Mojanda: Volcanic Lakes in the Andes

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Explore the stunning Mojanda Lakes near Otavalo: Hike volcanic peaks, discover unique páramo ecosystems, and enjoy breathtaking Andean views.

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Mojanda

Mojanda is a complex of two inactive volcanoes, rising southwest of Otavalo, Ecuador. Its summit caldera, formed by a Plinian eruption around 200,000 years ago, holds three stunning crater lakes: Karikucha, Yanakucha, and Warmikucha.

A brief summary to Mojanda

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mojanda.

Dress in layers, as the weather in the Andes can change rapidly. Waterproof clothing is recommended.
Acclimatize to the altitude in Otavalo or Quito before attempting strenuous hikes.
Bring snacks, water, and offline maps, as there are limited facilities and spotty signal coverage.
Visit during the dry season (June to September) for clearer skies and easier trail conditions.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Otavalo, hire a taxi for the approximately 15 km journey to the Mojanda Lakes. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as it typically costs around $15-$20. The ride takes about 45 minutes, ascending to an altitude of 3,700 meters. Taxis can be found throughout Otavalo. Some accommodations, like Hostal La Luna, can arrange taxi service. Consider arranging for the taxi to return at a specific time or coordinate with other visitors for a shared ride back.
Bus and Walking

Take a bus from the Otavalo bus terminal towards Mojandita. These buses run approximately every 40 minutes and cost around $0.35-$0.40. From Mojandita, it is an 11 km uphill walk to the Mojanda Lakes, gaining 1200 meters in altitude. This is a long and strenuous hike, so be prepared with appropriate gear and plenty of water.

Discover more about Mojanda

High in the northern Andes of Ecuador, the Mojanda Lakes present a stunning landscape of volcanic origin. Located near Otavalo, these lakes occupy the caldera of the inactive Mojanda volcano, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. The area comprises two volcanoes, Mojanda and Fuya Fuya, which were active simultaneously. The three lakes within the caldera each possess unique characteristics. Karikucha (also known as Laguna Grande or Male Lake) is the largest. Yanakucha (Black Lake) has dark waters, while Warmikucha is the Female Lake. The surrounding landscape features rolling páramo grasslands, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.Hiking around the Mojanda Lakes is a popular activity, with trails connecting the lakes and leading to the summit of Fuya Fuya. The Fuya Fuya climb offers panoramic views of the lakes, the Otavalo valley, and the snow-capped Cayambe volcano on clear days. The area is protected and provides clean water to nearly 40,000 people.