Yambo Lagoon

The enchanted lagoon

Yambo Lagoon—often called the “Green Lake” for its intense emerald color—is one of the most intriguing natural attractions in Ecuador’s highlands. It is a long and narrow lagoon, with a longitude of 1 km and a width of 290 m. Yambo is a pluvial lagoon, with diverse groundwater divides. Its deepest part can reach 150 m.

It is located in the Salcedo canton, Cotopaxi Province, a 30-minute drive from Latacunga, and 2 hours from Quito.

What makes Yambo Lagoon special

Yambo stands out for its vivid green waters, which are the result of a high concentration of organic algae, microorganisms, and minerals. Its tone might also vary depending on the sunlight and season.

Another aspect that makes Yambo enigmatically charming is the set of legends involving the lagoon, for which it is also called the “Enchanted lagoo”. One of these legends is known as the “Hellish train”, which tells the story of a coal‑loaded train derailed on a Good Friday night, plunging into the lagoon without leaving any trace of the passengers or the locomotive. It is believed to have happened during the era of Eloy Alfaro presidency, becoming one of the region’s most famous stories of Andean mystery and tragedy.

Top things to do at Yambo

Yambo offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Popular activities include:

Boat rides. Buying a less-than-USD-5 ticket, you will enjoy a 30-minute ride along the lagoon, where you will be explained about the local stories involving the lagoon, and watch a traditional music and dance show.

Kayaking. You can rent a kayak and explore Yambo’s water at your own pace.

A small cable car over Yambo. Perfect for a panoramic view.

Hiking trails. Around the Lagoon, free and accessible.

Swimming. If you are an experienced swimmer, you could try swimming here. It is a popular spot for swimmers from nearby cities to come to practice before open water competitions; the swim is generally along the lagoon’s longitude. Around September, there is an annual competition that consists of the crossing of this Lagoon.

Spending the night. There are a couple of small lodges where you can spend the night next to the Lagoon, and delight with sense of mystery and the stars.

How to get there

Yambo Lagoon is beside the Pan-American Highway, just a few kilometers from Salcedo, being easily accessible from Quito, Latacunga, or Ambato due to its strategic location.

If you are based in Quito, you can get there either by car or by taking a bus from the Quitumbe bus station (Quito) toward Salcedo, followed by a taxi.

Best time to visit

You can visit Yambo all year round. However, during June and August there will be more probability that you catch clear skies. From October to December, you might encounter greener hillsides and mild weather.

Some tips before you go

• Bring a jacket, since temperatures drop quickly in the afternoons due to altitude.
• Try local dishes at the restaurants next to the Lagoon, like fresh trout and corn with cheese.
• You could also visit nearby destinations like Pelileo, Latacunga, or Salcedo. Salcedo town is nationally known for its popular ice-cream called “Helado de Salcedo”, which consists of a multilayered natural-flavor ice-cream that combines Andean fruits like blackberry, banana passionfruit, and naranjilla, and milk cream.

So, whether you are planning a weekend escape or seeking for a destination nearby Quito and other major Ecuadorian Andean cities, with breathtaking views, and plenty of activities, you should definitely include the Yambo Lagoon in your itinerary!