Cotacachi

Cotacachi is a town and canton in Imbabura Province in northern Ecuador. The town serves as the administrative seat of Cotacachi Canton and is a gateway to the surrounding highland region. It is located in the Andean highlands at roughly 2,000 to 2,600 meters above sea level, near the foothills of the Cotacachi Volcano and the Cuicocha crater lake. The canton lies within the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, a protected area that encompasses cloud forests and diverse Andean ecosystems.

The local economy is centered on leather craft and tourism. Cotacachi is known for its workshops and shops selling leather jackets, belts, bags, and other goods. The crafts tradition attracts visitors seeking handmade products, while tourism flows to the Cuicocha crater lake, where boat trips and hiking offer views of the caldera and surrounding landscapes. The nearby ecological reserve further supports ecotourism and opportunities to observe Andean flora and fauna.

Demographically, the canton includes urban and rural communities with the town at its core. The area has a long indigenous heritage from pre-Columbian times, followed by Spanish colonial influences that shaped its development. The climate is mild and temperate, with a pronounced wet season in the highlands, contributing to the lush landscapes that attract visitors year-round.