Kayak Cuicocha lake Cotacachi volcano, 1 day, private

< previous 1 of 1 next >   Open this gallery and post comments

Price from:
119.00 USD
per person

Phenomenal opportunity to paddle and explore this crater lake close to the famed town of Otavalo.  Cuicocha (lake of the guinea pigs by its Indian name) is a secluded, beautiful spot with a mirror of deep, cold, clear waters.

This one day kayak expedition is a phenomenal opportunity to paddle and explore the Cuicocha Crater Lake, located within the Andean National Park of Cotacachi-Cayapas, close to the villages of Otavalo and Cotacachi. The serenity and beauty of this crater lake makes this an unforgettable journey.

Tour Details

Depart from Quito heading north towards Imbabura, "Province of the Lakes". Proceed to Lake Cuicocha located at 10,070 feet above sea level (3,070 meters), whose name means "Lake of the Guinea Pigs". This powerful lake is one of the craters of the Cotacachi Volcano, with two islets at its center. According to ancient belief, Cotacachi was the mother of the Imbayas, a pre-Inca tribe. There will be a practice and review of paddling techniques, as well as of basic safety precautions. While paddling the lake you will have the opportunity to observe local bird life such as Andean condors, falcons and various hummingbirds. The paddling around this beautiful lake surrounded by stunning mountain peaks will take from two to four hours depending on your paddling skills. A delicious picnic lunch will be served on one of the Islets. Return to Quito via the colorful market town of Otavalo. Extra time for exploring the market can be accommodated if you wish.

Included

• Bilingual guides
• Private transportation
• PRIJON Touring sea kayaks, life jacket, paddle
• Accommodations and meals as described

Not Included

• Cuicocha Lake Reserve entrance fee: $3 high season and $2 low season (per person)

Travel Facts

• Travel Time: 2-3 hours each way from Quito
• Paddling Time: 2-4 hours depending on skill
• Season: Year-round
• Level: Easy/ Novice (I)
• Altitude: 10,070 feet (3,070 meters)
• Average Temperature: Day 46-70° F/ 8-21 ºC
• Suggested to bring: Rain shell, sunglasses, hat or cap

Information Price per Person (USD) 4 persons 110.00 3 persons 119.00 2 persons 160.00 1 person 272.00 5 - 9 95.00

Adventure tours at Ecuador

If you have a zest for life, a yen for adventure, a taste for the unseen and an eye for color and beauty, Ecuador will instantly enchant you. Because of its location on the Equator and the Andes mountain ranges, Ecuador has no real seasons and it receives the most amount of sunlight in the planet. Ecuador's unique climate allows for year-round operation of outdoor adventure programs.

Ecuador's largest ecotourism operator, Metropolitan Touring, offers Active Travel Adventures to explore "off the beaten path" of Ecuador's many natural wonders. Under the expert supervision of experienced guides you visit remote and unspoiled places. Our policy is conservation of nature, as well as of the traditional cultures. Our programs are respectful of the environment, its inhabitants, their traditions and way of life. We wish to provide our guests with out-of-the-ordinary experiences, with an understanding of the region and an unforgettable vacation.

Trek and Hike through National Parks and Reserves, large Haciendas and Indian communities. Treks descend from the Highlands to the sub-tropical Cloud Forest, along amazing gorge trails and the awe-inspiring Avenue of the Volcanoes. Camp will be set up each night with freshly prepared meals and deluxe camping equipment. Few experiences compare with biking along secondary roads of the serene Andes Highlands. By Bike, enjoy a close contact with nature and genuine interactions with the local people. Overnights are spent at historical Haciendas, cozy inns or camping in tents under the magical skies of the Southern Hemisphere. The impressive flanks of the Andean range are the origin of spectacular rivers and canyons that empty into the Amazon Basin and Coastal regions.

Adventurous spirits will enjoy Rafting and Kayaking with the opportunity to paddle the crater-lake of Cuicocha and exceptional tropical white water. Programs are available with various degrees of difficulty to suit every skill level.