Lake Cuicocha
Location: Lake Cuicocha
Province: Imbaburra
Duration: 4 to 6 hours; 14km , 8.5 miles
Elevation: 10,000 - 11,400 feet. (Ascending and Descending throughout the climb)
Trail Head N 00˚ 17.584΄ W 78˚ 21.184΄
Pavillion N 00˚ 18.941΄ W 78˚ 21.716΄
Traverse Creek N 00˚ 18.864΄ W 78˚ 22.143΄
Dirt Road N 00˚ 18.181΄ W 78˚ 22.815΄
Description: Cuicocha is a moderately easy hike around a volcanic lake formed at the base of Cotacachi volcano. The elevation during the hike rises and falls with a range from 10,000 feet to 11,400 feet. Although this hike goes around the lake, there is no water source available during the dry months (the creek feeding the lake is usually dry during this time). Take plenty of water and snacks. The hike is filled with different examples of flora and fauna; be sure to take a camera or binoculars. The spectacled-bear is native to this region, but there has not been a sighting for many years (to my knowledge). Also, note that the last 45 minutes of the hike is on a dirt road with no view of the lake. This is really the only disappointment of the hike. Enjoy.
How to get there: Lago Cuicocha is near Otavalo in the Imbabura province, 68 miles northeast of the capital Quito. It's part of the Cotacachi/Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Take the Panamerica Highway north from Quito. You will pass the town of Otavalo (a great town for shopping) and turn left on a road that takes you to Cotacachi. [N 00 Follow this road until you reach the circle where you will follow the sign (to the right) to Laguna Cuicocha. From here you will enter the town and make left at another sign. Continue on this road until you reach the Laguna Cuicocha Park entrance. You will have to pay $1 for non-residence, or $.50 for residence of the country. The trail head begins at the visitor center on the right [N 00°17'33.41" W 78°21'12.28"]. While it is possible to hike around the lake clock-wise, it is advised to follow the trail along the lake counter-clockwise as most of the signs are posted for this direction.
Location: Lake Cuicocha
Province: Imbaburra
Duration: 4 to 6 hours; 14km , 8.5 miles
Elevation: 10,000 - 11,400 feet. (Ascending and Descending throughout the climb)
Trail Head N 00˚ 17.584΄ W 78˚ 21.184΄
Pavillion N 00˚ 18.941΄ W 78˚ 21.716΄
Traverse Creek N 00˚ 18.864΄ W 78˚ 22.143΄
Dirt Road N 00˚ 18.181΄ W 78˚ 22.815΄
Description: Cuicocha is a moderately easy hike around a volcanic lake formed at the base of Cotacachi volcano. The elevation during the hike rises and falls with a range from 10,000 feet to 11,400 feet. Although this hike goes around the lake, there is no water source available during the dry months (the creek feeding the lake is usually dry during this time). Take plenty of water and snacks. The hike is filled with different examples of flora and fauna; be sure to take a camera or binoculars. The spectacled-bear is native to this region, but there has not been a sighting for many years (to my knowledge). Also, note that the last 45 minutes of the hike is on a dirt road with no view of the lake. This is really the only disappointment of the hike. Enjoy.
How to get there: Lago Cuicocha is near Otavalo in the Imbabura province, 68 miles northeast of the capital Quito. It's part of the Cotacachi/Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Take the Panamerica Highway north from Quito. You will pass the town of Otavalo (a great town for shopping) and turn left on a road that takes you to Cotacachi. [N 00 Follow this road until you reach the circle where you will follow the sign (to the right) to Laguna Cuicocha. From here you will enter the town and make left at another sign. Continue on this road until you reach the Laguna Cuicocha Park entrance. You will have to pay $1 for non-residence, or $.50 for residence of the country. The trail head begins at the visitor center on the right [N 00°17'33.41" W 78°21'12.28"]. While it is possible to hike around the lake clock-wise, it is advised to follow the trail along the lake counter-clockwise as most of the signs are posted for this direction.
1 comment:
These are great pictures. Cuicocha is one of my favorite volcanic lakes in Ecuador. I recommend the hike clockwise as it seems to be easier.
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