You’ve spent more than enough time wandering around Otavalo’s artisanal market, and are looking to get out of the city? I got you covered. Here is an epic one-day trip from Otavalo: La Laguna de Cuicocha (or Cuicocha Lake).
“How to get there? What to do? What to pack?…” You must have a million questions needing answers to plan your trip there. But first some fun (or not) facts about Cuicocha.
- “Cuicocha” means Guinea Pig Lake in Kichwa (the indigenous language of Ecuador). The name comes from the shape of the largest island in the lake, which is meant to look like a guinea pig. (I’ve never really seen it, but well… I’ll accept the explanation!)
- The lake is located at 3250m of elevation, inside the Cotacachi Caypas Ecological Reserve. If you are not used to such heights, you might want to consider walking slowly and bringing sugar to deal with altitude sickness.
- The 3 km long lake is located inside the crater of the Cotacachi volcano and was formed more than 3000 years ago by a volcanic eruption.
Now, onto what you really want to know!
How to get to Cuicocha Lake?
If you have been in Ecuador for a while, You might have already noticed, but their public transportation system is fantastic. So if you want to save some money, and feel a bit more like a local, that’s a great way to go.
If you are staying in the town of Otavalo you can get a public bus from there to the main square of Cotacachi (for less than $0.5/person). Once you get there, you’ll have to take a taxi to the Cotacachi Caypas Ecological Reserve, which should cost you $5.
If you are by yourself, don’t hesitate to ask other tourists to share a taxi. This way you will save money and, who knows, maybe make new friends.
If you are already staying in Cotacachi you can just take a cab directly from your hotel.
I know that you can also book an organized group tour (with Get Your Guide, for example) to explore without having to plan anything. I don’t think it is necessary if you just want to see La Laguna de Cuicocha, but it can be useful if you want to see more places.
Obviously, you can get there by car if you own one. It takes approximately 30 minutes from Otavalo and 15 from Cotacachi. The road is mainly well-preserved, so you shouldn’t have any problem to reach the lake.
Oh, and I almost forgot! The entrance to the Ecological Reserve is completely free. All you have to do is register at the check-in point by giving your name and passport number.
What can YOU do there?
Some of you might be happy to know that you don’t have to hike to enjoy this place. There is something to do for everyone.
Aquatic activities: If the weather is nice, and you want to enjoy the water, you can rent a paddle boat or go on a mini cruise to the islands. I don’t remember the cost, but I remember thinking it wasn’t so expensive. (I am going back there in a few months, so I will ask again for you!)
Shops and restaurants: There are a few spots to eat and drink something by the lake, and when the weather is great, there’s no better place to be! There are also a few craft product stalls if you want to bring back a souvenir from your excursion.
Walking around the crater: You don’t have to, but this is the best experience you can have at Cuicocha Lake. The different views you will get from the path are just breathtaking! And if you are into birdwatching, know that the Cotacachi Caypas Ecological Reserve is known to be home to various species.
The circuit around the crater is 14 km long, with an elevation gain of approximately 500 meters. (Start of the trail: approximately 3000m – Highest point of the trail: 3512m) People usually complete the hike in 4 to 6 hours, so make sure you have enough time.
What should you pack?
Due to the high elevation of la Laguna de Cuicocha, the weather is unpredictable. Don’t be fooled by the sun shining when you get there, it could quickly change.
To be sure the climate doesn’t affect your experience, bring sun protection items (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat) and layers if it gets cold or rainy (raincoat, jumper, gloves, scarf). I know… it can be annoying to bring so many things with you but believe me, in the Andes, you NEVER know.
If you plan to hike the trail, don’t forget to pack water and snacks too. Or if you are on a budget and don’t want to spend money there on food and drinks, it can also apply to you.
And, last but not least, bring something to take photos. If, like me, you are a photographer, bring your camera, if not, a phone works well too. The whole Reserve is stunning, and you will be mad if you can’t immortalize your moment there with a photo shoot.
How to come back from Cuicocha to Otavalo (or Cotacachi)?
This is something we hadn’t thought about until we realized that no taxis were waiting in the parking lot after we completed the hike…
Of course, there was no signal to call one, the guards of the Reserve were already gone and there was only one car left there.
We were seriously thinking of walking back, in the dark, to Cotacachi (which must be a 4-hour walk) when the owner of the only car there appeared and drove us back.
So, if you don’t want to have the same problem, you have two options.
- Ask your taxi driver to come back in a certain amount of time. Just take into account that hiking around the lake should take you between 4 and 6 hours.
- Ask your taxi driver to wait for you (if you know you won’t be long). I’ve personally never done that before, but from what I’ve heard it should cost you around $10/hour.
La Laguna de Cuicocha is definitely in my TOP 3 of Ecuadorian Lakes, so now that you have all the information you need, all you have left is to get there! But in the meantime, go this way to plan the rest of your trip to Otavalo.