Cotacachi

Cotacachi is a serene and photogenic Andean town located in the Imbabura province, renowned internationally for its exceptional leather craftsmanship. Visitors stroll down the famous "Calle del Cuero", where hundreds of boutique shops offer high-quality leather jackets, bags, and shoes at remarkably affordable prices. Beyond shopping, the area is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. The crown jewel is the Cuicocha crater lake, an impressive deep-blue caldera with two central islands, great for hiking and boat tours. The town is also part of the Imbabura UNESCO Global Geopark, preserving deep indigenous cultural roots. For gastronomy, the local specialty "carne colorada" (red spiced pork) is a must-try. Cotacachi is easily accessible via a 2-hour bus ride from Quito or a short trip from nearby Otavalo. The best time to visit is during the dry season or in June to experience the spirited Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) celebrations.

Nearby cities

Ibarra

The white city is appreciated for its colonial white facades and pleasant climate.

Otavalo

The indigenous capital of Ecuador, known worldwide for its colorful craft market.

Atuntaqui

The textile capital of Ecuador, where craftsmanship and industry meet.

Sangolquí

A quiet suburb of Quito, famous for its traditional pork dish Hornado.

History & landmarks

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Basilica of the Virgin of El Quinche

A monumental Catholic sanctuary where the miraculous wooden statue of the patron saint of Ecuador is venerated.

Cross of Ilaló

A monumental iron cross on the extinct Ilaló volcano, illuminated at night and visible from the Tumbaco and Los Chillos valleys.

Cyclist Monument

A stylized sculpture at a busy intersection in Quito, dedicated to eco-friendly transportation.

Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium

This modern stadium, colloquially called Casa Blanca, is home to LDU Quito and often hosts the national team.

La Mariscal Artisanal Market

A vibrant market in Quito where local artisans sell colorful textiles, jewelry, and traditional souvenirs.

Temple of the Fatherland

A massive museum and monument on the slopes of Pichincha, where the decisive battle for Ecuador's independence took place.

Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water

A neo-Gothic Catholic basilica in the spa town of Baños, attracting pilgrims from all over South America.

Nature

Lake San Pablo

Lake San Pablo is Ecuador's largest lake, situated at the foot of the majestic Imbabura Volcano near Otavalo.

Cuicocha Lake

Cuicocha is a stunning crater lake at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano, featuring two small islands in its center.

Yahuarcocha

Yahuarcocha is a historically significant lake surrounded by legends of a great battle, now featuring a famous auto racing track.

More places

Parque Cóndor

A rescue center for birds of prey near Otavalo, dedicated to the protection of the Andean condor.

Mojanda Complex

An inactive stratovolcano system in the northern Andes featuring three beautiful high-altitude crater lakes.

Imbabura Volcano

A dormant stratovolcano towering majestically over Lake San Pablo in the northern Andes.

Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve

This vast reserve stretches from the Andes to the Pacific and offers an enormous diversity of species.

Cochasquí

An archaeological park featuring pyramids and burial mounds of the pre-Inca Quitu-Cara culture.

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Pucará de Quitoloma

A historical Inca military fortress in the northern Andes of Ecuador.

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Guayllabamba Zoo

The largest zoo in the country near Quito, presenting a large variety of native and exotic animals.

Cayambe Flower Farms

Large greenhouse facilities in the Cayambe region that grow high-quality roses for worldwide export.