano at the foot of Cotacachi, around 3,060 meters above sea level, inside the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The caldera is about 3 km across, and in the middle of the dark blue water lie two forested islands separated by a channel. The name, in Kichwa, is associated with the guinea pig, the cuy, because of one of the islands.
The trail along the crater rim is about 14 km and takes four to five hours, ascending and descending through páramo and stretches of forest, with viewpoints over the lagoon and views of Cotacachi, Imbabura and the surrounding valleys. For those who want a shorter walk, there are short sections from the visitors' center.
Boat trips depart from the dock that circle the islands, where the bubbling of volcanic gases sometimes appears on the water. Swimming in the lagoon is not allowed.
The weather changes quickly: the sky is usually clearer in the morning, and clouds and wind arrive in the afternoon.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for the viewpoints and boat; 4 to 5 hours for the full rim hike.
Best time
Early morning, when the sky is clearer and there's less wind. From June to September it usually rains less. Check that trails are open before you go.
How to get there
It's about 12 km from Cotacachi and 18 km from Otavalo. Take a taxi from Cotacachi (about 20 minutes) or drive; there is no regular bus to the lagoon.
Tip
Start the rim trail early, counterclockwise, and bring water, snacks, a jacket and sunscreen. Arrange return transport with Cotacachi.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Laguna de Cuicocha
How long does the Cuicocha trail take?
The full rim walk is about 14 km and takes four to five hours.
Can you swim in the lagoon?
No. Swimming is not permitted; there are boat tours around the islands.
How do you get to Cuicocha?
By taxi from Cotacachi, about 20 minutes, or by car. There is no regular bus to the lagoon.