Imbabura: Volcanoes, Lagoons and Traditions in Ecuador

The Imbabura Global Geopark is located in Imbabura Province in Ecuador’s Andean region. UNESCO recognized it on April 17, 2019, making it the country’s first Global Geopark. Volcanoes, lakes, mountains and rich biological diversity shape the landscape. The volcanic terrain is home to the spectacled bear, the only bear species native to South America, and the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world.

Volcanic Landscapes and Lagoons

The province’s volcanic complexes—Imbabura, Mojanda, Cotacachi–Cuicocha and Chachimbiro—are interspersed with lakes and lagoons, waterfalls, springs and different climate zones. Geomorphological attractions also form part of this diverse landscape. The Cotacachi–Cuicocha geosite is located in Imbabura and is part of Cotacachi-Cayapas National Park.

Laguna de Cuicocha lies in an active volcanic caldera. Deep blue waters are surrounded by steep walls of dacite lava, ash and structural collapse deposits; the two volcanic islands of Yerovi and Teodoro Wolf lie within the caldera. The lagoon is sacred to Indigenous peoples because of their spiritual connection to it. The 14.5-kilometer Gorki-Campusano Trail runs along the edge of the caldera.

Marked trails and panoramic views are available for visits to Cuicocha Lagoon and the volcanic sites of the geosite. Tourist services are managed in coordination with the protected area. As visitor infrastructure may change, it is advisable to check current conditions before your visit.

Another lakeside destination awaits you at Lago San Pablo, the largest body of water in the province. It was formed by tectonic and glacial activity. Visitors can take boat trips, go artisanal fishing and watch birds there. While Cuicocha is associated with its caldera, islands and sacred significance, activities on the lake take center stage at San Pablo.

Trails, Waterfalls and Wildlife

Cascada de Peguche can be reached via a side road to the community of Faccha Llacta; well-marked trails are available for visitors. For the people of Otavalo, the waterfall is a sacred place and the setting for purification rituals before Inti Raymi. The surrounding wildlife is also diverse, including birds such as the sword-billed hummingbird, the American kestrel and the burrowing owl, as well as reptiles, toads and lizards from the inter-Andean valleys.

Comparing the trail lengths provides a concrete point of reference without equating these very different places: the trail along the edge of the Cuicocha caldera is 14.5 kilometers long, while the trail from Cascada Paccha to the foot of the waterfall measures 420 meters. To reach Cascada Paccha, first take a well-maintained gravel side road from the administrative center of Pimampiro canton. Road conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

Culture and Handicrafts

San Rafael de la Laguna is a rural parish in Otavalo canton, Imbabura Province. The World Tourism Organization named it a “Best Tourism Village 2024.” In Otavalo, embroidered blouses, colorful blankets and tapestries featuring Andean scenes or geometric patterns are sold weekly at Plaza del Mercado Centenario, also known as Plaza de los Ponchos. Other items for sale include bags, scarves, ponchos made from sheep’s and alpaca wool, jewelry made from mullos, belts, alpargatas and other handicrafts.

Another cultural tradition is the Trueque or Cambeo of San Pedro de Pimampiro: it takes place as a festive exchange gathering during the Semana Santa celebrations. As the exact program may vary from year to year, check the dates before your trip. The traditional Carrera de Coches de Madera is also part of local sports culture in Pimampiro. It is considered an extreme sport that combines tradition and adrenaline.

Nature and Routes in Pimampiro Canton

Part of Cayambe-Coca National Park lies within Pimampiro canton. Laguna Puruhanta, a natural attraction in the canton, is also located in the park. Activities offered at the lagoon include trekking, birdwatching, sport fishing, camping and photography. The Camino del Inca offers opportunities for trekking, birdwatching and photography, as well as views of Laguna Puruhanta. The route is accessible from the town of Pimampiro: it takes an hour to drive to the El Tambo sector, followed by a two- to three-hour walk. Check local conditions before setting out.

For mountain bikers, the “El Calvario 2.5K” downhill course is another named route in Pimampiro. It starts in the community of El Tejar at an altitude of 2,683 meters and ends at the municipal sports complex at 2,158 meters. The course features fast and technical sections, stairs and jumps, and meets UCI requirements. It runs for 2.5 kilometers from the El Tejar sector to the sports complex; course conditions and event schedules may change.

Discover more destinations: Otavalo, Iluman, Ibarra, Cahuasquí, Urcusiqui, Ambuqui, Llurimaguas, Cotacachi, Guadual, Urcuqui, Parroquia de Tumbabiro, Plaza Gutierrez, Peñaherrera.

For the country overview: Ecuador.