David Debrincat

Cuicocha Holidays

Cuicocha lagoon is part of the Cotacatchi Volcano ecological reserve. In Quecha, "cuycocha" means "guinea pig" (cuy) and "lake" (cocha). Because one of the two islands in the middle of the lake is shaped like a guinea pig.

Visit Cuicocha

Hiking / Trekking
Nature, Adventure & Sport
Countryside

Cuicocha: How to get there?

45mins by shared taxi from Otavalo

Cuicocha: See when to go?

All year round

Cuicocha: For how long?

One day

Learn more about your destination

Cuicocha: What to see nearby?

What our travellers think of their stay

David Debrincat

Travel writer

At 32km from Otavalo, you can reach Cuicocha by shared taxi and go on a hike around some amazing countryside.

My suggestion

Being in the Andes, at 3,000m alttitude, the weather can be unpredictable. Even if the walk itself isn't hard, do check out the weather conditions before you leave.

Julie Olagnol

Travel writer

You can take a boat trip on Lake Cuicocha which is a still active crater of Cotacachi!

My suggestion

For lunch I had a trio of sweetcorn (on the cob, white and grilled) with pork, which is typical of the region and delicious!

Anonymous

Travel writer

Cuicocha lagoon is part of the Cotacatchi Volcano ecological reserve. In Quecha, "cuycocha" means "guinea pig" (cuy) and "lake" (cocha). Because one of the two islands in the middle of the lake is shaped like a guinea pig.

My suggestion

Rather than arriving direct from Otavalo, it's better to have a break in the town of Cotacachi. The promenade is nice and there is an interesting museum.

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