Cuicocha Lagoon | Cotacachi

Information

Landmark: Cuicocha Lagoon
City: Cotacachi
Country: Ecuador
Continent: South America

Cuicocha Lagoon, Cotacachi, Ecuador, South America

Cuicocha Lagoon is a volcanic crater lake situated within the Cordillera Occidental mountain range, located 4 kilometers west of the town of Cotacachi in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador.

Visual Characteristics

The lagoon occupies a caldera formed by a phreatomagmatic eruption. It features two small islands, Isla Yerovi and Isla Teodoro Wolf, located in its center. The water color varies from deep blue to turquoise depending on light conditions and depth. The surrounding slopes are covered in dense vegetation, primarily consisting of native shrubs and grasses, with exposed volcanic rock formations visible in certain areas.

Location & Access Logistics

The lagoon is accessible via a paved road, the E25 highway, turning off onto the local road signposted for Cuicocha. The distance from Cotacachi town center is approximately 4 kilometers. Parking is available at the main entrance, with a fee typically charged. Public transport options are limited; local buses run from Cotacachi to the vicinity of the lagoon, requiring a short walk for the final approach. Private taxis are also available from Cotacachi.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Cuicocha Lagoon was formed approximately 3,000 years ago by the eruption of the Cuicocha volcano, a stratovolcano. The eruption resulted in the collapse of the volcano's summit, creating the caldera that now holds the lake. It is classified as a volcanic crater lake. The islands within the lagoon are remnants of the volcanic cone.

Key Highlights & Activities

A primary activity is hiking the 4.5-kilometer trail that circumnavigates the crater rim, offering panoramic views of the lagoon and surrounding landscape. Boat tours are available to visit the islands, with departures from the main visitor area. Birdwatching is also a common activity due to the diverse avian population.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the main visitor center. Limited shade is provided by natural vegetation and some designated rest areas. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available at higher elevations along the trail and near the visitor center. Food vendors are typically present at the main entrance, offering local snacks and beverages.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when sunlight is most direct. The dry season, from June to September, offers the most stable weather conditions with clearer skies. The lagoon's elevation means temperatures can be cool year-round.

Facts & Legends

Local legend suggests that the lagoon's name, "Cuicocha," derives from the Kichwa words "kuyku" (guinea pig) and "cocha" (lake), referring to the shape of the lagoon which resembles a guinea pig. Another belief is that the islands are the petrified bodies of two lovers from warring tribes.