COTACACHI

I am pleased to share my favorite experiences and personal photography from our lovely corner of Ecuador. Whether you want to stay chill or go very active, you will find it in the Imbabura region. Keep an open mind and remember things run at a slower pace here but the rewards are inevitable with the perfect weather and gracious people. Ecuadoreans are curious people but don’t be put off by their seemingly too personal questions.. They are genuinely interested in tourists and hearing about life abroad. These exchanges have brought me the most joy while on my extended visits there. There are lovely people and surprises around every corner. Just walk and don’t plan too much. Soak it in a day at a time.

cafe aroma cotacach ecuador — Cafe’ Aroma is situated in the heart of downtown Cotacachi on calle 10 de Agosto, the main drag. Sit and enjoy the lovely setting and great coffee.

The Public Market located at the Bus Station is open daily on
a small scale but the larger version opens
every Sunday morning 8AM+nter a caption

Morning jog around La Calera Community located 5 min from Cotacachi.

Riding the local buses anywhere is always a great experience. Head to Otavalo or Ibarra. Departures every 5 min from central bus station. Just hop on and go.

Hotel Le Mirage

Pet Goldfish at Le Mirage

Hotel Le Mirage

$3 lunch at “El Convento”Restaurant run by the local church. Located off Plaza Matriz behind the main church. Open for lunch only.

Robins The Pastry Shop Cotacachi — Mora Pie (Ecuadorean Blackberries) at **The Pastry Shop** in Plaza San Francisco. I cannot visit without a stop in for one of these babies.

My buddy “Jovan” is one of the most talented and kindest peope I have ever met. Former Lawyer from Venezuela turned Chef, he puts his passion into these dishes.

Don’t ask. Just order the secret green sauce.

BEYOND COTACACHI

Otavalo

Plaza de los ponchos — Plaza de Los Ponchos, Otavalo’s world famous textile market is a 10 minute bus ride from Cotacachi and blows up to full scale spilling into side streets every Saturday morning.

Panama Hat made in Ecuador — The Panama hat from Ecuador. Plaza de Los Ponchos, Otavalo.

Plaza de Comida, Otavalo.

Feria de Animales is a livestock market held every Saturday morning at 7AM in Otavalo. Watch your valuables.

besteagle1 — “Parque Condor”, Otavalo. Bird Sanctuary and Education Center with sweeping vistas. Check for show schedules .

Lago Cuicocha

charlene cropped

IMG_0735 (1) — Lago Cuicocha is considered sacred ground to the local population. Located at 3,246m above sea level, the volcanic lake offers a rigorous 12.6km loop hike. This all day affair requires an early start. Pack water, lunch, sunscreen, bug repellant and adequate layers for inclement mountain weather. Registration at the Ranger Station is required. For a more relaxed day, hang out at the Main Center and grab lunch and a boat ride.

Peguche Falls

Pecguche Falls 10 minutes from Cotacachi on the “Pana” (Panamerican Highway). Ask driver for stop. We like to walk through the small town up to the Regional Park.

Rio Intag Valley

Navigating the clouds to Intag Valley with Alfredo

Alfredo, friend and our local Guide to the region. Golden personality and very knowledgeable. Here he is Navigating the treacherous roads of the Intag Valley Cloud Forest. You can schedule your day tour direct with him +593-99-275-5408

20800270_10213135754849263_7332070628561824464_n — Suspension Bridge over Rio Intag, Apuelo

Jorge. Entrepreneur and renaissance man at his Finca in Intag Valley. A private day trip can be arranged.

The Town of Apuelo is situated in the clouds in the Intag Valley. A 2 hour bus ride away from Cotacachi, this lovely village offers basic services but tucks you away in a canyon with fresh trout and hot springs available near by.

Roased on site, the coffee bursts with tone of the region.

Grown the clouds, the smooth and caramely Intag Coffee is sure to please. Visit the Coop in Apuelo on your Intag Day Trip

Rio Intag Coffee Cooperative located in tiny town of Apuelo in Intag Valley

P1080513 — Municipal hot springs, Apuelo, Intag Valley

Festivals & Celebrations

Annual Quiroga Horse Show, Quiroga

Inte Rayme — Summer solstice celebrations “Inte Raymi” held every June guarantee visual delights and ambiance full of energy and vitality as locals celebrate the longest days of the year with passion and like their ancestors.

Papallacta Thermal Hot Springs

In the other direction heading west past Quito Airport you will find a very special getaway worth the drive. The thermal springs of Papallacta will lure you and keep you soaking and lounging in the lovely pools located in the clouds near the small town of Papallacta at elevation of 3,300m. The various pools are squeaky clean and vary in temperature.