Updated September 2026 by our local guides in Quito: we grouped the 20 ideas by region with the tour or guide that fits each one, and corrected outdated details on the TeleferiQo, Mitad del Mundo, Cotopaxi, the Devil’s Nose train and Galápagos fees.

For being such a small country, Ecuador provides every type of experience that you could possibly imagine. Ranging from exhilarating hikes in the Andes, to beautiful beaches for lounging and one of a kind Amazon experiences. With the perfect mix of culture, history, cuisine and four worlds packed into one country. Whether you are traveling solo or with friends Ecuador’s rich diversity will fulfill all your needs.

20 things to do in Ecuador:

Hit the streets of Old Town Quito & New Town

Come and join us on our Free Walking Tour to get a full Historic Center experience, come and learn about the colonial plazas, traditional food markets, the historic churches of Quito that are lined with gold. Take in the panoramic views from the towers of the Basilica.

The north part of the city is also a bustling metropolis waiting to be explored, explore the gardens in beautiful Parque La Carolina or duck into some quaint cafes for a recharge.

Ride up Pichincha Volcano on the TeleferiQo

Take the Gondola up to 4,100 meters above sea level and enjoy the views of Quito and if you are lucky the neighboring volcanoes. If you are feeling up to it there is an additional hike from the Teleferico to the summit of Rucu Pichincha, it is about a 4-5 hour hike to the summit where the views are even more spectacular. During the winter season it is best to go in the morning before the clouds roll in.

Check hours & pricing.

Mitad del Mundo

When in Ecuador, what better to do than  visit Latitude Zero. Here in Quito we have 2 locations to mark the equator. The Museo Inti ñan is the GPS calculated line where you can defy gravity and bust some myths. At the museum you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Quito and how they knew that we were on the equator, also see some of the solar clocks used by the indigenous communities. Just 200 meters around the bend is the historic monument called Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, at this location you can get a picture with the widely recognized monument and explore the shops of local goodies (more information about the Mitad del Mundo).

Mitad del Mundo is about 45 minutes north of Quito by taxi, ride-hailing app or public bus.

Take in the beautiful sights and colors of Otavalo

Otavalo is highly recognized for its Plaza de Ponchos which is the largest outdoor artisanal market in Ecuador. For around  85 years of history the Saturday market in Otavalo is a must see and do while in Ecuador. All of the various communities from around the area come to the market to display and sell their handicrafts, you can find anything and everything here: artwork, clothes, ceramics and even local food.

The market is not the only wonder that Otavalo and its province have to offer, if you are able to stay in the area and explore you won’t be disappointed. There are scenic hikes around Cuicocha lagoon and the thundering Peguche waterfalls are all great areas to explore around Otavalo.

Check out our Otavalo Market Tour.

Explore the beauty and nature of the Cloudforest Mindo

Mindo is a beautiful, small village nestled in the north part of the Andes in Ecuador with a subtropical forest climate which is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. If you are a avid bird-watcher then Mindo is the place for you, with over 400 different exotic bird species you will not be disappointed. But you will not only find birds in Mindo, there is also an abundance of butterflies and orchids to apease the nature lovers. For the more adventurous folks there are plenty of options; zip-line though the canopy of the cloud forest, ride the “tarabita” across to the waterfalls and hike, or tube down the river to cool off, taste the divine Ecuadorian chocolate at the factories.

Whether you want nature or adventure Mindo is a great place to escape for a couple of days (more information about Mindo).

If you are on a limited time schedule and want to explore Mindo in one day see our Mindo Cloudforest Tour.

Get lost in the Amazon in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Have you ever imagined yourself swimming in the lake in the middle of the jungle as the sun sets around you? If you answered yes then Cuyabeno is right up your alley. The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, is  an oasis of peace and adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon, it is truly one of the country’s best treasures.

Among the various experiences travelers love about this area is the spontaneous sighting of the reserve’s flora and fauna – birds, monkeys, caimans, frogs, bullet ants, turtles, pink river dolphins, electric eel, boas, and if you’re lucky, an anaconda. The guides in Cuyabeno are all native and very knowledgeable about the species you will encounter, so you will learn about the region’s botany and the intriguing properties of your surroundings.

You can plan a 3, 4 or 5 day experience to the Cuyabeno with us: Cuyabeno Jungle Tour.

Stand above the clouds at the top of Cotopaxi

One of the top things to do when beeing in Ecuador: Have you ever imagined yourself walking above the clouds? If so then you are in luck!

Cotopaxi volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peek, if you are an avid mountain climber and want to challenge yourself this is the one for you. The summit sits at 5, 897 meters above sea level and if you do reach the peak you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views imaginable. The ascent to the summit takes about 2-3 hours, and for those who don’t want to reach the summit but just explore the beauty of the National Park you can do a smaller hike up to the refuge at 4,600 meters.

A popular way to visit Cotopaxi is on a Hike and Bike tour for one full day.

Check out our Cotopaxi Bike and Hike Tour.

Loop around the Quilotoa Crater Lake

When it comes to breathtaking, must see landmarks in Ecuador; the Quilotoa Crater lake is one of them. You have many options when it comes to Quilotoa which sits at 3, 814 meters, you can hike down to the turquoise, sulphuric water. There is a path laid out to hike from the rim down and you can even kayak in the lake, to get back up you can challenge yourself to a straight uphill hike or rent a mule to do the work for you. If you are more avid hiker you can tackle the 5-6 hour hike around the rim of the crater lake, or do the infamous Quilotoa Loop which is about a 2-3 day hike around Quilotoa to all the small towns that neighbor the national park. No matter how you do it, make sure you check Quilotoa off your bucket list.

If you only have 1 day to visit, check out our Quilotoa Tour.

Baños de Agua Santa, adventure or party?

One of hte highlights of Ecuador: If you are the kind of person that loves adventure and extreme sports, then Baños is the perfect place for you. This small(ish) city is jam packed with activities, from the thundering waterfalls that surround Baños to the gravity defying swings if you want to take the leap of faith. Some of the most popular attractions in Baños are the Casa del Arbol, where you can swing into the most amazing views of Tungurahua Volcano. And out of all the waterfalls in Baños, el Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) is definitely the most grand with its roaring water surrounded by lush vegetation, make sure you have a poncho or raincoat as you will get soaked! Or if you want to take a more relaxing approach you can visit one of many spas and thermals in Baños.  If after all of that you are not tired, Baños has an excellent night life where you can dance till dawn.

White water rafting in Tena and its surrounding areas

If you are looking for a shorter Jungle experience then Tena is perfect, located in the center of the amazon region. If you are a water sport junkie then look no further than the great rapids of Tena, one of the best destinations for white water rafting in all of Ecuador. You will have a variety or rivers and categories to choose from.

While in Tena you can also visit the Amazon, Puerto Misahualli is just off the Napo River and you can get a feel for the jungle. With the capuchin monkeys living freely around you and also visit a Kichwa community native to that area. Also in that region you will find the Caverns of Jumandy which are not extremely well known but definitely worth the visit. Inside the caves you can see the underground water currents and the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over the years.

Take a ride into the Devil’s Nose

One of the most unique wonders of Alausi is the Devils Nose Train, this zigzag path into the Chanchan river gorge climbs 500 meters in only 12 kilometers. Don’t let the Devils Nose scare you, it is one of the most beautiful train rides in Ecuador. Even though Alausi is a small town nestled in the Province of Chimborazo, it has plenty to offer. From the delicious, traditional food in the market to the wondrous sights of the Lagunas de Ozogoche. You can also trek up to the statue of San Pedro to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the town.

Our hostel is located right in front of the Alausi train station, so hop on over the tracks and purchase your ticket: Community Hostel Alausi.

Visit the Ruins of Ingapirca

The largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador are Ingapirca or translated to english would be “Inca Wall”, located in the town close to Cañar. The most significant building of the ruins is the Templo del Sol its elliptically shaped building or whats left of it was constructed in the Inca way without mortar and hand chiseled to fit together perfectly. To see this spectacular sight for yourself you can take a tour from Cuenca for the day or if you want to stay near by there is lodging in the surrounding towns of El Tambo or Cañar. Or if you are a hiker/nature lover you can also tackle the 3 day Inca Trail hike that can start from Alausi and takes you though many sights until you arrive to the ruins.

Cuenca, our own little piece of Europe

Cuenca is the capital city of the Azuay province, and its largely recognized for its UNESCO world heritage sight city center. It resembles Spain due to its 16th and 17th century colonial architecture which is what makes Cuenca so popular. They are also well known for their textile industry, such as hats and shoes. It is also known as the city of 4 rivers, which surround the city and allow for walks along the riverfront such as the Tomebamba river which goes along the colonial center of Cuenca. Many people also choose Cuenca as their go to place to retire, so you know it must be beautiful and relaxing.

El Cajas National Park

Take a hike through the highlands of Ecuador,  in this park about 30 km west of Cuenca. With around 270 lakes and lagoons inside the park, it is home to to many endemic species of animals some of which are highly endangered. Even if you are not an avid hiker, El Cajas still has plenty to offer. You can go climbing, fishing, camping and bird watching. So if you are heading south in Ecuador make sure you take the time to stop in this national park, even if for only a day it’s a nature experience you can’t miss.

Eat your heart out in Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuadors largest city and the country’s main port, with nice hot weather year round to keep you sweating! While it does have lots to offer in term of landmarks, Guayaquil definitely stands out for its FOOD, honestly some of the best food in Ecuador. Basing heavily on seafood (which is obvious since they are on the coast), they also  have the best “menestra” around; which is rice, grilled meat and lentils or beans.

For all the foodies coming to Ecuador you have to make the time and room in your stomach to go and try all the varieties of cuisine in Guayaquil. If you want to walk off all that food you can stroll through Las Peñas and brave the 444 stairs up Cerro Santa Ana to the majestic white and blue lighthouse. You can also enjoy a walk along the Malecon which goes along the River Guayas and go up for amazing panoramic sights in the ferris wheel of La Perla.

Party like a beach bum in Montañita

Just 3 hours north of Guayaquil on the Ecuadorian coast line in most likely one of the funnest places to stay. Montañita is a true beach party town, it is just a small-town but jam-packed with thrills.

A great spot for surfing with consistent, strong waves always available and the most ideal summer weather year round. After all the water sports you can hang out in one of many beach bars and enjoy an ice cold beer or cocktail! It is very easy to get trapped for much longer than you planned in Montañita, it truly is a one of a kind place that won’t let you leave its sandy shores.

Explore the wonders of Playa de los Frailes

This white sand, crystal blue beach is truly one of Ecuadors most beautiful spots. Inside the National Park of Machalilla it is a great place to stop for the day if you are traveling the coast line. Since it is a national park there is no camping or accommodation at Los Frailes. So you are only able to visit for the day, but it is recommended to bring everything you will need with you. You can also go snorkeling along the half-moon shaped shoreline. Or if you are looking to scuba dive in Los Frailes you can pick up a tour from Puerto Lopez, since this beach inside the national park it is only accessible via private car or taxi.

Truly a place for all ages to come and enjoy, a sight you can’t miss!

Get a sneak-peek of Galapagos in Isla de la Plata

Sometimes known as the poor man’s Galapagos, Isla de la Plata is a part of the National Park of Machalilla and is just off the coast of Manabi.  Here on the island you can get a small taste of what the Galapagos islands have to offer, you can see 3 different species of the booby bird and some sea lions as well. You can pick up a tour to the island from Puerto Lopez to go out for the day, see the animals and do some hikes. So for those of you that can’t make it over to Galapagos this time around, try and make the trip out to Isla de la Plata!

Discover the uniqueness of Galapagos Islands

Prepare to be enchanted by the Galapagos Islands, a cluster of volcanic islands just off the coast of Ecuador; it truly is a once in a lifetime experience. Here you can lay on the beach next to the sea lions and iguanas who most likely will not get up and move to give you a spot on the sand. You will also get a chance to photograph many of the islands endemic species such as the giant tortoises, blood red crabs, the boobies, the Galapagos penguin and so many more.

You can dive in many places around the islands and get a glimpse into life under the sea, or if you want a more relaxed approach under the water you can easily get some snorkel gear and take the plunge. Another great way to see the islands is via bike, especially the volcanic coastline of Isabela Island.

Come and see for yourself why the Galapagos are Ecuador’s most precious treasure! See our Galapagos land based tours.

Always go local!

Finally this is just some of our personal advice for wherever in Ecuador you end up. Try, taste, hear and see the local ways. Sometimes the best foods are hidden away in the local markets in every city or town. The best way to really experience a country is by giving the food and culture a shot.

Even if it’s a strange animal part you never thought about eating, you might be surprised at just how good it is. Indulge in all the vibrantly colored fresh fruit that is offered. Skip the fancy restaurant for one night and go explore the streets cause it’s usually those hole in the wall food places that will have the best tasting food!

How do you fit these things to do into one Ecuador trip?

Ecuador is compact, but the roads through the Andes are slow, so pick regions rather than trying to do all 20 things. With a week, most travelers combine Quito with Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Otavalo or Mindo. With 10 to 14 days you can add either the Amazon or the Galápagos, plus Baños or Cuenca. Our new Ecuador itinerary guide lays out day-by-day routes for 7, 10 and 14 days.

Related guides

• Ecuador itinerary: 7, 10 and 14 days
• Things to do in Quito
• How much does a trip to Ecuador cost in 2026?
• Cuyabeno vs Yasuní: which Amazon reserve?
• Is Ecuador safe to travel in 2026?

Plan it with us

Want help choosing which of these 20 things fit your dates and budget? Visit us at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito, message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832, or email info@communitytravel.ec and our local guides will put together a plan with you.

Frequently asked questions

Quick reference: Ecuador travel facts and figures 2026 · Ecuador travel glossary · About Community Adventures Ecuador

Het bericht 20 Things to Do in Ecuador, From Quito to Galápagos (2026 Guide) verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.

Updated September 2026 by our local guides in Quito: this 2017 article was first written for people thinking of moving to Baños. We added current transport, entry fees and the volcano’s status for travelers, and flagged the older prices below.

Baños at a glance (2026)

As seen on: Huffington Post

By Suzan Haskins, InternationalLiving.com

This article comes to us courtesy of InternationalLiving.com, the world’s leading authority on how to live, work, invest, travel, and retire better overseas.

She’s a wanton woman with a feather beneath her skirt, cause for her constant state of libidinous arousal. Men and women alike are smitten with her overpowering beauty and limitless energy. But she has a temper, this one. When her flirtations are not returned, her anger boils and she quite literally blows her top like nothing you’ve ever seen.

So goes the Quechua legend of “Mama” Tungurahua, the hot and bothered volcano that regally rises from lushly-forested terrain about a three-hour’ drive south from Ecuador’s capital city of Quito.

Perched just five miles from Mama’s summit on her northern side is the town of Baños (population about 20,000). As the lore goes, Baños is Mama’s love child, and she protects it. She’s certainly passed on an inheritance, for—thanks to Tungurahua’s hot temper—Baños is blessed with an abundance of thermal waters. Those waters, and the stunning natural setting, have made Baños a popular spa and outdoor-sports town, as well as home to a small community of expats.

The town’s full name is Baños de Agua Santa: the holy water Baths. (And note, Baños does not mean “bathrooms.” It means “baths,” like the kind you soak luxuriantly in.) The name gives tribute not to Mama, of course, but rather to the town’s other famous patron, the Virgin Mary.

Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa—our Lady of the holy water—is said to have appeared at nearby waterfalls from time to time, and it’s believed she protects those who invoke her name during times of crisis. “Our lady watches over us,” a local man said in a television interview, speaking of the Virgin after Mama’s most recent pyroclastic fit.

The neo-Gothic Basilica Reina Del Rosario De Agua Santa—built to honor the Virgin—is a local pilgrimage site, and is decorated with graphic artwork of the many miracles she’s credited with. Appropriately enough, the Basilica, which sits in the heart of Baños, is constructed of volcanic rock from Tungurahua.

For many visitors, though, Baños’s thermal baths are miracle enough. You’ll find several places to soak away to your heart’s content here, in pools of varying degrees of delicious heat. The most popular public baths are right in town at the base of the 260-foot waterfall called Cascada de la Virgen, where Nuestra Señora allegedly once appeared. A shrine there is dedicated to her and her healing waters.

For certain, water is plentiful in this part of Ecuador. More than 60 waterfalls cascade into the surrounding countryside from the slopes of the volcano. The entire province, called Tungurahua in honor of you-know-who, is fully and self-sufficiently powered, thanks to the Tungurahua hydroelectric facility located just outside Baños.

The surrounding landscape is crisscrossed with steep bluffs, deep river gorges, and expansive plateaus. With all this natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Baños, cupped in a small valley at about 5,900 feet above sea level, is a thriving tourist town, equally popular with both Ecuadorian and international visitors. And with more than 100 hotels and hostels and a nearly continuous round of parades, festivals, and special events throughout the year, the mood in Baños is always festive and
upbeat.

You’ll find just about any outdoor activity that exists: hiking, canyoning and rappelling, bungee jumping, zip-lining…how about a breathtaking ride in a tarabita (cable car) that swings from a mile-long cable across 500-foot-deep gorges? You can go mountain biking, horseback riding, rent an ATV or dirt bike, or just kick back in one of the many spas offering massages, facials, and more.

Water sports are popular, too, of course. Kayaking, white-water rafting, and more can all be enjoyed within just a few miles of Baños. The town, considered one of the safest in Ecuador, is also known as the “Gateway to the Amazon.” Just 30 miles downhill from Baños is the town of Puyo, the country’s largest jungle town. Puyo sits on the banks of the Puyo River, which eventually dumps into the vast Amazon River.

Still, for all its near-perfect, year-round weather (temperatures average 55 F at night up to about 80 F during the day) and wealth of activities and attractions, Baños is not high on the radar for expats looking for retirement destinations.

There is, though, a small and fairly active group of Canadian, European, and U.S. residents in Baños. Mountain-biking enthusiasts Jim and Marshia Redd had traveled to the area many times from their home in Chicago before they decided to purchase La Posada del Arte in 2004.

The hotel has been a successful venture for them, they say. A couple of years ago they bought an adjacent property and expanded to double the hotel capacity. “This has been a fantastic investment,” Jim says. “It pays for itself every two years.”

Additionally, Marshia is president of Fundación Arte del Mundo, a non-profit foundation that operates an after-school library and theater for local children. They’ve opened the Stray Dog Brewpub with their son, Jason.

Likewise, Canadians Rob Tiessen and Robyn Moulyn had traveled all over Ecuador before finding themselves in Baños six years ago with their then-teenaged children. An artist who specializes in wildlife, Robyn fell in love with the natural surroundings and awe-inspiring vistas. (See her website here.) She recently finished the illustrations for a book and is making her own art paper from abundant local banana stalks.

Rob still works in the oil industry in Canada. Even with traveling back and forth for assignments, they say that by living in Ecuador, they spend less money and enjoy life more.

“What I find fascinating about Baños,” Robyn says, “is that, for being such a small town, it’s very much aware of its international appeal and caters to that with its friendliness and care of the tourists. And did I mention the variety of foods available? From vegetarian to French cooking. We have it all.”

All the attributes, in fact, that make Ecuador an attractive retirement destination can be found in Baños. The cost of living is low…a couple can live comfortably just about anywhere in Ecuador on $1,500 to $2,000 a month. The average furnished rental costs $300 to $500 a month.

A local mercado (farmers’ market) just two blocks from the basilica is open every day. There you can find all the fresh local produce you might want, and at a fraction of the price you’ll pay in the States, where it’s all imported, of course.

Health care in Baños is adequate, as you might expect in a town that caters to adventure tourism. And a new hospital is being built. For now, though, for anything of a serious nature, you’ll need to travel an hour away to the larger city of Ambato, or to Quito.

Certainly, don’t go to Baños expecting to find a mature real estate market. While there are certainly properties for sale, there is only one official real estate company. You’ll need good Spanish chops to communicate with the proprietor and his staff. The website listed on the business card they gave me doesn’t work, making it hard to get a handle on area prices.

But with a bit of digging, we found one 1,400-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bath house in a typical local neighborhood selling for just $47,000. It’s perfectly habitable but will certainly require some upgrading to make it something I’d personally appreciate.

Another more likely candidate is near the Río Pastaza. A red-brick house of 2,600 square feet with a red-tile roof, it has four bedrooms and five baths and is selling for $90,000. Two nearby lots that border the river, each 1,700 square feet in size, are listed for $8,000 each.

And on a quarter-acre lot with a view of Mama Tungurahua herself, a 3,550-square-foot house, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and even a small pool, is selling for $120,000. It’s lovely inside, with tile floors and cantilevered wooden ceilings, and will require little, if any, improvements.

A Quick Guide for Taking the Cure in Baños

How to Get There:

Catch a bus to Baños from Quito’s Quitumbe Station for $3.60, or via a door-to-door shared van for $20 per person plus $5 for a large bag. To reserve, call 022-082-165 / 099-048-9374 / 098-752-9599. A private taxi from Quito will cost $70 to $80.

Where to Stay:

You won’t have trouble finding accommodation in all price ranges in Baños. We’d recommend La Floresta at $58 for a double or La Posada del Arte at $65 to $70 for a double. Both include breakfast. For upscale accommodation in hotels with private thermal pools and up-close views of Tungurahua, check out Luna Runtun or Hotel Sangay.

Where to Eat: There are many excellent restaurants in Baños. Popular Café Hood is owned by U.S. expat and longtime Baños resident Ray Hood. (Not to be confused with Casa Hood, also good.) We also had a most enjoyable meal at the antique-filled Café Mariane.

Don’t Miss:

A visit to the Basilica is a must. And for $6 per person, take the full-day, double-decker bus excursion that will take you to the most famous sites. These include waterfalls and canyons where you can ride the cable cars or go zip-lining. (Be sure to reserve a seat on the top deck and don’t forget your rain gear. And definitely try the empanadas!)

Related Articles:
The Top 5 Cultural Experiences In Ecuador
Ecuador’s Natural Weight Loss Plan…
How Much Does It Cost To Live In Ecuador?

How do you visit Baños from Quito in 2026?

Take a taxi or the Trole south to Terminal Quitumbe and buy a ticket to Baños at any of the company windows. Buses run roughly every hour, the ride takes 3–3.5 hours, and fares are about $4–5 as of 2026. Give Baños at least two nights: one day for the Ruta de las Cascadas and Pailón del Diablo, one for the Casa del Árbol and an evening soak at the Termas de la Virgen.

Baños sits on the Avenue of the Volcanoes, so it pairs naturally with Cotopaxi and Quilotoa on the way south. We do not run a Baños tour ourselves, but our two-day trip covers the two highlights most travelers try to fit in before or after.

Related guides

• The best waterfalls in Ecuador, including Pailón del Diablo
• Hiking in Ecuador
• Cotopaxi and Quilotoa: the complete guide
• Tena whitewater rafting guide
• Ecuador itinerary for 7, 10 or 14 days

Plan it with us

Questions before you go? Stop by our office at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito, message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832, or write to info@communitytravel.ec. Our local guides answer every message and will tell you honestly whether a tour or the bus makes more sense for your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Het bericht Baños, Ecuador: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Getting There (2026 Guide) verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.

Updated September 2026 by our local guides in Quito: we added how to get to the lake from Ibarra and Otavalo, what you can do there today, and notes on what historians can and cannot confirm about the battle.

Yahuarcocha at a glance (2026)

Author: Bryan Hill

Laguna Yahuarcocha, meaning blood lake in the Kichwa language, is a sacred lake of Ecuador. Looking across the still water in the picturesque region of Ibarra, it is hard to imagine that it was once the scene of a bloody massacre, a consequence of indigenous resistance against Inca domination.

Laguna Yahuarcocha, also spelt Yawarkucha, is located about 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from the northern city of Ibarra.  Sitting at a height of 2190 meters (7185ft) above sea level, it is one of the region’s main attractions today.  It is estimated to be around 12,000 years old, and is a vestige of the post-glacier age.  Historically, it is important because studies by some researchers claim this area holds wide, unexplored archaeological evidence.

The name Yahuarcocha (‘Yahuar’ – blood, ‘Cocha’ – lake) has its origins in Kichwa, which is part of the Quechuan language spoken primarily in the Andes region of South America.

This so named ‘blood lake’ was the scene of an ancient battle between the Incas, with Huayna-Capac (11th leader of the Incas and last undisputed emperor to rule) as their leader against a united front of indigenous peoples known as the Caranqui-Cayambe-Pasto confederation.  Prior to the Inca conquest in the late fifteenth century, the Kingdom of Quito (modern day Ecuador) was made up of several linguistic groups including Pasto, Otavalo-Caranqui and Cayambe.

Inca fortresses, built around the time of the battle, have recently been discovered near an extinct volcano called Pambamarca.  Its discovery provided archaeologists with evidence of the war fought by the Inca shortly before the Spanish conquistadors arrived.  Twenty fortresses have been identified as having been built by the Inca and two forts were built by the Cayambe.  Evidence suggests that there was a pre-Columbian frontier, or borderline, which experts think existed between the Inca fortresses and the fortresses of the indigenous Cayambe people.

The discovery provided archaeological evidence to support the legend of Lake Yahuarcocha, which Spanish chroniclers told when they penetrated into South America during the 16th and 17th centuries.  According to these stories, Inca ruler Huayna Capac sought to conquer the Cayambe using a “very powerful army.” He was hoping for a quick victory but ended up getting entangled in a long struggle.

• The Inca-Caranqui Water Temple of Ecuador: A display of wealth and skillful hydraulic engineering
• Secrets of Vilcabamba, Playground of the Inca and Valley of Longevity
• Archaeologists uncover 4,200-year-old building in Ecuador

The Battle of Yahuarcocha

The bloody Battle of Yahuarcocha took place over in 1487. The Cayambe had realized that their forces were not sufficient to face the Inca on an open battlefield, and according to the Spanish missionary Bernabe Cobo (in his 17th century book History of the Inca Empire), they withdrew to make strongholds in a very large fortress.  Huayna Capac ordered his men to lay siege on the fortress and to bombard it continuously.  The Cayambe put up a fierce resistance and forced the Inca to retreat due to high number of fatalities.  Huayna Capac gathered a huge army to definitively subdue definitely the ‘rebels’. The Inca eventually succeeded in driving the Cayambe out of their strongholds and onto the shores of the lake.

A massacre at Lake Yahuarcocha

When Huayna-Capac finally conquered the tribes, historical documents record that he massacred all of the Caranqui males who were 12 years or older and had their bodies dumped into Yahuarcocha, which turned red with blood.  Cobo writes that “the Inca ordered his men to cut the enemies’ throats without pity as they caught them and to throw the bodies into the lake.”

Current archaeological studies in the area have found ceramic fragments and parts of bones belonging to teenagers and adults. These bones show overwhelming impacts that suggest body to body fights, however, the total number of deaths here remains largely undetermined.  Estimates range anywhere between 20,000 to 50,000 indigenous people having been murdered by the Incas.

Unearthing evidence of the great battle

The newly discovered Inca fortresses (near Pambamarca) contained stone platforms called ushnus, and are located on ridges about 3,000 meters (10,000) feet above the ground.  The soldiers who lived in them were prepared for battle with well over 100 structures having been found at the site of Quitoloma.  The structures were filled with Inca weaponry and quite a few sling stones were retrieved from the houses, suggesting they had been lying in wait for the enemy to attack, or were about to storm down the hill.

The two Cayambe forts, by comparison, are made out of a tough volcanic material called cangahua.  They are sizable fortresses with people likely having lived inside and outside their walls.  One of the forts has evidence for a battle with two types of ammunition (sling stones and bola stones).  Both fortifications housed pottery designed in indigenous Ecuadorian style rather than Inca styles, and Cayambe pottery continued to be used in the region, suggesting that their culture carried on, at least in some ways.  It could be that the people decided after many years of resistance and warfare to lay down their arms or become allies with the Inca.

In the decades following the war, large numbers of Spanish would make their home in Ecuador and neighboring Peru.  Smallpox would ravage the population and the Inca soon found themselves fighting an enemy equipped with superior firepower.  Against these odds, they fell back, with their last stronghold at Vilcabamba, Ecuador, falling in 1572.  The conquest was nothing short of a disaster for the Inca and the indigenous people already living there.  When the Spanish took over, they built estates called haciendas and the descendants of the Cayambe were forced into labor.  They reportedly worked under severe conditions and in windowless room – a humiliating end for a people who, just decades earlier, had fought a war to win their freedom.

Featured image: A red lake. Representational image only.

By Bryan Hill

How do you visit Yahuarcocha from Ibarra or Otavalo today?

From Quito, take a bus from Terminal Carcelén to Ibarra (about 2 h 40 min, around $4–5 as of 2026). From Otavalo, frequent local buses reach Ibarra in 30–40 minutes. In Ibarra, catch a city bus signed Yahuarcocha or take a taxi for a few dollars; the ride is only 10–15 minutes. There is no entrance fee.

Today the lake feels far from its bloody past. The Autódromo Internacional de Yahuarcocha racetrack circles the shore and hosts car races, most famously around Ibarra’s September festivities. Families come on weekends for boat rides and fried tilapia, and cyclists and runners use the lakeside road. On weekend mornings, tandem paragliding flights launch from the hills above the lake (one operator lists about $68 per flight, 15–40 minutes depending on wind). The lookouts on the surrounding hills are the best place to see the heart-shaped lake with Imbabura volcano behind it.

Related guides

• Otavalo Market: the complete guide
• Ingapirca and the Inca in Ecuador
• Hiking in Ecuador
• Things to do in Quito
• Ecuador itinerary for 7, 10 or 14 days

Plan it with us

Questions before you go? Stop by our office at Pedro Fermín Cevallos N6-78 y Olmedo in Quito, message us on WhatsApp at +593 97 953 3832, or write to info@communitytravel.ec. Our local guides answer every message and will tell you honestly whether a tour or the bus makes more sense for your trip.

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Het bericht Laguna Yahuarcocha, Ecuador: The Lake of Blood and Its History verscheen eerst op Community Adventures Ecuador.