Laguna de Cuicocha: Best Day Hike in Otavalo

How Do You Get To Laguna De Cuicocha?

Laguna de Cuicocha lies 107 kilometers from Quito and 25 kilometers from Otavalo. We drove from Otavalo in about 40 minutes; use the correct pin for the official entrance since Google Maps may lead to unofficial parking. Buses leave Otavalo's main station roughly twice hourly, reaching Cotacachi in about 30 minutes, then taxis wait across the plaza.

Laguna de Cuicocha is a perfect day trip from Quito, located 107 kilometers away, and just 25 kilometers from Otavalo. We chose to rent a car for our journey, which gave us a lot of flexibility, especially since it only took us about 40 minutes to reach the lake from Otavalo. If you’re planning to drive, make sure to use the correct pin for the official entrance; otherwise, Google Maps might take you to unofficial parking spots where you’ll need to pay extra.

If you’re using public transport, the cheapest way to get there is to start early from Otavalo’s main bus station. The buses to Cotacachi leave frequently, with about two departures every hour, and the trip takes roughly 30 minutes. Once you arrive in Cotacachi, just head over to the line of taxis on the other side of the charming central plaza. We found the drivers to be very familiar with the route to “Laguna Cuicocha,” making it super convenient.

When we were ready to leave, we arranged with our taxi driver to pick us up at a set time. If you prefer, you can also ask a driver to wait for you at the lake for an extra $10 per hour, which is a great option if you want to hike around the crater without feeling rushed.

Is There An Entrance Fee At Laguna De Cuicocha?

Laguna de Cuicocha is part of the Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi-Cayapas. Current fee rules are not confirmed, so check them before going. When we arrived, entry meant signing in at the entrance, which took only a minute, so bring your IDs, as they are required. The process is simple and gets you straight to the lake.

Although Laguna Cuicocha is part of the Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi-Cayapas, there’s currently no entrance fee to visit, which is great news if you’re traveling on a budget. We were pleasantly surprised by this since many parks have started charging fees lately. Just make sure to bring your IDs with you, as they are required for entry.

When we arrived at the entrance, we simply had to sign in, which took only a minute. It’s a hassle-free process that lets you get straight to exploring this stunning spot!

Which Route Should You Take Around Laguna De Cuicocha?

There are two ways to hike around the lake, clockwise or counterclockwise. We were dropped off right at the trailhead, about 2 kilometers up from the Visitor's Center, and the hike starts with a bit of a challenge through grassy meadows that can get steep before reaching the rim.

There are two ways to hike the Laguna Cuicocha, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Clockwise Route

We were dropped off right at the trailhead, which is about 2 kilometers up from the Visitor’s Center. The hike starts with a bit of a challenge, making your way through grassy meadows that can get a bit steep. But once you reach the lake’s rim, it’s pure magic. The views are incredible, and the path turns into a more gradual ascent as you circle the lake. We took our time soaking in the sights, snapping photos, and just enjoying the fresh air.

Once we made it back to the Visitor’s Center, we took a leisurely stroll down to the park gate. This is where you can wait for taxis heading back — super convenient if you haven’t pre-arranged a ride.

Counterclockwise Route

We initially thought about taking the other route, which gives you instant views of the lake but involves a relentless climb. Instead, we were dropped off at the Visitor Center and headed to the trailhead on the right, which made for a more enjoyable start. As we hiked around the far side of the lake, the landscape opened up into grassy meadows with a few challenging inclines. Eventually, the trail led us back down to the Visitor’s Center where we could easily find taxis to head back.

Interestingly, they’ve now made it a one-way, counterclockwise route, likely due to pandemic restrictions. It actually simplifies the hike — no need to decide which path to take!

How Long Is The Hike Around Laguna De Cuicocha?

The circuit around the lake stretches about 14 kilometers and takes 3 to 5 hours. We arranged pickup for five hours. The path is straightforward with minimal technical difficulty, though the altitude makes breathing harder for some. About an hour in we reached two gazebos, and you can descend to the lake for a water taxi ride.

The entire circuit around the crater lake stretches about 14 kilometers and generally takes 3 to 5 hours to complete. We were glad we planned ahead and arranged for our driver to pick us up in five hours.

The trail starts at an elevation above 3,000 meters and climbs to 3,512 meters at its highest point. Though it’s a straightforward path with minimal technical difficulties, the altitude can be challenging for some. The biggest issue most people face is catching their breath at this elevation. I’d recommend taking ChlorOxygen 1-2 weeks in advance to help adjust to the altitude, especially if you’re planning to hike other volcanoes in Ecuador.

This route is ideal for acclimatization if you’re considering climbing higher peaks. Since it’s a loop, you’ll have a mix of ascents and descents, with most of the uphill sections coming early on.

After about an hour of hiking, we reached a pair of gazebos — a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some shade. At this point, we couldn’t resist pulling out our cameras; the lake views just kept getting better.

While most of the tough climbs were behind us by this point, a few steep sections remained. But from here, the trail became more enjoyable, with numerous lookout spots offering stunning photo opportunities. We found a couple of grassy areas ideal for a picnic, soaking in the noon sun, which made the lake look even more vibrant and blue.

The views were simply breathtaking. Since our ride back wasn’t scheduled for a few more hours, we took our time to relax and savor the scenery. If you want an extra adventure, you can even descend all the way to the lake and hop on a water taxi for just $6 to enjoy a ride on the serene waters.

What Should You Bring To Laguna De Cuicocha?

There are no shops nearby, so carry food and drink with you; a restaurant exists on-site but appears a bit drab. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and wear good walking shoes, since the terrain demands them. Use refillable water bottles to cut plastic waste, carry enough cash and change, and return your rubbish to the Visitor's Center or Otavalo.

• Shops are not present in the vicinity, so carry food and drink with you. Although there is a restaurant on-site, it appears to be a bit drab.
• Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen – they’ll come in handy throughout your Ecuador vacation.
• The terrain is not challenging, but excellent walking shoes are required.
• To prevent plastic waste, always use refillable water bottles.
• Do not litter on the path and return your rubbish to the Visitor’s Center upon your descent or back to Otavalo.
• Bring enough money and change for the trip to Cuicocha and return.

Is Laguna De Cuicocha Worth Visiting?

If you are already in Otavalo and have extra time, Laguna de Cuicocha is worth the visit, whether you are adventurous or simply appreciate nature. We visited as part of our 15-day trip to Ecuador Mainland, and you can check this part in my video. The lake sits within an ancient crater, a short trip from Cotacachi's leather shops.

Laguna de Cuicocha is truly a fantastic escape into nature! If you’re already in Otavalo and have some extra time, this stunning lake is absolutely worth the visit. Whether you’re an adventurous spirit or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, Laguna de Cuicocha offers a serene experience that shouldn’t be missed.We’ve visited Laguna de Cuicocha as a part of our 15-day trip to Ecuador Mainland and you can check this part in my video: