LTE-QTP008 (Option 2): Horseback Riding around Cuicocha Crater Lake

Enjoy a day of horseback riding in the in the Ecological Reserve Cotacachi-Cayapas, located right outside Otavalo. Ride through breathtaking nature scenes and visit indigenous communities. We will ride around the Cuicocha Volcanic Crater Lake as we enjoy the local flora and fauna. Miniature orchids, Andean flowers are found along the horse trail, we can also spot foxes, deer and with much luck the Andean condor. A cruise around the lake is optional.

Detailed Itinerary

We will depart from the office in Otavalo by car to a rural

community or a hacienda. From there, we will start our horse-ride through native forest and indigenous communities, where we will be able to observe the daily life of the people.

We will visit Cuicocha Crater Lake and enjoy a meal of traditional food. The Crater Lake is located at 3.064 mts. of altitude and its waters are blue green. There are two islets formed of 3 lava domes. There will be time at the lake to partake in a boat ride around the islets. From Cuicocha Lake, we will return to the rural community or the hacienda by horseback before returning to Otavalo by car.

Highlights

Snow Capped Volcanoes and Mountains Incredible scenery, including views of Cotacachi (4966 m /16300 ft.), Imbabura (4650m/15 255ft.), Cayambe (5790m/19 000ft.), and Cotopaxi (5.898m/ 19 350ft.)

Cuicocha Crater Lake is a remote, gorgeous spot with 200m deep clear water. It is located in the Cuicocha Volcano at an altitude of 3.200m.

Andean Flora and Fauna You will find miniature orchids and other Andean flowers within the reserve, and there are Andean foxes, deer, spectacled bears and even the Andean condor.
Indigenous Communities To ride on horses through the Andean landscape is the best way to see the area the way the indigenous see it. Pass through small indigenous communities that you would never see otherwise, and experience the Andes the traditional way.