Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Cotacachi National Park - Cayapas
Cotacachi National Park - Cayapas
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ImbaburaNearby attractions
Places to visit within 30 km.
Sincholagua volcano
It is a dormant volcano - extinct and eroded. It represents a refuge for deer and a home for condors, in addition to housing a segment of the Inca trail. It is the 12th highest summit in the country at 4,873m3 but it is also one of the least known. The name of the mountain comes from the indigenous Quichua word sinchijagua, which means "steep upwards". This elevation, together with Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui, constitutes a triangle of interesting peaks. recommendations The hike on this volcano is considered to be of medium difficulty, so it is recommended for people in good physical condition, in addition to bringing all the necessary equipment for the journey, such as comfortable and warm clothing, trekking shoes, and water. How to get? From Machachi, take the road to El Pedregal to Barrio San Miguel de El Pedregal and then take one of the trails. Another entrance is, through the north control of the Cotopaxi National Park, take the entrance to Hacienda Yanahurco and take one of the trails.
4.39 Km.
Cotacachi volcano
This volcano has been the subject of numerous visits and scientific studies by well-known geologists such as Wolf, Wimper, Stubel and La Condamine. It is the only volcano with the presence of snow in the province, it is called Huarmi Raso or Cerro Hembra by the Quechua people. This volcano currently shows small signs of activity that are visible on a boat tour. Its name is derived from a language of pre-Inca origin "Tsui cocha" or "lagoon of the gods". The waters of the Cuicocha volcano come from the melting of the Cotacachi. There is no appreciable activity in this volcano, the activity is currently limited only to the Cuicocha volcanic caldera, a few kilometers to the south. Where you can see gas emanations from the bottom of the lagoon. In the decades between 1960 and 1980, ice sellers from Cotacachi climbed the volcano with espadrilles and without any protection against the sun and cold looking for snow deposits. Location It is located in the northern highlands, in the western chain of the Andes mountain range. Recommendations It is recommended to wear warm clothes because of the weather, which is a bit cold. Bring drinking water, comfortable and strong shoes, preferably trekking shoes. Ecotourists are recommended to bring warm clothing for cold weather, rubber boots, repellent, raincoat, camping equipment, flashlight, and food with high energy content. Bring a first aid kit and disinfectant medications. It is important that before traveling you inform yourself about the Park, characteristic resources, conditions, stay recommendations, etc.
17.56 Km.
Cuicocha Lagoon
Cuicocha lagoon, also called “Lagoon of the Gods” or “Tsui Cocha”, is located in the Cotacachi-Cayapas natural reserve, 13 km from Cotacachi canton, province of Imbabura, northern of Ecuador. It originated from the Cotacachi volcano implosion and has 2 islets in its center. The translation of its name would be “Lagoon of Guinea Pigs” because of the presence of these animals in its islets. Its most representative plant is the totora “typha” and its waters are translucent and bluish. The visitors can take boat trips through the islets Yerovi and Teodoro Wolf and the “Dreamy Canal”; they can also practice diving, kayaking or trekking along the path that surrounds it. A legend tells that Cotacachi volcano was the son of the “Rucu Pichincha” (old man) and of the Cotacachi or “Huarmi Huasi” (female hill), and one day the two mountains argued and the father took the son (the “Guagua Pichincha”, a mountain located next to the city of Quito). In the site there was a hole which later became a lagoon because of the mother’s tears. Cuicocha has the form of an enclosed bowl between mountains. By visiting the islets it is possible to observe bubbles in the water, which emerge from the depths in gushes. Supposedly, the lagoon has no bottom. Several people have testified that they saw a mermaid or an ancient city on its vicinity. Here, mysterious phenomena happen, such as the sudden change of the wind’s direction, it is said that this happens when Cuicocha is angry with the visitors and there also are disappearances, screams and weird sounds. The water’s mirror is attractive for its color, but it also frightens, shudders. There is the legend of the gild guinea pig; the first person in seeing it becomes rich, and the second one changes into a duck.
25.08 Km.