Cuicocha Lagoon Trek 3.200 m / 10,496 ft

Explore a crater lagoon from all its spectacular angles

DURATION 1 day

DIFFICULTY Easy

TRIP OVERVIEW

To the Northwest of the town of Otavalo and just 58 km North of Quito stands Cotacachi, a sacred mountain in the religious conception of the northern Indians. It is and old eroded and extinct volcano located in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.

Below its slopes lies the remains of yet another volcano called Cuicocha Crater or Guinea Pig Lagoon, whose caldron was filled by the water of the melting glaciers above, thousands of years ago. Cuicocha is a collapsed volcanic crater that measures 3 km / 1,9 miles in diameter and is about 200 m / 656 ft deep, but still shows signs of activity.

Arrive/Depart: Quito

Group Size: Open

Pre-requisites: Acceptable physical condition

Difficulty Levels: Easy
EXPLAIN DIFFICULTY LEVELS

Access/Depart: Drive in and drive out

Activity: Trekking / Wildlife & Natural History

Seasons: All year round

Equipment: Trekking Excursions Gear List
Download PDF

ITINERARY

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

During the trek around the crater you can clearly see the lagoon from all its angles. The name Cuicocha comes from the shape of one of the islands in the middle of the lagoon that resembles the shape of a "cui" or guinea pig.

While hiking you will enjoy some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, like Cotacachi, Imbabura and Mojanda.

DAY
01

Trek around the crater lagoon of Cuicocha

  • Pick up at Quito at around 7:30
  • Two and a half hours drive to Cuicocha
  • Five hours hike around the crater
  • Box lunch
  • Back at Quito by 19:00

Activity: 4 hours climbing up / 2 hours descending

Transportation: 1 1/2 hours private van/jeep transfer

Meals: Box Lunch

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Important: Please note that this itinerary is a guideline only. We will do every effort to follow it, but in case of unforeseen circumstances we may have to make changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Unique location that allows great views of Cotopaxi, Antisana, Ilinizas, Rumiñahui, Sincholahua and other mountains
  • Good chances to see some of the last wild condors in Ecuador
  • Easy approach from Quito, just 1 1/2 hours away
  • Good first acclimatisation hike
  • All year round climbing

MAP

SHARE THIS TRIP

COMPLIMENTARY
EXTENSIONS

Our Complimentary Extension Packages offer great opportunities to explore some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenaries, which have earned the country a reputation as one of the most bio diverse and unique regions on the planet.

We work with carefully selected tourism operators, which will offer the same quality and high standards of service that our clients expect from us.

You can choose from a selection of various (active) outdoor activities in the Galapagos, the Cloud Forest or Amazon Jungle. We highly recommend to extent your trip with a rafting experience.

VIEW EXTENSION TOURS

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

We have designed these hikes after being exploring and trekking in Ecuador for over 20 years. We don’t just offer the classic trekking routes; we have a comprehensive range of hiking excursions that take you to explore the hidden corners of the northern Andes of Ecuador, offering you off-the-beaten-path experiences, hikes that discover forgotten trails, and stunning natural sights. Each single excursion can be part of a multiple day tailor made program.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Activities

Drive to Otavalo region and trekking around the crater lagoon

Terrain

We follow a trail that surrounds the lagoon, with some ups and downs and spectacular views

Travel

We travel to Cuicocha by jeep or van using only paved roads

Weather

It often has clear days and a temperate climate

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS

This area offers plenty of possibilities for adventure in the high paramo.

We can arrange different horseback riding trips in the area to visit either Pasochoa, Rumiñahui or Cotopaxi National Park. Or we can suggest a stay in one of the splendid haciendas nearby and a day trek for the following morning.

Papallacta Hot Springs

Relax and enjoy these hot springs with magnificent views of…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

3.220 m / 10,562 ft

Difficulty

Easy
Indian Markets

Explore and discover the fascinating cultural diversity found in the…

Duration

1 day

Elevation

Difficulty

Easy
Imbabura Trek

A deity in the indegenous cosmovision will challenge you with…

Duration

2 days

Elevation

4.630 m / 15,190 ft

Difficulty

Moderate