An inside view of one of the most welcoming cities in Ecuador
Cotacachi is a quiet artisan town in Ecuador’s northern province of Imbabura. It is known as the entrance hall to the Cuicocha Lake and for its high‑quality leather products. It perfectly fits both as a day trip from Quito, as an overnight stop covering the landmarks of the Imbabura province.
What is Cotacachi famous for?
- For being one of retirees’ favorite towns to settle down. With a low cost of living, a temperate climate, and a safe and welcoming community, Cotacachi is well-known from a long time ago as one of Ecuador’s favorite retirement destinations for foreigners. In addition, Cotacachi is close enough to major cities like Otavalo and Quito.
- For its high-quality leather industry. If you are looking to complement your wardrobe with a high-quality leather piece, Cotacachi is the town you should go to. From jackets to boots, the local leather industry has a wide variety of products to offer.
- For its proximity to the Cuicocha lake. With a just-25 minute- drive to Cuicocha lake, Cotacachi offers an easy access to this popular crater lake inside the Cotacachi‑Cayapas Reserve.
Practical information
- Getting there. Cotacachi is about 2 hours from Quito by road; frequent public buses connect it with Otavalo and Ibarra.
- Best time to visit. Dry season (May–October) is generally recommended for clearer views and hiking.
- Costs. Cotacachi is budget‑friendly; daily traveler costs are commonly low compared with larger Ecuadorian cities. One night at a nice lodge or Airbnb starts from USD 15 per night. The cost of food will depend on the type of restaurant yo go to, but even high-end places’ prices are generally lower compared to Quito; you could enjoy a complete meal with soft-drinks at a nice restaurant and spend less than USD 20 per person.
- Safety. The town is considered calm and walkable; common travel precautions with your belongings still apply here. Pickpocketing might happen, especially in crowded areas like markets, parks, and squares. Avoid poorly lit streets at night.
Top things to do
- Cuicocha crater lake. The iconic 3-km. wide crater lake and landmark of the northern Highlands is only 25 minutes from Cotacachi by road. Boat rides, viewpoints, panoramic restaurants, and hikes around the lake will enhance your experience at this town.
- Leather shopping. Celebrated for its leather industry, Cotacachi will not disappoint you. Go to Calle 10 de Agosto and nearby streets that host numerous leather shops, which, among other items, sell jackets, bags, shoes, boots, handbags, and belts at a good price-quality relation.
- Cotacachi volcano. It is a volcano sitting at 4944 m./ 16220 ft. above sea level. Despite its altitude and closeness to Quito, it is not one of the most popular mountains to climb, due to its technical difficulty and safety risks involving rocks constantly falling from the top. Still, there are operators that organize hikes to this volcano (not to the top). Hiking to the summit is also possible, though less common; if summiting this peak is your goal, I would suggest to arrange the logistics with a specialized mountain-guide or operator.
- Wander through the streets. Walk along its narrow streets, stop at a local cafe and enjoy a coffee and a dessert, sit at the central square and watch the passing people, go to the local markets and buy some crafts and leather articles. Cotacachi is suitable for those who prefer a calm, slow-paced, and authentic local experience.
- Day trips. Combine Cotacachi with Otavalo market (for textiles) or hikes in the surrounding highlands for a fuller northern Andes experience.
Where to stay and eat
Accommodation options include budget hostels, guesthouses, boutique hotels, and eco-lodges, hence your budget and preferences will find an option that fits. You can use platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb to rent a night; I have personally used Airbnb, when I booked one night at a double-room in a local family house, spending USD 30 per night. The family was well-mannered and friendly, offering us some fruits from their garden; the house was strategically ubicated, only a couple of minutes from the central town, and about 20 minutes from Cuicocha.
Cuicocha’s offer adapts to your preferences. If you are not up to tasting traditional pork-based cuisine such as Fritada (fried pieces of pork with potatoes and various types of corn), there are international popular options, like Italian food, burgers, or pizza. A meal could start at USD 4-USD 5 up to USD 20.
Useful tips
- Bargain is accepted at leather shops. Do it politely, taking into account that quality is generally good. Inspect stitching and zippers.
- Altitude. Cotacachi sits at high elevation (2418 m./ 7933 ft.), a little less that Quito. Hydrate and take proper time to acclimatize before any physical effort like hiking around Cuicocha.
- Use official transportation. Not only in Cotacachi, but everywhere in Ecuador, tourists and nationals might be target to scams and unfair prices. Use official bus terminals and legalized taxis; confirm fares in advance.
Ready to visit Cotacachi?
If you are planning to spend a week at Quito, I definitely recommend you to fit Cotacachi into your itinerary. You can plan either a half-day tour to enjoy the main landmarks or a 2-day-and-1-night trip for a deeper experience of the city.
For a tailored itinerary or further tips and help planning your trip to Cotacachi or any other Ecuadorian destination, contact me!
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