Imbabura, Ecuador

Imbabura is one of the northern provinces in the Ecuadorian Andes. Ibarra it’s capital is 2 hours north of Quito. The province is home to the Otavalo Indigenous Nation. Known cities of this province include Ibarra, Otavalo, Atuntaqui, Peguche and its beautiful lakes that are in between the mountains and volcanoes.

Lago San Pablo

This glacier lake has outstanding views of the fantastic landscape that surrounds it. It host a swimming competition every September that brings swimmers from around the world to the shores of the Lake ‘s water that is consistently at 51 F degrees. Otavalo is the nearest city, and many activities around the lake like horse-back riding . The lake is 2,681 m.a.s.l.

Most of our pictures are taken from Cabañas del Lago a beautiful scenic hotel by the lake where presidents spend their holidays in the area. The views are peaceful and inspiring.

Laguna de Mojanda

The Mojando Lake is actually a strato volcano and it is shared by the Imbabura & Pichincha provinces. But dont worry is stopped activity more than 200,000 years ago. I will let the images speak for themselves below:

Peguche

A magical place. A small town near Otavalo has magical hiking routes and a magnificent waterfall. We could not believe our eyes walking into the towns picturesque roads and greenery. Although, we visited Peguche in the middle of the Carnaval celebrations and locals were soaking everyone with cold water and flour ( a common game during the holiday).

Termas de Chachimbiro

In Ibarra hot spring complexes are EVERYWHERE! And they are beautiful! One the venues we visited is Chachimbiro Arco Iris. Our cousins recommended took us at night which was really fantastic recommendation. I am sure during the day it is a fun and beautiful as it was at night.

Otavalo Market

An international destination. Otavalo’s market draws photographers journalists and people who love artisanal crafts and food. Colorful images of the hundreds of different grains harvested in the region by locals can be seen in this market.

Artisanal Craft found in the Otavalo Market

Food

Pan de Leche

Bread in the Ecuadorian Andes is a national treasure. It is too delicious for words!

In Ibarra Pan de Leche is a gastronomical must! Traditionally around 6pm, people gather around the plaza and line up at the bakeries to get their orders of freshly baked bread and pair it with a “Helado de Crema” (Ice Cream). I know spot in the Caranqui Neighborhood is “Antojitos de Caranqui” Neighborhood. These snacks are so good, I want to go back to Ibarra just to taste it again.

Locro de Papa

Recipe for locro de papa or potato soup, a traditional Ecuadorian soup made with potatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, achiote or annatto, milk, cheese and cilantro. ( Source: Laylita Recipes)

One of Ecuador’s main dishes, we went to the locational source to enjoy and authentic Locro de papa. Below is a picture of my dish.

Locro de Papa