Parque Nacional Quebrada del Condorito | Cordoba City

The Mirador de Cotacachi is a viewpoint located in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Visual Characteristics

The viewpoint is an open-air platform constructed primarily of concrete and local stone. It features a low stone wall for safety and observation. The surrounding vegetation consists of high-altitude paramo grasses and scattered shrubs, with the prominent cone of the Cotacachi Volcano dominating the northern skyline.

Location & Access Logistics

The Mirador de Cotacachi is situated approximately 5 kilometers north of the town of Cotacachi. Access is via the paved road leading towards the Cuicocha Lake crater. The final approach to the viewpoint is a short, well-maintained gravel track. Parking is available in a designated dirt lot adjacent to the viewpoint, with capacity for approximately 15-20 vehicles. Public transport to Cotacachi town is available via interprovincial buses from Quito and Otavalo. From Cotacachi, local taxis or pre-arranged transport are required to reach the viewpoint.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Mirador de Cotacachi is a natural geological formation, part of the Andean mountain range. The Cotacachi Volcano itself is a stratovolcano, with its last significant eruption occurring approximately 3,000 years ago. The viewpoint's development as a designated observation point is a recent initiative by local authorities to promote tourism.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the Cotacachi Volcano. Panoramic viewing of the Otavalo valley and surrounding Andean peaks. Photography of the volcanic landscape. Birdwatching for high-altitude species.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The viewpoint has a basic stone wall for safety. There are no permanent restroom facilities or food vendors at the immediate site. Cell phone signal (primarily 2G/3G) is intermittent. Limited natural shade is provided by sparse vegetation.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is typically between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the sun is positioned to illuminate the volcano and valley. The dry season, from June to September, offers the clearest skies and most stable weather conditions. Visibility can be significantly reduced by cloud cover at any time of year.

Facts & Legends

Local legend states that the Cotacachi Volcano is the resting place of a powerful ancient spirit who guards the region. It is also said that on clear nights, the faint glow from the volcano's crater is a sign of its watchful presence.

Nearby Landmarks

• Cuicocha Lake Crater (1.5km Northwest)
• Plaza de Ponchos, Otavalo (12km Southeast)
• Peguche Waterfall (10km East)
• Laguna San Pablo (15km Southeast)
• Cascadas de Pymampao (8km Northeast)