Museo Evita | Cordoba City

Cuicocha Lagoon is a volcanic crater lake located within the Cuicocha volcano, 5 kilometers southwest of Cotacachi, Ecuador.

Visual Characteristics

The lagoon occupies a caldera with steep, vegetated walls. Two islands, Isla Yerovi and Isla Teodoro Wolf, are situated within the lake. The water color varies from deep blue to turquoise depending on light conditions and depth. The surrounding vegetation consists primarily of native Andean flora, including grasses and shrubs.

Location & Access Logistics

The lagoon is accessible via a paved road from Cotacachi, approximately a 15-minute drive. The road is designated as E189. Parking is available at the visitor center located at the rim of the crater. Public transport options are limited; shared taxis or private vehicles are the most common means of access from Cotacachi. There are no direct bus routes to the lagoon itself.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Cuicocha Lagoon is the result of a phreatomagmatic eruption of the Cuicocha volcano, which occurred approximately 3,000 years ago. The eruption formed a caldera, which subsequently filled with water. The two islands are lava extrusions that formed after the main caldera collapse.

Key Highlights & Activities

A 4.5-kilometer hiking trail encircles the crater rim, offering viewpoints of the lagoon and surrounding landscape. Boat tours are available to visit the islands. Birdwatching is a common activity due to the presence of various Andean bird species. Photography is facilitated by the panoramic views.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A visitor center is located at the crater rim, providing information and basic facilities. Restrooms are available at the visitor center. Limited shade is present along the hiking trail, primarily from scattered trees. Cell phone signal (4G) is intermittent at best, particularly on the hiking trail. Food vendors are typically present near the visitor center, offering local snacks and beverages.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when sunlight is most direct. The dry season, from June to September, offers clearer skies and more stable weather conditions. The lagoon is accessible year-round, but morning hours often provide the clearest views before cloud cover develops.

Facts & Legends

Local legend suggests that the lagoon was formed by the tears of a god mourning the loss of his lover. A verifiable fact is that the islands are named after geologists who studied the volcano. The water temperature is consistently cool, rarely exceeding 15 degrees Celsius.

Nearby Landmarks

• Imbabura Volcano (3km Northeast)
• Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve (5km West)
• Plaza de la Merced, Cotacachi (5km Northeast)
• Laguna Cuicocha Interpretation Center (0.1km South)