Whatever type of tourist experience you are looking for, we cater for all tastes: cultural, ecological, culinary, agricultural, active excursions, local festivities and arts and handicrafts, all set within the stunning landscapes of the canton of Cotacachi. The highlights of Cotacachi are:

THE ECOLÓGICAL RESERVE COTACACHI-CAYAPAS

 The Ecological Reserve Cotacachi-Cayapas comprises 200,000 hectares of diverse landscape and offers the opportunity to experience a variety of adventures in close contact with nature. The altitude of the reserve ranges from 300 m in the low sub-tropical zones (with an average temperature of 25 ºC) to 4,939 m in the high Andean zones (average temperature 15 ºC) with a more temperate to cold climate.

FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE RESERVE

The different protected ecosystems within the reserve provide a genetic bank of flora and fauna species resulting in a rich biodiversity of great importance. Within the reserve there are more than 20,000 species of plants including the largest naturally formed orchid in the world. Amongst the many species of plants in the reserve you can find the original wild varieties of many Andean crops including potatoes, beans, red pepper, chocho, amaranto and wild quinoa, as well as wild variants of fruits, such as blackberry, mortiño, strawberry, and ground cherry.
The reserve provides a habitat to over 500 species of birds including the majestic condor, the symbol of the reserve. It is also possible to catch a glimpse of many of the large mammals within their natural habitat, such as the spectacled bear, the jaguar, the deer and the highland wolf.

CUICOCHA LAKE

Cuicocha Lake lies within one of its ancient volcanic craters and has a depth of approximately 200 m. Three large volcanic domes protrude from the waters creating two small islands. This singular topography results in a unique beauty with the deep waters and dramatic volcanic face lending the crystal waters a kaleidoscope of changing colours - from silver to cobalt and emerald green. This volcanic crater offers the tourist an unforgettable natural spectacle.

THE VOLCÁNO COTACACHI

 The canton of Cotacachi stretching across the northern Andes is overseen by a majestic snow-capped volcano of the same name. Volcano Cotacachi has been sculpted and eroded by centuries of glacial action resulting in almost vertical slopes towards the peak which reaches 4,939 m above sea level.

HIGHLANDS AND PIÑAN LAKES

This region is irrigated by beautiful crystal rivers and gentle streams which are home to many different types of fish including trout. The diversity of the fauna and flora lends the waters a spectacular natural emerald colour. There are a multitude of lakes of different sizes from lake Donoso de Piñan that measures 2.5 km in length to other lakes that are only a few metres long.

THE LOCAL CULTURE

Cotacachi canton is known for its geographical and cultural diversity. The variety of cultural traditions is most marked during periods of indigenous festivities. In June, the celebration of Inti Raymi is an agricultural and religious feast in honour of the Sun God and in thanks for the harvest of the year. In September the " fiesta de Jora" is celebrated by drinking chicha (an ancestral drink made by the fermentation of maize) which holds special significance for both mestizo and indigenous people. This calendar of feasts and traditional foods reflects the ritual and religious union of all aspects of the natural life that is the basis of Andean life.