
Mojanda Lakes Ecuador
High-altitude caldera lakes offering stunning Andean vistas, popular for hiking, camping, and connecting with nature.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best views

Mojanda Lakes Ecuador
Best Time
Clear skies, best views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
High-altitude caldera lakes offering stunning Andean vistas, popular for hiking, camping, and connecting with nature.
"Fantastic place, peaceful and beautiful with excellent hiking and amazing views!"

🧥 Pack Layers!
High altitude means cool winds. Bring a jacket, even on sunny days!
🚗 Rough Road Ahead
The road to the lakes needs maintenance. A 4x4 is recommended for a smoother ride.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Laguna Grande
Main lake
The largest and most accessible of the Mojanda Lakes, perfect for serene views and photography.

Fuya-Fuya Summit
Fuya-Fuya Volcano
Conquer this peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding Andean landscape.

Laguna Karikucha
Second lake
A smaller, often quieter lake offering a peaceful escape and opportunities for birdwatching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude & Weather Preparedness
Hiking & Supplies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack Layers!
High altitude means cool winds. Bring a jacket, even on sunny days!
🚗 Rough Road Ahead
The road to the lakes needs maintenance. A 4x4 is recommended for a smoother ride.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No stores around for long hikes. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Hiking Boots Essential
Trails can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is key for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack Layers!
High altitude means cool winds. Bring a jacket, even on sunny days!
🚗 Rough Road Ahead
The road to the lakes needs maintenance. A 4x4 is recommended for a smoother ride.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
No stores around for long hikes. Stay hydrated!
🥾 Hiking Boots Essential
Trails can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is key for exploring.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning landscapes await! Don't forget your camera for those epic shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the peaceful and beautiful scenery at Mojanda Lakes, often comparing it to stunning mountain landscapes. The hiking opportunities, especially to Fuya-Fuya, and the camping experience are frequently praised. However, many note that the road leading to the lakes requires significant maintenance and can be challenging to navigate.
"Fantastic place.
Peaceful and beautiful!
The road to the lagoon needs maintenance!!!"
Mansour Mansouri
"Excellent hiking, amazing views, camping areas."
Orang K.S
"Great place for camping and hiking. Not to many people, which is great for communication with nature. If you're planning a long hike make sure to have enough food and water since there are no store around."
Mykhailo Lahazhevskyi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by car, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can rent a car or hire a taxi. Public transport is limited, but you might be able to take a bus to Tabacundo and then a taxi. The road can be rough, so a 4x4 is ideal.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from Quito. You can drive up in the morning, hike, and return in the afternoon.
The road can be quite rough and unpaved in sections, especially after rain. It's advisable to have a vehicle with good clearance or a 4x4.
Yes, many tour operators in Quito offer day trips to Mojanda Lakes, often combined with other nearby attractions. This can be a convenient option if you don't want to drive.
Direct buses are not common. You would typically need to take a bus to Tabacundo and then arrange local transport, like a taxi, to the lakes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mojanda Lakes is generally considered a natural attraction with free entry, especially for day visitors. However, some sources mention small fees for parking or specific facilities, particularly if you plan to camp.
As a natural park area, Mojanda Lakes doesn't have strict opening or closing hours. It's accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and visibility, especially for hiking.
No, advance booking is not required for general access to Mojanda Lakes. It's a natural area, and you can typically visit spontaneously.
While generally open, it's always good practice to respect the natural environment. Avoid leaving trash, stay on marked trails where available, and be mindful of the weather conditions.
Yes, camping is a popular activity at Mojanda Lakes. There are designated areas, and it's advisable to be prepared for cold nights and bring all necessary camping gear.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most famous hike is to the summit of Fuya-Fuya volcano, offering incredible views. There are also loop trails around the lakes, suitable for various fitness levels.
Mojanda Lakes is situated at a high altitude, around 3,700 meters (12,140 feet) above sea level. Be prepared for the effects of altitude.
You might spot various bird species, and if you're lucky, some small mammals native to the páramo ecosystem.
Absolutely! The lakes, volcanic landscapes, and surrounding páramo offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Dress in layers! Include a waterproof and windproof jacket, warm clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes. The weather can change rapidly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are very limited food options directly at the lakes. Some sources mention a small place to cook or eat, but it's best to bring your own food and snacks, especially for longer visits or hikes.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, fruits, and sandwiches. Bring plenty of water, as there are no potable water sources available.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the scenery. Just be sure to pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean.
Yes, Tabacundo is the closest town and offers more dining options. It's a good place to stock up on supplies before heading to the lakes.
While not directly at the lakes, in the nearby town of Tabacundo, you might find local Ecuadorian cuisine. 'Colada de mora' (blackberry soup) is mentioned in relation to the area.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The summit of Fuya-Fuya offers unparalleled panoramic views. The shores of Laguna Grande also provide excellent vantage points for capturing the lakes and surrounding páramo.
Don't shy away from rainy or foggy days! These conditions can create dramatic and atmospheric photos. Use a rain cover for your camera and embrace the moody ambiance.
The reflections of the mountains in the lakes, the vast páramo landscape, the volcanic peaks, and the changing sky are all popular subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a shorter hike or simply enjoying a picnic by the lake. If driving, be mindful of the rough road conditions. For a more comfortable experience, look into guided tours that can handle transportation and provide a more structured itinerary for families.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Bring all your own food and water to avoid purchasing expensive items in tourist areas. If you're relying on public transport, factor in the cost of buses to Tabacundo and then taxis to the lakes.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
It's advisable to inform someone of your itinerary, especially if you plan on extensive hiking. While cell service can be spotty, having a charged phone and perhaps a portable charger is recommended. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and carry sufficient supplies.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Adventures at Mojanda Lakes
For a less strenuous experience, you can opt for loop hikes around the lakes, such as Laguna Grande and Laguna Karikucha. These trails offer beautiful scenery and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique páramo ecosystem. Remember that the altitude can make even moderate hikes feel more demanding, so pace yourself and stay hydrated.
When planning your hikes, always check the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly. It's advisable to carry a map, compass, or GPS device, and inform someone of your hiking plans. Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the uneven terrain.
Camping Under the Stars
Be prepared for cold nights, as the altitude means temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Essential camping gear includes warm sleeping bags, tents, and layers of clothing. It's also crucial to bring all your food and water, as there are no shops or facilities available at the campsite.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all your trash, minimize campfire impact (if allowed and safe), and respect the natural environment. This ensures the preservation of Mojanda's beauty for future visitors.
Photography Opportunities
Don't be deterred by cloudy or rainy weather; these conditions can add a unique, moody atmosphere to your shots. The mist rolling over the lakes and mountains can be incredibly photogenic. Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – for the most dramatic lighting and vibrant colors.
When visiting, a wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or spotting wildlife. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography or capturing the stillness of the water.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit