COTACACHI-CUICOCHA LOOP
This 3-day hiking route starts in the foothills of the Cotacachi volcano in Imbabura Province, a 30-minute taxi ride north of the town of Cotacachi. On the first day, the trail winds for 21 km through forests, farmlands and indigenous villages, ending at a campground near Cuicocha Lake, a 3-kilometer-wide crater lake in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. On the second day, hikers explore the stunning lake rim trail, a 3- to 5-hour trek. And on the third day, the route continues downhill through farmlands and ravines back to the town of Cotacachi (16.5 km).
This is an intermediate-difficulty trail. Elevations range from 8,100 feet to 11,483 feet (2,500 meters to 3,500 meters). The trails/roads are well maintained. The longest uninterrupted uphill grade is about one kilometer. There are numerous places on this trail that intersect with bus routes, so you can hop in a taxi or on a bus if you need to return to Cotacachi.
Maps
The orange trapezoid (map on left) delineates the area in Imbabura Province where you will trek, and the map below is an overview of the Cotacachi-Cuicocha loop. Click HERE to download a KML file that you can use in your phone app. If you have problems downloading the KML file, contact us at 100hikerz@gmail.com
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Day 1: El Morlan to Morochos community (18 km)
or to Vera Vista (Sara) Lodge (20 km)
Take a taxi from Cotacachi to the trailhead in El Morlan (above Imantag village). The taxi ride costs $10 USD and takes about 30 minutes. The first kilometer of the hike passes through a rural community at the foot of Cerro Negro (a picturesque hill). Beyond the community lays farmland and a eucalyptus forest. At Km 3, you will arrive at El Cercado, an indigenous community. There is a bus stop at the edge of the village, so if you need to leave the trail and return to Cotacachi, this is a good place to do it. From El Cercado, you will walk on a cobblestone road for approximately 0.7 km. If you turn right and continue uphill you will walk above the village in farmlands. Continuing on the cobblestone road is an easier option. The trails meet and meander through a forested area for a couple kilometers. The next section of the route dives down and back up a steep ravine, and from there begins a long downhill walk to the outskirts of the communities Topo Grande and Santa Barbara. At this point, you will have walked about 11 kilometers.
From Topo Grande, the trail continues downhill, through small communities – note the beautiful murals decorating the walls - and then turns uphill for a couple kilometers before crossing through another ravine. On the south side of the ravine, you will walk downhill and then traverse a hillside for a couple kilometers. At Km 16.5, you will meet a cobblestone road below Hacienda San Isidro. Hikers may spend the night at San Isidro (accommodations must be booked in advance). If you are not staying at the Hacienda, turn left and hike out to the main cobblestone road (called Old Cuicocha Road), then turn right and continue to Los Morochos Community. There are hostels and small stores in this indigenous community. See ACCOMMODATIONS for more information.
If you prefer to spend your first night at Vera Vista (Sara) Lodge, continue walking another 3 kilometers up Old Cuicocha Road. The lodge sits on a hill (right side) about 200 meters before the intersection with the paved road that leads to Lake Cuicocha. Make sure to reserve a cabin in advance.
If you want to shorten your walk on Day 1, take a taxi or bus to San Pedro, a community in the hills above Cotacachi. Buses to San Pedro leave regularly from the Cotacachi bus terminal. Get off the bus/taxi at the waypoint marked GET OFF BUS HERE FOR SHORTER ROUTE. Walk uphill (left) about 200 meters and you will be on the trail. This will shorten your journey by about 5 kilometers.
Day 2: Los Morochos or Vera Vista Lodge to Lake Cuicocha,
plus the Lake Cuicocha circuit, then back to Vera Vista or La Castaneda Camping
(19 km or 16 km)
Walk to Lake Cuicocha and circumnavigate the stunning volcanic caldera. This awe-inspiring hike has unforgettable views of the lake, Cotacachi Volcano and colorful wildflowers. The lake is about 5 km (1.5 hours) above Los Morochos or 2 km (30 minutes) from Vera Vista (Sara) Lodge. The trail around the lake is 12 km, a 3 to 5 hour hike, depending on your level of fitness. The trail is well marked, so you won't get lost. After walking around the lake, you will have to backtrack to Vera Vista Lodge or Camping Castaneda. If you're tired, you can take a taxi from the lake. Make sure to enjoy a latte or fruit smoothie at the lakeside restaurant - Hosteria Cuicocha. It boasts beautiful views of the lake!
There are two sleeping options (see ACCOMMODATIONS) for your second night on the trail. Vera Vista (Sara) Lodge is one option. The second option for those who want to camp is Camping Castaneda, which is on right-hand side of the road 2.5 km from the lake entrance. To date, there is no sign at the entrance. Make sure to close the gate after entering so the cows don't get out! Walk up the dirt road and turn left to find the camping area. Call the owner before setting up camp.
Note: You may leave your backpack at Vera Vista Lodge or Cuicocha restaurant (Hosteria Cuicocha) while circumnavigating the lake.
More information on Lake Cuicocha:
https://ecuador.travel/press/cuicocha-a-naturally-beautiful-destination/
https://prod.alltrails.com/trail/ecuador/imbabura/laguna-cuicocha
Day 3: Return to Cotacachi (16.5 km)
Walk down the the paved road (700 m from Camping Castaneda, 1.4 km from Vera Vista) toward the Pana (the main highway between Cotacachi and the Intag Valley). Turn right on the Pana and walk uphill for approximately 800 meters. Turn left just before the bus stop and follow the dirt road for about 1.5 km to San Nicolas Community. From San Nicolas, the road continues winding downhill to Quiroga village (4 Km before Cotacachi) and then on to Cotacachi.
Approximately 4.5 Km below San Nicolas, you will see two trails delineated on your map. The trail to the left leads into a bucolic ravine. This is the more scenic route; however, it’s not recommended during the rainy season as it is muddy. No matter the season, you will have to take your shoes off and walk through a creek for about 150 meters on this trail.
The right fork is the easier option. It follows a road above the ravine for 2.5 kilometers, meeting the left fork on a road at the bottom of the ravine. At this point, you will hike up a small rise to Cuicocha Community. Once again, there are two route options: the left-hand trail follows the road to Cuicocha Community. The right fork leads along a stream and then climbs a trail that meets the main road below the community. You are 2 Km above Quiroga at this point. If you want to end your hike in Quiroga, you can easily catch a bus or taxi to either Otavalo or Cotacachi at the bus stop or taxi stand in the Quiroga central square in front of the Catholic Church.
From Quiroga, the route winds through the outskirts of town and then follows peaceful country roads into Cotacachi. This last section is about 4 Km and takes about an hour to walk.
Accommodations
Cotacachi
There are numerous hotels and hostels in Cotacachi. I will mention two of my favorites, but you are welcome to choose from a long list of accommodations advertised on the Internet.
Hoppy Alpaca Hostel is 340 meters from downtown Cotacachi. It features economic prices, helpful bilingual owners and homemade beer. This hostel is currently under renovation. Visit their website for updated information. http://www.hoppyalpaca.com/.
La Cuadra Hotel is located right off La Matriz Square in downtown Cotacachi. This hotel receives high ratings. Its bilingual staff can help you organize taxis, etc. for your hiking adventure. http://www.lacuadra-hotel.com
Santa Barbara Community
Kallpa Wasi Bed and Breakfast – a community tourism venture
Reserve a room through Booking - https://www.booking.com/hotel/ec/ayllu-hostel.html
Los Morochos Community
Alojamiento Familiar Turistico – Wayra Pacha No. 3
Price: $20/person for lodging, breakfast and dinner
For reservations, contact Jose Miguel Flores Lima at +593-986003884 or Monica +593-969635019
Wayra Pacha is about 750 meters from the Old Cuicocha Road turn off and about 5.25 km from Laguna Cuicocha. Make sure to ask them to send you a location pin for your lodging. They have more than one location in Los Morochos!
Places to stay near Lake Cuicocha
La Castaneda Camping: Located approximately 2.5 Km from Lake Cuicocha. This is a rustic camping option for hikers who are carrying food, water, tents, sleeping bags, etc. It is conveniently located and has flat camping sites. It is very private and allows campfires.
Price: Free (Subject to change)
For reservations, contact the owner, Jose Castaneda: +593 98 425 9322
Note: Do not camp at La Castaneda without informing the owner!!
Vista Vera (Sara) Lodge. This lodge is located 2 km before Lake Cuicocha.
Price (subject to change): $15 -$20 per person for lodging and breakfast. They do not serve dinner, but the owner can help you with food delivery arrangements.
Book a room through Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551998871935&sk=about or call: +593 99 403 7148