Hiking the Majestic Laguna Cuicocha in the Ecuadorian Andes
- Omar Villafuerte
- Feb 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 18
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Nestled high in the Andes, Laguna Cuicocha is a stunning treasure. This volcanic crater lake, with its striking turquoise waters and surrounded by the majestic Volcan Cotacachi and lush landscapes, captivated me the moment I arrived. With a passion for hiking and exploration, I couldn’t wait to discover this natural wonder in Ecuador.
The Journey to Laguna Cuicocha Via Bus
The adventure started really early in Quito. I had been staying in Ecuador for a few months now and have been checking off the Ecuadorian adventures. It's fairly easy to get around in Ecuador without a vehicle. It only took me four buses to get me to my starting point: the town of Cotacachi.
I have heard of it on my previous trip to Otavalo. It's a small cute town with some incredibly kind people. Apparently, a very popular retirement destination for expats. From Quito, your main goal is to get to either Carcelen or Quitumbe. Carcelen is far north of the city and Quitumbe is situated in the southern parts. Both bus terminals have buses that leave towards Otavalo every 30 minutes to an hour. During my journey, I went to Carcelen as it was easier to head North than South just to go back. From there, it's a bustling bus terminal. It's smaller than Quitumbe and doesn't offer the same amenities, but there you will find food vendors and some delicious Ecuadorian cuisine. Sign are everywhere and it isn't difficult to find where you need to go. Each window has names and photos.
The cost from Quito to Otavalo varies, but we were charged under $6 at the time (2024). Then once on, it's just a 2 and a half hour bus ride to Otavalo. There you will see all sorts of views if you are lucky since Ecuador is cloudy the better part of the year. It's difficult to miss the volcanoes when they are out though. You are pretty much surrounded by them.
Once in Otavalo, you still have to take a much shorter bus ride to Cotacachi. It's about a 30 minute bus ride and you can't miss the buses. They head out every 30 minutes and they are the greenest green you've ever seen. The bus ride costs about a dollar. The exact amount is currently lost on me, but it's definitely less than a dollar. Once I made it to Cotacachi, I was lucky enough to stop right in front of this cute little hostel I found on the internet: Hostal Jora Continental. The owners were so kind and even hired a taxi driver to take me to Laguna Cuicoha.
Hiking the Crater Rim
Arriving at Laguna Cuicocha, was at times tough to see. It was a particulry cloudy day. When the sun did decide to show, the light reflected on the deep turquoise water. It was stunning. The trail itself takes about 4-5 hours depending on how fast you hike. At that time, I was training to attempt a climb of Chimborazo, so I used this hike as a training hike. It took me 3 and a half hours to complete. During the hike it took me through some diverse landscapes.
The trail wiggled along the edge like a tipsy snake, showing off jaw-dropping views once the sun decided to roll out of bed. Lush green plants were having a party with the rocky outcrops, and the mountain air was so fresh it felt like my lungs were on a spa day. I paused frequently to appreciate the smaller islands that rose from the lake's depths—remnants of past volcanic activity.
The vivid colors around me consistently grabbed my attention—the deep greens mixed with the bright blue of the lake felt surreal. It was difficult not trying to stop every few steps to snag photos. I did my best as I was trying to train for a much more difficult objective.
Meeting Fellow Hikers Along the Way
Along the trail, I met a group of local hikers. We stopped to share some stories of where we are from. I was genuinley surprised to how many people there were on the trail. For it being a weekday, I may have seen a total of 25. Hiking in the country seems to be growing in popularity which I absolutely love. Ecuador is too beautiful to not appreciated its outdoor beauty.
Reaching the Viewpoints
Every so often, I reached a viewpoint that I was certain would be the best part of my journey, but it seemcd that each point just kept getting better and better. It was truly difficult to pick a favorite, so naturally I just took a lot of photos.
Gratitude surged in me each and every time. Many dream of hiking in Ecuador, and here I stood, fulfilling that dream. I reached a rest point and a small table where I just reflected on my trip for a bit. Ecuador was supposed to be just another stop on my journey, but I had truly fallen in love with it. Never did I think it would mean as much to me as it does, but I dream of going back every night.
Hiking in Ecuador like probably in many places has this extra feeling of peace. Maybe it was because I knew my trip there was ending, and I was extra nostalgic, but this trip was more than I had bargained for.
Embracing the Elements
As I continued my hike, the weather would continue to shift. Clouds would roll in and out. A great way to stay cool. as it was hot and humid while the sun was out.
By this point, I had met the cutest little farm dog. He was definitely still a puppy and looked to want a snack or two. With the heat, I figured it wanted some water. I did try to give it some of my leftover water as I knew I would not need all of it. He drank some, and I gave him some of my bread, and we became friends. He followed me for a bit until it met up with a few more hikers and probably wanted there snacks... go figure... haha!
Towards the end, I was near farmland and private land. I believe it does go in between private land because it was fenced in and I did walk through some cows.
Once passed through he farm, I was able to see the parking lot, and I ran the last bit because I did tell my driver to pick me up 3 and a half hours later. I made it on time, but he was a bit late which I was fine with. I am glad he came through. It's been nerve wrecking traveling along or asking someone to pick me up because I have fears that they won't come through but every driver that I have arranged a pick up with has come through every time.
A Reflection on Adventure Travel
As I returned to the starting point of my hike, I felt so happy. It was a good start of a tough trip, and it ended up becoming my one and only hike of three planned as the storms came it harder than expected. Overall, the Cuichoa Crater Hike is 7.7 miles (12.3km) and 2,099(640m) feet of elevation gain and loss.
Ecuador is a paradise for hikers and adventurers. If you know how to get around, it can open up doors for many and all adventures. Laguna Cuicocha is such a moderate hiking trip that you don't need a guide to do. A guide is great if you don't want the hassle of navigating or want more security. Guide services offer a knowledgeable person who knows the land and can offer transportation to and from wherever you are staying. It's hard to beat that!
I hope each and everyone of you can not only experience this trail but all of Ecuador. It's small but mighty in adventure.
So, lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and let the Andes come alive beneath your feet. Laguna Cuicocha awaits, and you won’t be disappointed. Happy trails to all fellow adventurers!
Breakdown of the trip
Took the Trole Bus E3 to RioCoca Bus Station. $0.35
Took Bus Avenida 6 de Diciembre headed North to Carcelen. Got off in front of Carcelen $0.35
From Carcelen, I took a bus to Otavalo cost was $6 and took 2.5 hours.
Once in Otavalo, took a green bus to Cotacahi $0.75
Stayed in a hostel called Hostal Jora International for $20 a night and I had my own room.
Took a taxi for $6 one way to The entrance to Cuicocha National Reserve. Registered myself...you will need your passport.
3.5 Hours to hike the crater rim.
Was picked up and dropped off for same price $6
Took a bus to Otavalo $0.75
Took a bus to Carcelen $6
Took Bus to Rio coca $0.35
Took a bus to my stop a few blocks from my home $0.35
Total cost of the trip was 47.60 not counting what I paid for with snacks and food while traveling.
Total time spent was 4/4.5 hours one way between Quito central to Cotacachi.
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