Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The scenic destination of Mojanda Lake was formed by the volcanic activity of the Andes Mountain Range. This area of northern Ecuador is now inactive and was designated as “protected” in 2002, which has led to it becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Thanks to taxi rides of between $5 and $10 from Otavalo, the lake is affordably accessible in about 30 minutes from town.

Being above 10,000 feet, Mojanda Lake provides relatively flat hikes that will still leave you short of breath. The high altitude Mojanda grasslands and shrublands make for exceptional wildlife viewing, and there is a broad range of native birds and wildflowers. Be sure to bring your rain jacket, as the mountainous high-elevation location makes for unpredictable weather.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great views. Hiking options. Wildlife.

Cons

Rough road at higher elevations. Few amenities at the location.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Wildflowers
Big vistas
Geologically significant

Location

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