LAGUNAS

El Quilotoa

Quilotoa is a volcanic crater with an emerald green lake, surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes. This is an active volcano which is 2km in diameter. The depth of the crater rim is 500m. There is just one way down tho the salty sulphurous water. Sometimes it looks like the water is boiling because of the carbonic gas. The highest peak is called "Huyantic" or "Puerta de Zhalaló" and is at 4010m. The indiginous tribe called "Tigua" are in this area and they are skilled painters. They do multicoloured paintings on sheep skin. This area is very dusty but the paramo is stunning to behold and fascinating because of the indiginous communities settled throughout the area. In many ways life here has been relatively untouched by the modern world. Zumbahua´s market on Saturday is considered to be the most traditional in Ecuador. This tour can be combined with a visit to a market: Zumbahua on Saturday´s, Pujili or Machachi on Sunday´s, or Saquisili on Thursday´s.

Mojanda

Cuyabeno

The reserve encompasses over 604,000 hectares of primary rainforest and boasts an incredible variety of Neotropical wildlife including river dolphins, tapirs, capybaras, caiman, anacondas, ocelots, monkeys and the infamous piranha.

Cajas

Cuicocha

We will depart from Otavalo to Cuicocha, which is located on the southern side of the volcano Cotacachi -- at an altitude of 3,086 m. The lake, which occupies an old crater, is thought to be one of the oldest volcanoes in the area. There are two small islands in the middle, separated by a canal.

We will hike for five hours around the lake enjoying the pleasant view and also a great variety of plants and birds. If we are lucky we will be able to see andean condors soaring above.

Guide and transportation are included in the tour.

Papallacta