Mojanda Lakes

About this place

Three volcanic lakes in the caldera of the extinct Mojanda volcano south of Otavalo, about 3,700 metres up: Karikucha, the largest, Yanakucha and Warmikucha, whose Kichwa names mean the man's lake, the black lake and the woman's lake. The area has been protected since 2002. Crater walls and jagged volcanic peaks ring the lakes, with páramo plains of golden grasses and mountain plants, and the water shifts between dark blue and grey with the clouds. It is quiet and wild, and you rarely see anyone but hikers and herders. Visitors walk trails around the largest lake, and fit hikers climb the jagged volcanic peak of Fuya Fuya, about 4,263 metres high, with wide views over the lakes and distant volcanoes on a clear day. The last stretch of the climb is demanding. The weather is changeable, the wind cold and fog can roll in fast, so bring warm layers and a rain jacket, and go by taxi or tour as public transport is scarce.