Lagunas de Mojanda, Pichincha Province, Ecuador

5Hannisze 5:00 PM Mar 31, 2018

Quito to Otavalo by local bus. Private 4WD to Lake Mojanda.
We wanted to do a day trip from Quito to Otavalo Market and then go to the nearby Lake Mojanda. We asked around the many travel agencies from Quito for this combined trip and was aghast to be informed that the price per person for such trip is $110-$120!! So, we did some research and decided to do it independently. We took a taxi from our hotel to the Carcelan Bus Station (North) which costs us USD10. From there, we took the local bus which goes to Otavalo (last stop). It costs us only USD 2.50 per person. From the Otavalo bus Terminal, it was just a shot distance walk to the market. After visiting the market, we went to a local tour agent based in Otavalo itself, called Runa Tupari (it's a rural community based tour operator - you can check out their website). We have sent an email to them prior to our arrival in Ecuador to arrange for a 4WD to take us to Lake Mojanda, and for for the driver to wait for us while we hiked for 3 hours, before taking us back to Otavalo, in time for us to catch the local bus back to Quito. The price they offered us was a fraction of those quoted by the tour operators from Quito. We find this to be the best arrangement because although you may be able to get a taxi to Lake Mojanda from Otavalo, you may not be able to get a taxi from there back to town again, unless you pre-arrange pick-up with your taxi driver. Lake Mojanda is located in a quite remote area and the road conditions do require a 4WD or a very brave driver. It's a worthwhile trip since it's so near to Otavalo. The view was just fantastic, and the hike was not too difficult We highly recommend it!!

5Mariuxi Bolaños 5:00 PM Oct 16, 2020

THE MOJANDA LAKE
Mojanda's lake is in Otavalo this lake is quite beautiful further. It is surrounded by hugh mountains .The weather is coldest on the region but pleasant. This place has vegetation you souls visit preferably in the morning because there is little sun. Mojanda's lake is really famous by theirs tourist. They enjoy from the landscape and in the night some make confites. It's quite interesting because you can meet many people even you can find delicious food but It's a bit expensive. It's an experience in my life. When I went last week with my family and friends I enjoyed a lot and I can say this lake is the more wonderful than other lakes un Imbabura . We ate fritada , potatoes and salad and as a drink lemon juice later with my cousins we walked by the lake the truth I felt very cold . The lake water was very cold . I loved walking in the mountains when I went up I decided to take many photos. I've never been in this place but it was my first time there. You must go to the lake with warm clothes and sports shoes and you do not forget to carry a wool cap and scarf. In Mojanda's lake also you can find straw in the mountains it's something amazing.You can arrive to lake in car , bicycle and walking also these lakes have hosting service for foreign tourists. In the Flora are mount rosemary , straw , wicundo , totora , arrayan and other things In the Fauna are perdis , quilicos, quinde, paramo wolf and paramo rabbit. Mojanda's lake there are pure nature, pure air, suitable place for walk , camping and fishing. Excellent experience for those who love nature. * Recommendations If you decide to camp you must wear comfortable clothes. If you want to go up the mountain you can ask for help to a Guido of the place. You should bring some food for not to spend any money. I advise this place you feel relaxed I think that this place is the best in Otavalo If you want to have a good moment you must visit Mojanda's lake. It is preferable to leave in summer so you can see the whole landscape You can arrive at 40 minutes You can enter from the following cities Ibarra , Otavalo and Cayambe. This experience was unforgettable.