Cuicocha Lake, Imbabura Province, Ecuador
4.5 (31 reviews) Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #1 in Laguna Cuicocha Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Worth the Effort!
I've seen ratings of this hike and whether or not this would be a Moderate or Difficult one depends on your fitness level. If you are accustomed to hiking 8-10 or more miles in altitudes exceeding 8,000 feet, this would be Moderate. However, if you are not used to those parameters it would be Difficult. Not impossible, though. If you don't hike at all, do a short out & back and enjoy the fabulous scenery and amazing views. Be prepared, though. According to my altimeter much of this hike as at 11,000' and even reached heights of 11,500'! Just take your time. The trail is in very good condition and easy to maneuver and not very crowded. I hiked it on a cloudy day and even encountered rain toward the end. Had it been sunny it would have been hot, not because of the temperature but because the sun in Ecuador is intense, especially at those altitudes. Also, don't go to Ecuador expecting to wear shorts or capris. The mosquitos, black flies, and "no see-um's" would have a feast!
Address
, Laguna Cuicocha, Ecuador.
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 7:27
User Ratings
4.5 based on (31 reviews)
Reviews
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5JeetKulkarni 5:00 PM Nov 23, 2017
Serene
If you want serenity then go to Cuicocha. It was the first of the two crater lakes that I visited in Ecuador the other being the more famous Quilotoa lake. While this lake may not be as popular as Quilotoa, it certainly is no less beautiful. I did the 10 km hike along the rim of the crater and it was superb. For long stretches of time I did not see a soul and it was extremely peaceful. The trail is really well marked so there is no chance of getting lost even when traveling solo. The view of the lake with the twin islands and the nearby Cotacachhi volcano are mesmerizing. I took me exactly 3.5 hours with plenty of stops for photos. the suggested time to complete the trail is 5 hours but I think anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to do it between 3.5 to 4.5 hrs. The lake is a bit hard to get to from Quito but this is what I did to get here. 1) Taxi from old town Quito to Cercelan terminal in the North. 8$ 2) 2 hour bus ride to Otavalo. Buses leave frequently and cost 2.25$ 3) Another bus from Otavalo bus terminal going to Quiroga. You need to tell the driver that you want to go to Cuicocha and he will let you know when to get off. Cost 0.25$ 4) Finally if you made this far then you need to hop on a taxi for 10 min ride and should cost 5$ There is a beautiful hostel at the lake tjsf can arrange the return taxi back to Quiroga. From there simply follow the directions in reverse. if you are not hard pressed for time, then you can save 8$ to get to Carcelan terminal and take the local bus going North from any part of Quito. Hope this information helps someone interested in Cuicocha!
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5Dayana I 5:00 PM Oct 28, 2022
description of the Cuicocha Lagoon
This place is magical because of its attractive view and its lagoon in the background is a splendor because the water is very clear. And its landscape that it presents is impressive, in the same way its sunsets. It also has typical food places, garages, clothing stores and many more shops and tourist attractions. I recommend this place because it is very impressive to spend in tranquility and peace. Enjoy it.
