Cotacachi

About

This small, sleepy town may only have a population of less than 10,000 people but it boasts more than 50 leather shops as Cotacachi is known as the “Leather Capital of Ecuador”. From saddles to purses to clothing the Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets are filled with stores run by talented craftspeople who have been practicing the art of leather making for generations spanning hundreds of years. Cotacachi is situated in the valley between the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes, making for an impressive backdrop as you enjoy this charming town. For an even better view you can visit the second largest crater lake in Ecuador, Cuicocha, or “Guinea Pig Lake” in English. It is named after the shape of the island in the centre of the lake, which was created more than 3,000 years ago by a huge volcanic eruption.