Imbabura volcano
Above the shore.
David C. S. — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Funkz (flickr user) — CC BY 2.0 · Arabsalam — CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake San Pablo, also known as Imbacocha, is a mountain lake in Imbabura province in northern Ecuador, at about 2,700 metres above sea level at the foot of Imbabura volcano, about 5 km from central Otavalo in a straight line. It is the largest lake in Imbabura province, about 3.5 km long and 2.2 km wide. Green Imbabura volcano rises above its north-eastern shore and appears in most pictures of the lake. Totora reeds grow along the banks and are used by local people for crafts, and herons and ducks live on the water, which is also a resting place for migratory birds. Paths around it climb to natural viewpoints such as El Lechero and Mira Lago. You can walk, cycle and ride horses around the lake, and water sports events are held every year, the best known being an open-water swim during the Yamor festival. The average temperature is around 12 degrees, so bring a light jacket, and pair the visit with Otavalo market.
Above the shore.
Along the banks.
El Lechero and Mira Lago.
Imbabura province, south of Otavalo, Ecuador
The water is cold; the big swim is at Yamor.
Otavalo market and Peguche waterfall.