A perfect day-trip from Otavalo is a visit to Chachimbiro, within the same province of Imbabura. Chachimbiro is mainly known for its thermal springs. There are several pool-options to choose from.
This post will give you some useful tips and impressions for your visit to Chachimbiro.
How to get to Chachimbiro
It’s an hour ride from Otavalo to Chachimbiro (heading north-east). That’s when you take the Panamericana.
The Panamerican-highway that leads from Otavalo to the capital of the Imbabura-province, Ibarra. Just before entering Ibarra, you’ll have to take the left hand exit to Urcuquí. From Urcuquí you have to continue on to Chachimbiro.
There are several alternatives though. Routes that follow older roads, mostly through an authentic rural area. An opportunity to enjoying the small villages & spectaculair panorama-views along the way.
Alternative routes
- Otavalo – Cotacachi – Imantag – Urcuquí – Chamchimbiro
- Otavalo – San Roque/La Merced – Atuntaquí – Chaltura – Urcuquí – Chachimbiro
For these routes I recommend you to use GPS and/or ask people along the way. Both roads take a little longer, but I would say … Enjoy the ride & take enough pictures.
Photo impressions of our visit to Chachimbiro – On the way
Several thermal pools to visit / Chachimbiro termas
When you finally arrive at Chachimbiro, you’ll soon notice there are different options to choose from.
- At the end of the road you’ll find the oldest pools, the Santagua Termas. Owned by the community nowadays , they offer the best price, although the facilities are a little old fashioned. That doesn’t mean though, you won’t enjoy the baths. That relaxing sensation can be felt in any thermal bath.
- The Termas Arco Iris is a good alternative. They worked hard to modernise the facilities, like changing rooms, toilets, et cetera. As a consequence the price went up from $4 to a somewhat overpriced $7.
Some general remarks about the pools
All these options feature multiple pools (between 8 and 20). Pools with hot, warm, lukewarm & icy cold water.
The water of the hot/warmer springs are yellowish because of the many minerals, like sulfur, iron, copper, iodine & others. The water temperature in the hottest pools can rise to 45ºC-48ºC. Hot enough to get you relaxed, sleepy and transpiring.
The polar pools are to even it all out. At least if you want to get your nervous system going & wake up your heart.
In general, the sensation of sitting in hot, warm or cold water is the same everywhere. Always relaxing. Surely when it’s outdoors and you are surrounded by a beautiful, green environment.
The only difference – I would say – are the facilities & the entrance fee. Santagua Termas is the oldest and nearest to the volcanic source. The pools of Arco Iris are surrounded by the most beautiful plants & flowers.
Tips & recommendations for your visit to Chachimbiro
- Start your day-trip in the morning. It’s the best chance to enjoy the ride to and from Chachimbiro.
- At every pool complex you can buy snacks & drinks. However, it’s no problem to bring your own.
- Besides snacks & drinks every pool complex has its own restaurant.
- Besides that, there are several restaurants along the way. Mostly with traditional, affordable Ecuadorian dishes.
- The area is ideal for a picnic. Pick your view along the way.
- Be prepared for every type of weather: cold, warm, sunny, rainy.
- Protect yourself from the sun (at least Protector 50).
- As Chachimbiro is located just under 3000m/ 10000ft be prepared to “feel” the altitude. In other words, the fact there’s less oxygen. Something you’ll notice soon enough. Take a hot bath, but not too long. Alternate with warm, lukewarm and – if you like or dare – polar cold water.
- Besides a swimming outfit, bring a bathing or baseball cap. In some pools it’s required to wear them. But overall a good idea, protecting yourself from the sun.
Transport to Chachimbiro
From Otavalo you can take a regular bus from Otavalo to Ibarra (every 10 minutes). There you have to change over to a bus to Urcuquí (somewhat less regular, but still available). From there, it gets a little tricky. No regular buses go from Urcuquí to Chachimbiro, but you can arrange a taxi or pickup from there. Estimated price, $5.
Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi from Otavalo or Cotacachi, which – with waiting time – will normally cost you about $10-12 an hour. Depending on the time you stay an estimate would be $40-50 total. Be remember:
- Negotiate a price before hand.
- Pay when you’re back in Otavalo/Cotacachi.
Where to Stay
Otavalo
When you are looking for the best place to stay in Otavalo, I’d highly recommend to have a look at our former hotel/restaurant there:
Hotel Doña Esther/Restaurante Árbol de Montalvo.
A beautiful, safe & friendly place in the heart of the city with an excellent, cozy restaurant with a huge variety of local & international dishes. Run nowadays by former staff members of ours. Experienced & professional.
To learn more, go to: Hotel Doña Esther, Otavalo
Cotacachi
However, if you prefer to stay in nearby Cotacachi, I’d like to introduce our new Airbnb in Cotacachi.
A complete rental home we – that’s me & my wife Wendy – recently finished building for people who want to visit & explore the many Things to do in & around Otavalo/Cotacachi.
- We owned & ran the mentioned hotel in Otavalo for over 22 years. After selling the place we decided to continue on with a smaller accommodation in beautiful Cotacachi.
If you first would like an introduction to Cotacachi, click on:
The Beautiful & Magical City of Cotacachi
Casa Santa Ana
An Airbnb we named Casa Santa Ana. After the official name of our “Magical City”: Santa Ana de Cotacachi. As well as Wendy’s mother – my mother-in-law – Anna.
Besides a spacious living room with chimney & full equipped kitchen, our Airbnb has two separate bedrooms. Each with its own bathroom. Ideal for 1, 2 to 4 people. Or also a family with 2 or 3 smaller children.
- Minimum stay: 3 nights. Maximum stay: several months (!).
From the partially covered rooftop terrace – also with a chimney – you have magnificent views of the old city center & surrounding area. Like the mountain of the same name in the background.
- Mt. Cotacachi is the 11th highest volcano of Ecuador (4,944m/16,220ft).
Mt. Cotacachi is still covered in the clouds.
To learn more about this overnight option in Cotacachi, click on:
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For other Things to do in & around Otavalo, go to: Otavalo Attractions
For an overview of all travel posts of my blog, go to: My Home Page
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