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Lakes
Imbabura is the Province
of the Lakes. At an
altitude of 4.000 meters,
the Piñán Lakes are
ideal for hunting and
fishing. Other water
bodies which are also
preferred for camping
are the Mojanda lakes,
namely: Caricocha,
Huamicocha and Yanacocha.
They are above 3.500
meters and they are
found towards the south
of Otavalo. To navigate
and sail, San Pablo lake,
next to the town of the
same name, lies in the
middle of native
communities, bulrush
fields and olden inns
offering amusement, rest
and delicious gastronomy.
Its altitude is over
2.500 meters.
Yahuarcocha lake, on the
other hand, is home to a
legend telling that its
waters turned red
because of a clash
between Caranquis and
Incas. At present, it is
surrounded by a
racetrack which holds
national and
international car races.
 San
Pablo Lake
This is the
largest lake in the
province. Natives go
fishing early in the
morning, using their
bulrush canoes; they
also use the lake to
bathe and to wash their
clothes at the lake
shore throughout the day.
The lake is dotted by
inns, farm houses and
restaurants, where one
can spend a day, or a
couple of days, of pure
entertainment and fun.
Once can also charter a
barge to go around the
lake.
 Cuicocha
Lake
In the middle of this
impressing lake there
are two hills, which one
can cross by boat. With
a bit of luck, one could
see a condor.
 Yaguarcocha
Lake
Its name means “blood
lake”. The legend says
that a bloody battle was
fought by indigenous
people on its shores,
with the lake turning
red from blood.
Presently, it is
surrounded by a
racetrack where
international car races
are held, especially in
September of each year.
Lakes Route Traditions
Paying homage to the
Harvest and to the Sun,
the natives hold various
celebrations in the
different towns of
Imbabura. This is the
traditional Festival of
Jora (in the first half
of September), when the
region’s drink - Chicha
de Jora -, which is
based on seven types of
corn, is prepared and
drank. During the entire
month, in the cities of
Otavalo, Cotacahi and
Ibarra, famous festivals
take place, with dances
from different countries
of the Andean Group,
where the Latin American
culture, music and dance
concentrate.
Gastronomy
Red meat and
chicha de jora are
served in all the native
restaurants of the
Province of Imbabura.
Other dishes are the
nogadas, the
arrope de mora,
helados de paila and
the empanadas de
morocho.
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Imbabura is known as the Province of the Lakes,
because it lodges several water bodies suitable
for fishing and adventure sports. Situated in
the country’s Northern Highlands, Imbabura
features a pleasantly dry climate, with
temperatures fluctuating around 18 degrees
Celsius. Its artisan products have caused its
native inhabitants, mainly the Otavalos, to be
known around the world. In addition, the
Cotacachi - Cayapas Ecological Reserve forms
part of its richness. Imbabura’s hotel
infrastructure is one of the most important in
the country.
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Access |
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From Quito,
Ecuador’s capital, where one can arrive by air
from anywhere in the world, one only needs to
travel three hours by road, to Ibarra; and then
two hours to Otavalo, places where tourism
activities can be arranged for any tourist
destination in the area.
Picturesque rural towns can be seen, as well as
the Otavalo residents, where one can appreciate
their typical ways of life and traditions, and
the people’s typical garments full of color and
respect for their culture.
On the Northern Lakes Route, one will find
sufficient receptive tourist infrastructure,
ranging from four-star hotels to lodges situated
outside the cities, to become in contact with
the pleasantness of nature and enjoy the
delicious native food as well as international
cuisine.
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Tourist attractions |
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 Ibarra.
The White City
and its History
With pebble stone roads and colonial houses,
Ibarra, known as the White City, is one of the
most visited cities in the north of the country.
Its old part of town features single-story
buildings, all painted white, around the Moncayo
and La Merced parks, very nicely adorned and
well kept. Art exhibitions are held at the
Catholic and Northern Universities, as well as
at the Culture House and at the Architects
Association. There are also museums with
exhibitions of archaeological, numismatic,
mineral, philatelic, paleontolological and other
types of objects. The city has hotels, bars and
native cuisine restaurants. Around Ibarra and in
the entire Province of Imbabura, there are
beautiful inns, modern and olden, welcoming
visitors to the pretty areas of this part of the
country. Here, one can savor the delicious “paila
ice cream” while walking around the city.
Cotacachi
Southwest of Ibarra is Cotacahi, known as
“Ecuador’s Music Capital”. It is popular for its
manufacture of leather goods. Small and large
stores in the city’s downtown area display a
variety of leather goods. Week ends are best to
get to know the art of saddle making.
 San
Antonio de Ibarra
Small town where everyone has a business selling
carved wood products which are internationally
known. This is worth the visit to buy souvenirs.
Chota
This city is
located in a warm weather valley with
surrounding desert, in contrast with the rest of
the province. It is situated in the northern
part of the province, bordering with the
Province of Carchi. What is curious about this
small city is that its residents are black (African
descendants), this being the reason why, with
their ancestral customs and their dances, they
remind us of a piece of Africa in Ecuador.
Nangulví
In the town of Intag, not far from Cotacachi,
there is the Nangulví hot springs. Its warmth
and pleasant vegetation attract residents and
visitors alike.
La Esperanza
and Zuleta
Located a short distance from Ibarra, these
localities are known by the skills of their
women to produce very fine hand-made multi-colored
embroideries. There are also saddle craftsmen.
 Indian
Markets
Imbabura is mainly known by its artisan markets.
Ecuador’s most important market is Otavalo,
which gathers a significant number of
communities each Saturday, at Plaza de los
Ponchos, who display their textile works. Their
technique in the preparation of garments,
blankets and carpets dates back to Colonial
times. Likewise, there are other works, such as
naif art, ceramics, personal accessories,
jewelry, handbags, etc.
Otavalo is a
small city of only 50.000 inhabitants. It is
situated at 2530 meters above sea level, in an
evergreen valley, located between the Imbabura
volcano (4609m) and the Cotacachi volcano
(4939m).
At sunrise,
indigenous people can be seen coming down from
the surrounding hills to the market place. They
come from nearby villages and small towns, such
as Peguche, Agato and Iluman, to sell their
products. One can visit the workshops of these
local weavers and watch them while they make the
different garments they sell.
 Peguche
Waterfall
Very close to
Otavalo there is the indigenous settlement of
Peguche, well known for its impressing waterfall
and huge eucalyptus forest, inviting to an
enjoyable walk through well-marked trekking
paths.
Cotacachi - Cayapas
Ecological Reserve. From the high plateau to the
jungle.
This is a must destination for tourists going
into the Andes. A few minutes from Cotacachi,
there is Cuicocha lake (3.068 m.a.s.l), an
important part of the Cotacachi - Cayapas
Ecological Reserve. Boat rides around two small
islands found in the middle of the lake, make it
possible to get to know the area’s flora and
wildlife, including bird colonies. The protected
area also includes humid forests and high
plateaus with herbs, hanging vines and ferns.
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