Cuicocha Crater Lake Hike

From $111 per person

This privately guided hike around Cuicocha Crater lake is a circular trail with stunning volcano and lake views and trails which take you passed varied Andean flora and fauna.

  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Tour Duration: 10 hours
  • Hike Duration: 5 hours (12km)
  • Highlights: Cotacachi Volcano, Cuicocha Crater Lake, Andean forest, Panoramic mountain views, Otavalo Market
Cuicocha Crater Lake with two volcanic cones in the middle covered in green vegetation, Ecuador

Itinerary

After a two-hour journey from Quito to the Otavalo region we begin our hike.

The route takes us along the rim of the striking Cuicocha Volcano, with its captivating blue-green crater lake. Hiking through Andean forest to discover orchids & bromeliads, we are also on the look-out for the endangered Andean Condor. Incredible lake views

This is a circular route, classed as moderate. The first part of the hike is a climb for around one and a half hours, which brings us up from 3100m to 3500m, the second section of the hike has moderate ups and downs along the crater rim for around two hours, then the last hour and a half is a gentle downhill back to where we began. (5 hours – 12km)

Box lunch included.

In the afternoon we visit the colourful handicraft market in Otavalo, where many different indigenous people, with their unique traditional dress and customs, from all across Ecuador, sell their artisan products and wares.

Prices

Prices 2024

2 people
$176 p/p
3 - 4 people
$131 p/p
5 - 6 people
$111 p/p

Price includes:
Private transportation, top English speaking naturalist hiking guide, box lunch.

Not included:
Tips and personal expenses

Notes:
Prices are stated in US Dollars.
Prices are valid until 31st December 2024.
This tour begins and ends in the city of Quito. For pick up / drop off in Quito airport extra charges will apply.

Learning about Cuicocha Crater Lake before setting off on hike
Cuicocha Crater Lake
Cuicocha Crater Lake Hike
Cuicocha Crater Lake Hike
Colourful wares in Otavalo Market which we visit at the end of the day
Otavalo Market weavings