Yawarkucha
Lake Volcanic crater lake near Otavalo with archaeology
A lake near Ibarra known locally as Lagune de Yahuarcocha; visitors stop for lakeside walks, views across the water and local trout restaurants in the adjacent town.
Yawarkucha is a freshwater lake located on the northern edge of the city of Ibarra in Imbabura Province, northern Ecuador; its name in Quechua means “blood lake.” The lake is an urban landmark closely associated with Ibarra and its immediate municipal park areas.
The shoreline is framed by a public park and promenade that are used for walking, local leisure, and informal boating; the setting is a familiar recreational space for residents of Ibarra. The lake also attracts local birdlife and provides a green space within the Andean highlands.
Local tradition links the name to a pre-Columbian episode remembered in oral histories, which is the origin of the “blood lake” toponym. The lake sits at high Andean elevation near the city of Ibarra and is part of the Imbabura highlands landscape.
Yawarkucha lies adjacent to the city of Ibarra in northern Ecuador, a short distance from the city center at highland elevations typical of the northern Andes.
- Viewing points: A lakeside promenade and park provide the most accessible vantage points for views over the water and local birdlife.
- Name and local tradition: The name comes from Quechua and is associated locally with pre-Columbian events and oral traditions linking the lake to a historic massacre.
How to Get to Yawarkucha #
Yawarkucha (Lake Yawarkucha) lies just north of Ibarra city center, a short taxi or bus ride (5-15 minutes) from Ibarra’s main plaza. Ibarra is about a two-hour drive north of Quito on the Pan-American Highway; regular buses run between Quito and Ibarra.
Tips for Visiting Yawarkucha #
- Walk the lakeside promenade in Ibarra at golden hour for the best light and to see local vendors selling cuy and mote.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Peguche waterfall (about 10-15 km) or the colonial town of Ibarra - both reachable by taxi.
- Ask at the municipal tourist office in Ibarra for local guides who can tell the fuller story of the lake's Inca-era name.
Best Time to Visit Yawarkucha #
Highland climate means cool mornings year-round. Late morning to mid-afternoon is best for lake views and nearby markets.
Weather & Climate near Yawarkucha #
Yawarkucha's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (634 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 85 mm of rain.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
