Cuicocha, Crater lake in Imbabura Province, Ecuador
The Cuicocha crater lake contains two distinct islands formed from volcanic material, surrounded by water reaching depths of 200 meters.
The lake emerged from volcanic activity approximately 3000 years ago, forming a caldera that gradually filled with water from natural springs.
The name derives from Kichwa language meaning 'guinea pig lake', reflecting the indigenous communities who maintained guinea pig breeding grounds near its shores.
Visitors can access the lake through organized boat tours departing every hour from the main dock between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The lake waters maintain a constant temperature of 15 degrees Celsius due to geothermal activity beneath its surface.
Location: Imbabura Province
Elevation above the sea: 3,059 m
GPS coordinates: 0.30056,-78.36278
Latest update: May 11, 2025 03:24
Ecuador contains photographic subjects from Quito's colonial streets to Galápagos Islands landscapes. The country features architectural monuments, volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls and national parks. Locations include the National Vow Basilica, Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake and cultural centers like Otavalo Market.
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Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa
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Cayambe
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Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve
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Imbabura Volcano
20.9 km
Parque Bicentenario
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Sucre National Theater
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Sincholagua Volcano
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Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve
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Cotacachi Volcano
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Colegio Técnico Experimental de Aviación Civil
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Museo Solar Intiñán
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Torre Urban Plaza
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Quitsato Sundial
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Plaza de toros de Quito
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Imbabura UNESCO Global Geopark
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Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
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Catequilla
34.3 km
Mojanda
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Lagunas de mojanda
21 km
Hacienda Guachalá
43.5 km
Intiñan Equator Museum
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Maquipucuna
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Plaza de toros Raúl Dávalos de la Calle
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Basílica El Quinche
46.4 km
Monumento a la Mitad del Mundo
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Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
43 kmReviews
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