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The indigenous communities are proud of their heritage where there still prevails the cultures of the Natabuela, Otavalo, Zuleta, Cayambe and an Afro-Ecuadorian segment in the valley of Chota that holds much ethnic-cultural diversity as expressed through its traditions and customs. Its population manifests richness in its folklore through music, indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian dance, along with an oral culture for its history. The Otavalo are found in all of Imbabura in the cold climate which is the main reason of why they are always found wrapped in their characteristic wool clothing.
Museum of the Cultures. This is an exhibition of the history and identity of Cotacachi, where all aspects of ethnographic, archeological, artisanal, and musical artifacts are shown. It is located at the historical center of Cotacachi.
In Otavalo the main tourist attraction is the Plaza of the Ponchos; here thousands of artisans and merchants are concentrated who exhibit their merchandise daily. Here you can find products made in balsa, leather, tagua, semi precious stones, vegetable fibers, mollusks, and clay. There are also straw hats, replicas of archeological pieces made from stone or wood and other handicrafts.
Lake of Yaguarcocha. The lake is close to the city of Ibarra. Its name means “lake of blood,” based on a legend that a bloody battle took place on its edges that dies the lake red.
Lake of San Pablo. The lake of San Pablo is located 4 km from Otavalo. This lake is the inspiration of poets and painters with its symbolic and mythic character. This lake is the main attraction in Imbabura.
Lake of Cuicocha. It is also known as the lake of the Gods and is located in Cotacachi. It is the only crater origin lake in the country and has two islets.
Waterfalls of Paguche. It is found in Otavalo; it is a beautiful site. This is the principal energetic site that nature offers, which is why the Yachac culture visits it as part of their curative practices.
Thermal Waters. Located in the canton of Urcuqui the main attraction is the thermal waters that flow from the Timbayacu and especially from Cachimbiro, located in the ecotourism complex of the same name. You can also find thermal waters from Nangulvi here.
Tolas of Gualiman. Located in Cotacachi is an archeological site where there are various mounds called tolas with ramps of differing sizes and forms that belong to the Caranqui culture.
Runa Tupari. This community has a combination of ecologic, recreation and cultural attractions like indigenous festivals, handicrafts, popular art, and a splendid landscape. The natural and cultural diversity of the region has the following activities: visit a community with its diverse cultural manifestations (including a shaman demonstration), walking along lakes, excursions into the foggy forest, scaling mountains and volcanoes, bicycling, and rips on horses
In the San Pablo Lake you can take part in all kinds of aquatic sports like sail boating, windsurfing, water skiing, mini cruises, and more. During September at the lake, expert swimmers cross the lake in a competition to find a champion. The rivers of Chota, Intag, and Mira are available for rafting.
For bungee jumping the Yaguarcocha contains all of the favorable variables as landscapes, climate, and location.
Those who like mountain climbing can scale the Imbabura, the Fuya Fuya, or the Yana Turku.
You can take hikes from many different haciendas, communities, and towns.
The Ecologic Reserve of Cotacachi-Cayapas. The fauna of the reserve is made up of animals such as bears, jaguars, mountain lions, guanta (agouti paca), guatusa (dasyprocta fuliginosa), tutamono, and nutria. At the high part you can also find deer and pumas. There are also cervicabras, marsh wolves, sacha guinea pigs, and wild rabbits. Among the birds, the condor is the distinguished presence.
Condor Park. This is a rescue center for birds where there are also demonstrations of slight with them.
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Galapagos
Islands
Culture
