Category: Ecuador Travel Articles

Here's a short list of places and things to do in Imbabura Ecuador, one of the most delightful provinces in Northern region Anyone who has visited Ecuador lately will probably talk to you about the ever colorful and culture-filled Otavalo Market in Imbabura. Though certainly amusing, Imbabura Province has much more to offer than Otavalo Market. It actualy holds some of the most striking landscapes in the country. This province is located in the north side of Ecuador and is popularly known as the Province of Lakes because it holds more water reserves than other province in the country. Some of the most important lagoons and lakes are San Pablo, Yahuarcocha (kichwa for "blood lake"), Cuicocha, Puruhanta, (Pimampiro), San Marcos, Piñán, Mojanda and Negra lagoon. Imbabura is known for its population variety marked by various demographic factors. Imamabura is home to varios ethnic groups, Mestizo, Indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, White and Montubio. This is probably the reason why culture is so rich and traditional in this area. Imbabura is a core site of crafts and culture in the country.  Otavalo Market is, of course, a must-see, ideal for a full-day tour. There you can buy and learn the process bi which colorful ponchos, hammocks, tapestry are made, or you may simply watch colorful dresses of the Otavalo women. However, if you are a landscape photography aficionado, Imbabaura will not let you own. Here are some of the best places to visit in Imbabura a side form Otavalo Market. Activities they can do Cuicocha Crater Lake Part of the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, Cuicocha (Kichwa: Kuykucha, “lake of guinea pigs” or Kuychikucha, “rainbow lake”)[1] is a 3 km (2 mi) wide caldera and crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano in the Cordillera Occidental of the Ecuadorian Andes. Its name comes from the Kichwa indigenous language and means

10 Days in Ecuador: Our picks for the Best Itineraries I know, Ecuador may seem small compared to its fellow countries in South America. But truth told, the Ecuadorian territory is one of the richest and most diverse countries in the continent. It could take you months to fully explore it! Filled with a green jungle, snow-capped mountains and beaches, it seems like three countries crammed into one bite-sized package.   A trip to Ecuador is all you dream and more, and size it nothing but a plus, as it makes it easier to hop between varied ecosystems. As much as I would love to suggest taking at least a month to explore it, the truth is, most of us don’t have that much time. So, here are our best picks of what to do in Ecuador if you got less than two weeks. Take a look at our itinerary suggestions for 10 days in Ecuador. Trust me; you can explore a whole lot in 10 Days. Check it out!   1. Ecuadorean Sierra: 10 Days Wandering in The Highlands   Focusing just on the Ecuadorian Sierra is a great way of getting to know the country's culture and natural beauties. Here's our suggested itinerary. Read the details below: Itinerary Day 1     Explore Quito City: Colonial Town (add Teleferico or Mitad del Mundo)  Day 2     Day Trip to Papallacata Hot Springs – Return to Quito Day 3     Trip to Otavalo Town plus Cotacachi Town and– Sleepover at Quito Day 4     Day trip to Cotopaxi National Park  - Sleepover at Cotopaxi Day 5     Day Trip to Quilotoa Lagoon – Dirve to Baños and sleepover      Day 6     Baños Town: Cascades Route Hike – Drive to Riobamaba and sleepover             Day 7     Go to Alausí for a ride aboard Devil’s Nose Train -  Drive to

These are some of the Lagoons and Lakes in Ecuador you should definitely vist. Water is probably one of the most abundant resources in Ecuador. And this turns the country into a natural beauty scenario wherever you look. Mojanda, San Pablo, Quilotoa, Limpiopungo and El Cajas Lake complexes are just a few of the 40lagoons and lakes in Ecuador ideal for an adventurous hike or a kayak ride. If you are traveling northward, Imbabura, a.k.a. the Province of Lakes, is probably the most re-known lake site, as it hosts plenty of water complexes. Mojanda is the best example, located just at 17 km from Otavalo. Lakes in Ecuador Mojanda has neat options for every traveler. If you are passionate about outdoor sleeping, Mojanda holds various spots for camping. Furthermore, hiking around the ever-beautiful Caricocha Lagoon is always a great idea. On the other hand, if you are more into mountains, the Mojanda Complex is the perfect starting point to ascend Fuya Fuya Volcano (4,286 m) or Cerro Negro (4,260 m). If visiting Otavalo in a day-trip, Lake San Pablo is a great and close-by option. You will actually catch sight of it from the highway as you enter Imbabura province.  There are plenty of hostels and restaurants in the area with a wide range of prices.   Imbabura Volcano In the surrounding area you may also visit Araque Water Park, located in the community of the same name. There are boat and kayak trips and horseback rides available; and several local handicraft shops and a food court, with traditional sierra delicacies such as choclo (Andean corn) with cheese, fried pork, and tilapia. If you are traveling to the southern part of the country, Cotopaxi province holds the most iconic lagoons in Ecuador: Quilotoa and  Limpiopungo. The surrounding areas are idea