Paramo and Pinan lakes

These lakes are found 65km from Cotacachi, at 3500m above sea level. They are located within part of the protected area of the Cotacachi - Cayapas Ecological Reserve, an area covered with vast typical Andean vegetation.

This lake complex is of glacial origin and is made up of various permanent lagoons of different sizes, the biggest of these being Donoso and Yanacocha Lakes. During wintertime up to 35 lakes can be found here. The forests of the area offer refuge to a wide range of fauna and water producing flora which give life to bromeliads, vicundos and orchids. Around the lakes one can enjoy a number of different activities such as trout fishing, photography, trekking, camping, horse riding as well as enjoying the views of the winding river Pitura whose source is borne in the heights of the Cotacachi mountain.

The flora and fauna of the zone is very varied. Due to the differences in altitude, various microclimates are found, converting the area into a natural refuge for many endangered species such as the Andean Condor, deer, wolves, hawks, Andean gulls etc. Trees and plants such as pumamaqui, yagual, panzas, achupallas and various species of ferns, epiphytes and orchids are of abundance along the way.

The Ecuadorian Andes are mystical lands where the visitor can enjoy a whole range of experiences which make for an unforgettable trip. Visits to colonial cities, horse back riding through extreme and barren páramos, trips to old, historical haciendas, adventures in National Parks, mountain climbing on snow capped volcanoes, hiking around archaeological sites. There are so many reasons why the Ecuadorian Andes capture the heart of the traveller.