Full Day Trek
Cuicocha Lake + Otavalo Market
Cuicocha is a 3 km wide caldera and crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano in the Cordillera Occidental of the Ecuadorian Andes. Its name comes from the Kichwa indigenous language and means “Lago del Cuy” or Guinea Pig Laguna in English. It was given this name due to the guinea pig shape of the largest Island in the middle of the laguna.
The caldera was created by a massive phreatic eruption about 3100 years ago. The volcano has been dormant since that time. In combination with other eruptions from nearby Imbabura, Mojanda, Cotacachi, and Cayambe, Cuicocha is responsible for the fertile soil of the Otavalo Valley. The lake, which is 200 m (656 ft) deep at its deepest point, is highly alkaline and contains little life.
Cuicocha forms the southern end of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. During the second day of Inti Raymi (or Sun Festival) every summer solstice, indigenous shaman use Cuicocha as a bath for ritual cleansing and purification.
AVAILABLE RATES | PRICES PER PERSON - FULL DAY TREK
QUITO
Pick up: Early in the morning
Drop off: Afternoon
*Our team will contact you to set the specific time and location.
- Professional naturalist tour guide english/spanish
- Entries and fees
NOTE: Private transportation and driver/guide up to 4 guests. From 5 guest onwards private transportation driver + guide
- Available upon request (extra fees)
- Personal snacks
- Services not specified
- Gratuities
- Taxes
This is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision:
- Hat, Bandana or Buff
- Wicking T-shirt & Underwear
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Insulating fleece jacket, vest, pants
- Rain jacket (or soft shell and waterproof hat)
- Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Gloves or mittens
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses (UV Protection)
- Small Backpack
- First-aid supplies
- Snacks (energy bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Plastic Bags (trash)
- Water
- Camera
- Cash
If you cancel at least 30 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel at least 15 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50% cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 14 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100% cancellation fee.
Last minute bookings are non refundable.
- Cash (Offices – Quito)
- Wire Transfer
- Bank Deposit
- Credit Cards
NOTE: Some cards may charge 4 - 8% fee
