Below Laguna Cuicocha | Warning
Ecuador
Details
- Verified:
- 5 months ago
- GPS:
- 0.29260, -78.34817
- Altitude:
- 3057.5 masl
- Contributor:
-
fromatob.org
Amenities
Something not right?
Description
***Moderator Note: WARNING! Crime reported in this location! Please use caution!
Please be aware safe secure camping and parking spot is just up the road for a small charge.
June 14th, 2023: We would like to report a robbery attack that occurred not far from here two days ago. We believe it is crucial to inform you about what happened to us for the safety of others. The incident took place near Laguna Cuicocha at a spot where campers often spend the night. At that place, we were targeted in a robbery attempt. We had been there for a few hours when I noticed some suspicious movement in the nearby bushes. Suddenly, three individuals wearing masks and armed with metal rods and a machete attacked me. Fortunately, they did not manage to harm me physically, but their intention quickly turned towards our van where Evelin was inside. I cannot stress enough how terrifying the situation became, and it all unfolded rapidly. Evelin, upon hearing and witnessing the attack on me, bravely opened the door. Two of the assailants attempted to enter the van, but she defended herself by using a pepper spray on them, spraying right into their eyes. I somehow managed to make my way to the door and entered the van, despite the third attacker's attempt to pull me out. Fortunately, Evelin was also able to spray him with the pepper spray too, and we were able to close the door. Immediately, we started the engine and tried to flee the scene. In the process, our Starlink antenna was dragged on the road for several hundred meters. Shockingly, a pickup truck pursued us for about 20 minutes. It is important to note that this is a spot where many overlanders go to spend the night. Eventually, we returned to the previous campsite we camped before, Finca Sommerwind. Thankfully, we are both shaken but physically unharmed. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate, as this ordeal could have had far worse consequences. It is evident that the attackers had been observing us for some time, waiting for an opportunity to strike when one of us ventured outside. If that had not occurred, they likely would have targeted us later in the night by smashing one of the windows, as indicated by the metal rods they possessed. Our initially pleasant wild camping experience quickly transformed into a horrifying event. We have included the coordinates of the location where the incident took place: 0.2926, -78.34817 Do not camp here under any circumstances.
Why? By checking in after you’ve visited a place you let others know this place is still functional. You can also add or correct any information.
Latest Check-Ins
We walked in here, but camped up the road. just leaving a comment as so many cyclists put off coming up to the laguna. Obviously the attempted robbery was a frightening incident but please be aware there is safe and secure camping just up the road. shame to miss this awesome place.
Report Check-InARMED ROBBERY!
Do not stay at this place!!
3 guys with weapons attacked us this everning!
Ferenc reports a robbery attack at this place on June, 14th, 2023:
We would like to report a robbery attack that occurred not far from here two days ago. We believe it is crucial to inform you about what happened to us for the safety of others. The incident took place in near Laguna Cuicocha at a spot where campers often spend the night.
At that place we were targeted in a robbery attempt.
We had been there for a few hours when I noticed some suspicious movement in the nearby bushes. Suddenly, three individuals wearing masks and armed with metal rods and a machete attacked me. Fortunately, they did not manage to harm me physically, but their intention quickly turned towards our van where Evelin was inside.
I cannot stress enough how terrifying the situation became, and it all unfolded rapidly.
Evelin, upon hearing and witnessing the attack on me, bravely opened the door. Two of the assailants attempted to enter the van, but she defended herself by using a pepper spray on them, spraying right into their eyes.
I somehow managed to make my way to the door and entered the van, despite the third attacker's attempt to pull me out.
Fortunately, Evelin was also able to spray him with the pepper spray too, and we were able to close the door. Immediately, we started the engine and tried to flee the scene. In the process, our Starlink antenna was dragged on the road for several hundred meters.
Shockingly, a pickup truck pursued us for about 20 minutes.
It is important to note that this is a spot where many overlanders go to spend the night.
Eventually, we returned to the previous campsite we camped before, Finca Sommerwind. Thankfully, we are both shaken but physically unharmed. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate, as this ordeal could have had far worse consequences. It is evident that the attackers had been observing us for some time, waiting for an opportunity to strike when one of us ventured outside. If that had not occurred, they likely would have targeted us later in the night by smashing one of the windows, as indicated by the metal rods they possessed. Our initially pleasant wild camping experience quickly transformed into a horrifying event.
We have included the coordinates of the location where the incident took place: 0.2926, -78.34817
Do not camp here under any circumstances.
Good spot if you have a dog as you can not even drive into the park with them. Park here, leave the pups, and it adds a 10 min walk to the entrance. Stayed two nights, nice views and quiet.
Report Check-InWe decided to spend a second night here after doing to rim hike (which took us 5 hours with a 6 year old). It’s so quiet and peaceful here! Also, relatively close access to the market in Otavalo
Report Check-InLovely spot with a killer view near the park and the hike around the lake. The view of the valley and the surrounding peaks is outstanding! Very quiet, reasonably private with some bushes separating this spot from the road, though there was almost no traffic in the late afternoon and evening mid-week. There is an established fire ring but it was too windy for a fire. Lots of space for multiple rigs or tents
Report Check-InCrazy… we lived here for two whole months (literally) and had absolutely no problems and nothing but friendly locals. Left our car on multiple occasions too. We were so long because we lost our cat… we never posted before but seeing this we just felt we should add our experience as it was completely the opposite… and perhaps one day someone will spot her again…
Report Check-InSpot tranquille pour passer la nuit mais pas de vue sur la lagune Calme aucun service mais du reseau
Report Check-Innice pull through spot with lots of flat options. the "picnic" area doesn't have tables anymore and is not flat on this side. it's decently off of the road, which is pretty busy, to not be obvious but it's only partially hidden behind bushes.
Report Check-InGreat spot for doing the rim hike in the national park. the spot is about 100 meters before the park entrance on the left side of the road. There is a great view of the valley and any size rig can park here. There are no services... but you can get wifi inside of the park. Several like cals drove or walked by and all were friendly. A farmer keeps his cows here during the day, he came to get them at sunset and he was friendly as well.
Report Check-InNo issues staying here for a couple of days. Great semi-wild camping spot! Mostly secluded. Sadly there is some trash laying around - pack in pack out (: The trail around the laguna is in great condition. Some mud, but a pleasant 1/2 day trek. There is wifi at the National park gate!
Report Check-InNice spot with a shelter and table outside the park. I was there on the Monday of Carnival and there was a nice group from Quito that tent camped there as well. Easy walk to the park and hiking trails, but dogs aren't allowed in the park.
Report Check-InNice quiet place with a shelter and tables. If you bring some wood you can do a fire in the fireplace. There is a lot of space to park vehicles (entrance is approx 30m from shelter in direction to the lake).
Report Check-InFree. We loved it! No facilities or internet but perfect for the night. Picnic tables if you need them to set up cooking equipment or just to hang out. Nice views and plenty of space to park. We slept very well here and it was close to the park first thing the next morning. We recommend it.
Report Check-InReally good place, next to the entrance of the park. Quiet at night and flat. Good spot!!
Report Check-InWe liked this spot which is only about 1km from the trails. Very quiet during the week.
Report Check-Inwe've spent 2nights here. super quiet ! and, i suppose, super view but for us it was cloudy !!
Report Check-InIt's a bautiful place, You can stay a relax Day here
Report Check-InTwo options for parking. Flat. Peaceful CAUTION- no pets in the park. If they see a pet they will fine you or escort you out at once. We learned this just in the parking area of the visitors center.
Report Check-InHello
The first place near the entrance was closed so we sleep here.
It's do the job.
With our truck of 8.1 meters long it was ok.
You have a shelter with table.
And you sleep with the toad song...!
Small shelter here for picnics, and a nice note to take care of the area.
Report Check-InPlus de possibilité de camper dans le parc, emplacement à 500m de l'entrée avec la vue sur Otavalo pas de service super tranquille
Report Check-InFree camping spot with view of valley and across Otavalo. Very quiet. No Facilities. No overnight parking is allowed at Laguna Cuicocha anymore.
Report Check-In