Top Hiking Trails in Imbabura Trail Map
Imbabura province covers 4,785 km² of Ecuador's northern Andes. Laguna Cuicocha fills a caldera about 3 km wide that formed about 3,100 years ago; the lake is up to about 200 m deep and lies in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The Imbabura volcano (4,609-4,630 m by source) rises above Otavalo, and Cotacachi (about 4,944 m) is the province's highest peak.
Explore the Best Trails in Imbabura
Imbabura hiking trails circle Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake 3 km across in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve: a rim loop of about 14 km and 3.5-5 hours, high point 3,246 m, free entry. Otavalo (2,532 m) is the base, below the Imbabura (about 4,610-4,630 m) and Cotacachi (about 4,940 m) volcanoes. Checked 8 October 2026. Country hub: https://incatrailreservations.com/trails/ecuador/
Geographic Overview
Imbabura province covers 4,785 km² of Ecuador’s northern Andes. Laguna Cuicocha fills a caldera about 3 km wide that formed about 3,100 years ago; the lake is up to about 200 m deep and lies in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The Imbabura volcano (4,609-4,630 m by source) rises above Otavalo, and Cotacachi (about 4,944 m) is the province’s highest peak.
Cultural Context
Otavalo is known for its market, the largest of which is held on Saturday, with goods on sale through the week at the Plaza de los Ponchos. Cuicocha’s name is usually translated as ‘guinea pig lake’, after the shape of its largest island.
Best Time to Visit
All year for Cuicocha. Mornings are usually clearer; start early to avoid afternoon cloud.
Getting There: Imbabura
- Otavalo (Town): Market town at 2,532 m and the usual base for Cuicocha.
- Ibarra (Provincial capital): Capital of Imbabura province, at 2,225 m.
- Laguna Cuicocha (Trailhead): Crater lake in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve; start and end of the rim loop.
Laguna Cuicocha Hike: Crater Rim Loop, Distance and Tips
The Laguna Cuicocha rim loop circles a 3 km wide crater lake near Cotacachi in about 14 km and 3.5…
Frequently Asked Questions about Top Hiking Trails in Imbabura
About 14 km around the crater rim, taking 3.5-5 hours (travel-guide figures).
Yes. Entry to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, like other mainland protected areas in Ecuador, is free.
No. The rim loop is walked independently.
The rim’s high point is 3,246 m; walk slowly if you have just arrived in the Andes.
The largest market is on Saturday; goods are sold through the week at the Plaza de los Ponchos.
It is usually translated as ‘guinea pig lake’, after the shape of the largest island in the crater.