Lagunas de Mojanda
Lagunas de Mojanda
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Lagunas de Mojanda and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Contribute
Reviews may contain information about traveler safety at this business.
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
38 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
12
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Mariuxi Bolaños
Otavalo, Ecuador9 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Mojanda's lake is in Otavalo this lake is quite beautiful further. It is surrounded by hugh mountains .The weather is coldest on the region but pleasant. This place has vegetation you souls visit preferably in the morning because there is little sun. Mojanda's lake is really famous by theirs tourist. They enjoy from the landscape and in the night some make confites. It's quite interesting because you can meet many people even you can find delicious food but It's a bit expensive. It's an experience in my life. When I went last week with my family and friends I enjoyed a lot and I can say this lake is the more wonderful than other lakes un Imbabura . We ate fritada , potatoes and salad and as a drink lemon juice later with my cousins we walked by the lake the truth I felt very cold . The lake water was very cold . I loved walking in the mountains when I went up I decided to take many photos.
I've never been in this place but it was my first time there.
You must go to the lake with warm clothes and sports shoes and you do not forget to carry a wool cap and scarf.
In Mojanda's lake also you can find straw in the mountains it's something amazing.You can arrive to lake in car , bicycle and walking also these lakes have hosting service for foreign tourists.
In the Flora are mount rosemary , straw , wicundo , totora , arrayan and other things
In the Fauna are perdis , quilicos, quinde, paramo wolf and paramo rabbit.
Mojanda's lake there are pure nature, pure air, suitable place for walk , camping and fishing.
Excellent experience for those who love nature.
* Recommendations
If you decide to camp you must wear comfortable clothes.
If you want to go up the mountain you can ask for help to a Guido of the place.
You should bring some food for not to spend any money.
I advise this place you feel relaxed
I think that this place is the best in Otavalo
If you want to have a good moment you must visit Mojanda's lake.
It is preferable to leave in summer so you can see the whole landscape
You can arrive at 40 minutes
You can enter from the following cities Ibarra , Otavalo and Cayambe.
This experience was unforgettable.
I've never been in this place but it was my first time there.
You must go to the lake with warm clothes and sports shoes and you do not forget to carry a wool cap and scarf.
In Mojanda's lake also you can find straw in the mountains it's something amazing.You can arrive to lake in car , bicycle and walking also these lakes have hosting service for foreign tourists.
In the Flora are mount rosemary , straw , wicundo , totora , arrayan and other things
In the Fauna are perdis , quilicos, quinde, paramo wolf and paramo rabbit.
Mojanda's lake there are pure nature, pure air, suitable place for walk , camping and fishing.
Excellent experience for those who love nature.
* Recommendations
If you decide to camp you must wear comfortable clothes.
If you want to go up the mountain you can ask for help to a Guido of the place.
You should bring some food for not to spend any money.
I advise this place you feel relaxed
I think that this place is the best in Otavalo
If you want to have a good moment you must visit Mojanda's lake.
It is preferable to leave in summer so you can see the whole landscape
You can arrive at 40 minutes
You can enter from the following cities Ibarra , Otavalo and Cayambe.
This experience was unforgettable.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mariellette2022
47 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Really good walk up to Fuya Fuya, actually easier than touring Cotocachi!
It is safe in the day for sure and there was a policeman at the car park to ensure safety.
We got a taxi from Otavalo and paid 40$ for the return journey + to wait for 3hrs. You do not need a guide to do this walk. Our guidebook said it would take 3 hours up and 1h30 down but it took us 1h45 up with a 7-year-old child to go almost to the top (it was too foggy to go to the very top.) The climb is 517m. The descent took us about 40 minutes.
It is safe in the day for sure and there was a policeman at the car park to ensure safety.
We got a taxi from Otavalo and paid 40$ for the return journey + to wait for 3hrs. You do not need a guide to do this walk. Our guidebook said it would take 3 hours up and 1h30 down but it took us 1h45 up with a 7-year-old child to go almost to the top (it was too foggy to go to the very top.) The climb is 517m. The descent took us about 40 minutes.
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DisgruntledScotLass
Edinburgh, UK110 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
Away from the hustle and bustle of Quito, I really enjoyed walking around here - total hidden gem. The panoramic views are really astounding and as there aren't many tourists around, it was really so peaceful. A group of us drove here by car from Cumbaya. At some points, if you're not used to high altitudes, you can feel it as you're doing a brisk walk so pace yourself. It can also get super cold so I'd recommend appropriate attire.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva S
1 contribution
Serious safety incident
Nov 2023 • Couples
THIS IS A WARNING: On the 15th of November 2023, 3 travelers from northern Europe - me, my husband, and our friend were violently robbed next to Mojanda Lake when we finished our hike in Fuya Fuya, which by the way was amazing! We finished our hike earlier than we thought and while waiting for our taxi we were robbed by 3 guys in masks, they had pistols and machetes. They dragged us to bushes, placed our hats above our faces, tied us, and took everything away from us - cameras, phones, shoes, rings, jackets, etc. All of this lasted around 25 minutes. This is not the first robbery in this area. Stay safe!
Written July 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannisze
London, UK2,002 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We wanted to do a day trip from Quito to Otavalo Market and then go to the nearby Lake Mojanda. We asked around the many travel agencies from Quito for this combined trip and was aghast to be informed that the price per person for such trip is $110-$120!!
So, we did some research and decided to do it independently. We took a taxi from our hotel to the Carcelan Bus Station (North) which costs us USD10. From there, we took the local bus which goes to Otavalo (last stop). It costs us only USD 2.50 per person. From the Otavalo bus Terminal, it was just a shot distance walk to the market.
After visiting the market, we went to a local tour agent based in Otavalo itself, called Runa Tupari (it's a rural community based tour operator - you can check out their website). We have sent an email to them prior to our arrival in Ecuador to arrange for a 4WD to take us to Lake Mojanda, and for for the driver to wait for us while we hiked for 3 hours, before taking us back to Otavalo, in time for us to catch the local bus back to Quito. The price they offered us was a fraction of those quoted by the tour operators from Quito.
We find this to be the best arrangement because although you may be able to get a taxi to Lake Mojanda from Otavalo, you may not be able to get a taxi from there back to town again, unless you pre-arrange pick-up with your taxi driver. Lake Mojanda is located in a quite remote area and the road conditions do require a 4WD or a very brave driver.
It's a worthwhile trip since it's so near to Otavalo. The view was just fantastic, and the hike was not too difficult We highly recommend it!!
So, we did some research and decided to do it independently. We took a taxi from our hotel to the Carcelan Bus Station (North) which costs us USD10. From there, we took the local bus which goes to Otavalo (last stop). It costs us only USD 2.50 per person. From the Otavalo bus Terminal, it was just a shot distance walk to the market.
After visiting the market, we went to a local tour agent based in Otavalo itself, called Runa Tupari (it's a rural community based tour operator - you can check out their website). We have sent an email to them prior to our arrival in Ecuador to arrange for a 4WD to take us to Lake Mojanda, and for for the driver to wait for us while we hiked for 3 hours, before taking us back to Otavalo, in time for us to catch the local bus back to Quito. The price they offered us was a fraction of those quoted by the tour operators from Quito.
We find this to be the best arrangement because although you may be able to get a taxi to Lake Mojanda from Otavalo, you may not be able to get a taxi from there back to town again, unless you pre-arrange pick-up with your taxi driver. Lake Mojanda is located in a quite remote area and the road conditions do require a 4WD or a very brave driver.
It's a worthwhile trip since it's so near to Otavalo. The view was just fantastic, and the hike was not too difficult We highly recommend it!!
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aemalone
Joplin, MO276 contributions
May 2016 • Family
We stayed just outside of Otavalo but on the way to Lagunas de Mojanda during our recent trip to Ecuador. It only took us about 20 minutes to reach the breathtaking views from our lodging.
The area is so serene and beautiful. The water lapped at the shore near the picnic area. The mountains surrounding the lake jutted out between the clouds periodically. Unlike many travelers, we didn't do any major hikes in the area (we visited with a young child), though I'm sure they are spectacular. Instead, we explored the area and enjoyed a picnic lunch while taking in the views. We saw only a few other travelers during our visit, and it felt as though we had all these gorgeous views to ourselves. If you have the time, I imagine the hikes would be really incredible (two other travelers we shared a cab ride with back down the hill told us about their experiences), but even if you don't have a great deal of time, visit, sit a few minutes and let the breathtaking views wash over you.
If you are in need of a cab ride back down, make sure you ask a driver to wait, or arrange a time for return. We picked up two other travelers on our way back down (they had camped the night before) who said there had been no other taxis. It could feel like a long trek down if you've climbed the beautiful mountains all morning.
The area is so serene and beautiful. The water lapped at the shore near the picnic area. The mountains surrounding the lake jutted out between the clouds periodically. Unlike many travelers, we didn't do any major hikes in the area (we visited with a young child), though I'm sure they are spectacular. Instead, we explored the area and enjoyed a picnic lunch while taking in the views. We saw only a few other travelers during our visit, and it felt as though we had all these gorgeous views to ourselves. If you have the time, I imagine the hikes would be really incredible (two other travelers we shared a cab ride with back down the hill told us about their experiences), but even if you don't have a great deal of time, visit, sit a few minutes and let the breathtaking views wash over you.
If you are in need of a cab ride back down, make sure you ask a driver to wait, or arrange a time for return. We picked up two other travelers on our way back down (they had camped the night before) who said there had been no other taxis. It could feel like a long trek down if you've climbed the beautiful mountains all morning.
Written June 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Willmar01
Quito, Ecuador60 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Nothing to say, all in pics and videos....if you visit Otavalo, do not miss this lake at 10 miles far of city..
If you plan a day visit, you have to bring at all. Do not services there.
You can do everything you want, fishing, camping (tents), walk around the lake, climb the hills, take amazing pics, yoga, etc.
If you plan a day visit, you have to bring at all. Do not services there.
You can do everything you want, fishing, camping (tents), walk around the lake, climb the hills, take amazing pics, yoga, etc.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnythingsFeazable
Brenham, TX75 contributions
Sep 2015 • Family
Peace and Quiet. This is the ideal place to see many of the snow capped mountains of Ecuador. Take a hike to Cerro Negro or Fuya Fuya and catch a glimpse of some of the tallest mountains Ecuador has to offer. If you aren't up to hiking enjoy the large 5 mile around lake. To hear the birds chirp and see the clouds roll in and out is most rewarding.
Written September 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gersonC1993
Tabacundo, Ecuador2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
In may say, this place is fantastic because it has many sites for visiting and may practice activities such as camping,trekking and running. The lake is wonderful, usually in the morning around the lake,there are native animals that represent wildlife of region. The weather in this place is very cold. Also, the people are grateful. For these reasons Mojanda Lake is my favourite place. Generally,is recomended to visit at the weekend
Written March 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
Carlisle, UK306 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
These lagunas are fairly isolated, such that we were recommended to go with a guide. Getting there involved going on an old cobbled road, which is part of the original Panamerican Highway; worth seeing just for this experience. It took about an hour to get to the car parking area, from which you could walk as far as you wanted. Walking on tracks is highly recommended, as the surrounding paramo is very difficult to walk on. We walked for about three hours, enjoying the views and what wildlife we could find. The weather can be very tricky, as it is so unpredictable. This was a very relaxing way to spend a morning.
Written January 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muy buenos días estoy pensando en ir a acampar con unos primos, mi pregunta es ... hay un lugar seguro para dejar los autos??? Por la respuesta muchas gracias
Written March 2, 2021
Si lo puedes dejar en el estacionamiento, junto a eso están cabañas para acampar y también dispones de parrillas cubiertas para cocinar.
Existe una persona encargada para la guardiania de todo el lugar.
Written December 7, 2018
Amigo saludos, disculpe la molestia de casualidad hay algun ligar con seguridad para acampar al lado de las lagunas, quiero ir este puente feriado,gracias.
Written October 19, 2018
Es seguro acampar en la zona? Hay lugares designados para acampar?
Written October 20, 2017
Tienes zonas asignados para camping si
Inseguro no creo q sea ya que existen hasta unas cabañas en el área de camping y están los guardias pero te mentiría si te don una respuesta concreta
Cuando yo fui si había gente en plan de acampar...
Espero te sirva esta información.
Written October 20, 2017
Showing results 1-9 of 9
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing