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Welcome to Trekking around Cotacachi, Ecuador! We are a team of hiking enthusiasts who love exploring the rugged mountains around Cotacachi. Our website is a guide for fellow hikers who wish to discover the breathtaking landscapes and trails in this region. We are slowly but surely developing maps and descriptions for short hikes and multi-day treks. Join us in exploring this breathtaking area!
ABOUT
Cotacachi
Explore the town of Cotacachi for a few days before or after trekking the Cotacachi-Cuicocha Loop. This small town has a lot to offer in terms of coffee and cuisine, shopping and local festivals. Below are a few Websites about Cotacachi:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20181205-the-ancient-leather-tanners-of-ecuador
https://escape2cotacachi.com/pages/aboutcotacachi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotacachi_(city)
Geography and Climate
Cotacachi is nestled in a valley in the highlands of Imbabura Province in northern Ecuador. Two volcanoes, Imbabura and Cotacachi, tower over this scenic town. Cotacachi is easy to visit. Quito international Airport can be reached in 1.5 hours and the famous Otavalo market is only 15 minutes from this small mountain town. Owing to its high altitude, 2,400 meters (about 8,000 feet), and proximity to the equator, Cotacachi’s climate is pleasant year round. Average high temperatures are about 20 degrees centigrade (68 F), with lows around 10 degrees centigrade (50 F). Although there is little variation in temperature, the region experiences a wet, cloudy season in the spring and a dry, windy season in the summer.
You can hike year round in Imbabura Province, although the best months for hiking are June through January when there is less rain.
Culture and Traditions
Cotacachi’s 20,000 residents are a mix of Mestizos (a blend of Spanish and indigenous blood) and Indigenous people, along with a few hundred expats. These three groups bring a lot of color to Cotacachi.
The Indigenous community holds tightly to their cultural identity. Many speak Quichwa, an ancient Incan language, play Andean instruments, and dress as they have for centuries – the women in long wool skirts with embroidered blouses, the men in white pants, ponchos and black felt hats. Although there are plenty of professional indigenous people, the majority are farmers. The grandest Indigenous festival is Inti Raymi, a celebration of the sun that occurs in June.
The numerous religious (Catholic) processions and horse parades give us a glimpse into Cotacachi's Spanish roots, as does the plethora of leather goods. Cotacachi’s famous leather craft industry forms the town's backbone. The main street has numerous stores that sell hand-crafted leather products.
The small expat community adds a distinct flavor to Cotacachi. Foreigners have introduced new products, art and ethnic restaurants. The weekly 'Gringo' market is popular with both foreigners and local residents.
Entertainment
Cotacachi is a tourist town, as evidenced by the crowded streets on weekends and holidays. Coffee shops – there are at least a dozen in the downtown - are extremely popular. They serve high-quality desserts and coffees. There are also many restaurants specializing in both ethnic and local food. Prices are reasonable, but beware – most places close around 7 pm on weekdays.
Outside of eating and shopping for leather goods, tourists come to Cotacachi for outdoor activities, such as a visit to Lake Cuicocha, the famous Otavalo Market, Peguche Falls or the hot springs in Intag and Chachimbiro. Although tourists can visit these sites on their own, a fantastic option is to hire a knowledgeable tour guide who knows where to find the best artisan weavers, leather-crafters and hat-makers.
Outdoor activities, such as cycling, horseback riding and hiking, are also popular.