Calle Bolívar
Coloured fronts and blue lamps.
Jorge Flores Macias — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0
Cotacachi is a small city in Imbabura province, at 2,418 metres on the eastern slopes of Cotacachi Volcano. With about 10,500 people, it is known for quiet streets, colourful houses and leather shops. In 2019 it became one of the first five Pueblos Mágicos named by Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism. It was founded in 1544 by Pedro de la Peña, and sources say the Inca Huayna Capac made it an important town in the north. It has received UNESCO's Cities for Peace prize and a digital cities award in 2007. It is today the administrative and commercial centre of the canton, with strong ties to Ibarra. You walk Calle Bolívar and the central streets between coloured fronts, old blue lamps and decorated wooden doors. Mountains surround the town, and on clear days a snow-covered peak shows far above the fields. On the edges are pastures, channels and country houses. The famous Cuicocha crater lake lies a short way off, so the two combine well. The city is 8.1 km in a straight line north of Otavalo, easily reached by minibus. The climate is mild and the sun strong, so bring a hat. Restaurants serve local dishes that may contain pork, so ask before ordering. Shops show leather goods at varying prices, so compare before buying. The churches are places of worship, so dress modestly.
Coloured fronts and blue lamps.
Decorated details in the centre.
A snowy peak above the fields.
Slopes of Cotacachi Volcano, Imbabura province
Yes, the lake is a short taxi ride away, and many visitors combine them.
Leather goods are its best-known product, so compare prices before buying.