The Northern Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 141

andWolf islands. You can't leave the boat, however, as the islands are
protected for research and hiking on them is not allowed.

Much of the activity at the lake revolves around the former Hotel
Parador Cuicocha , which is now a tourist facility with restrooms, a
restaurant, and live music. It's usually open on weekends and during
the high season, although I doubt if even the people who work there
know exactly when it is going to be open, as things tend to change of-
ten in Ecuador. Hiking around the volcano rim that surrounds the
lake is a great way to spend time in the outdoors (see Adventures on
Foot , page 135, for more details).

To get to Cuicocha, follow the Pan-American Highway nine miles
north from Otavalo to the little town of Cotacachi. From there, con-
tinue another 11 miles to Cuicocha (el vía a Cuicocha). A pickup
( camioneta ) or taxi can be hired at the market in Otavalo for about $8
and $15, respectively, one-way, less from Cotacachi, and generally
takes about 20minutes fromCotacachi. There are also buses that fre-
quent Cotacachi from Otavalo.

Rumicucho Archeological Site
While these Inca ruins are less than magnificent, the view from the
site is spectacular. Excavation and restoration efforts are proceeding
slowly. The site is a couple of miles north of San Antonio, just off the
main road; open weekdays, 9-3, weekends, 8-4; entrance fee is under
$2.

Intag Cloud Forest Reserve
Beyond the entrance to Quicocha Lake lies the small private reserve
of Intag, covering a modest 202 acres. Intag drops down the western
slopes from 9,156 to 5,886 feet into lush cloud forest. The reserve,
managed in conjunction with DECOIN, the Organización para la
Defenca y Conservación Ecológica de Intag (www.decoin.org) offers a
myriad of flora and bird species within close proximity to Otavalo and
the Northern Highlands. A simple, all-inclusive lodge is associated
with the reserve, which is popular with birders and university stu-
dents. Groups only. For reservations, contact DECOIN , Casilla (PO
Box) 144, Otavalo, Imbabura, Ecuador.

6-648-593, [e-mail].

Santa Rosa is the village closest to the reserve, on the road from
Cuicocha (and farther back, Cotacachi) to Apuela (buses depart from
Otavalo and Cotacachi to Apuela), where hiking is available in the