The God’s lake
The Cuicocha lake, also known as “the Gods’ lake”, is a notorious 3-km-wide Ecuadorian crater lake, localized at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano in Imbabura province. Cuicocha is a protected area, belonging to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.
Activities to do in Cuicocha
Hiking around the lake.
If you are in good physical condition and practice regular sport, this could be an enjoyable activity. This hike is commonly included within high-mountain acclimatization programs. It includes panoramic views of nearby mountains like Cayambe, Cotacachi, or Imbabura.
For people who are used to hiking, I would say this is a physically and technically easy route, of almost 13 km. The trail is well signalized, being mostly a dirt road, with some muddy sections, and steps going both up and down. Do not forget that you will be hiking at altitude (the route’s shortest point is at 3116 m., and the highest at 3517 m.), so prior acclimatization to altitude could be beneficial (like having already spent at least one night in the highlands).
Even though this is not technically a hard hike, it is recommended you go accompanied by someone; I would even suggest going with at least two other people if possible. There have been some reports of assaults on women hiking by themselves; though this is not the norm, it is always better to prevent.
Taking a boat.
Another option you have is taking a touristic boat that goes around the two islets of the lake.
Enjoy a coffee from the panoramic-view restaurant.
If you prefer, you could stay at the panoramic-view cafeteria, from where you will have panoramic view of the lake, warmed by the chimney while drinking a hot chocolate.
Are you a swimmer?
Every year, usually in July, we are fortunate to have a swimming competition held in these cold waters. Since Cuicocha belongs to an ecological reserve, this is one of the few exceptions when swimming is allowed. The competition’s distances vary from 800 m. to 5000, although this year (2026), the distance of 10000 m. has been added. If you decide to participate in this competition, take into account that the water’s temperature oscillates between 12ºC and 14ºC; for that reason, wetsuits are allowed, though these are not mandatory.
Leave a Reply