Cuicocha
crater lake in
Andean Highlands
#15 in Andean Highlands
/
#21 in Ecuador
Cuicocha is a stunning crater lake located at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. It lies within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, about 100 kilometers north of Quito. The lake was formed approximately 3,100 years ago following a massive volcanic eruption, and its name, which means "Guinea Pig Lake" in the Indigenous Kichwa language, is inspired by the shape of one of the islands in the lake that resembles a guinea pig. The lake itself is about 3 kilometers wide and 200 meters deep, with clear, blue-green waters. Visitors to Cuicocha can enjoy a variety of activities, including boat tours, hiking trails around the rim, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area.
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