Top 5 Natural Monuments in San Rafael

From this panoramic point (about 4,000 meters above sea level) you can observe the three lagoons that form the Lagunas de Mojanda complex: Caricocha lagoon, Huarmicocha lagoon and Chiriacu lagoon. The climb on the dirt road to get here is challenging but the ride on the dark volcanic sand is an unforgettable experience.

The Lagunas de Mojanda is a complex of three lagoons that formed within the cone of an inactive stratovolcano. The first lagoon, the largest is called Laguna Caricocha. The road to reach the lagoon from Otavalo is very steep and cobbled, but the view and tranquility are worth the effort.

Look for a sacred place with beautifully landscaped hiking trails. At the top you can crawl through narrow caves and discover other smaller waterfalls. Entrance fees are required.

El Lechero is a viewpoint whose tree at the top of the hill is considered sacred. Although unknown to many people, this tranquil spot offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Located in Otavalo, Ecuador near Condor Park. El Lechero, Otavalo's sacred tree, is part of local mythology and is believed to house the soul of a cursed lover who fell in love with a boy from a rival family. And then it was transformed into nearby Lake San Pablo. From the El Lechero viewpoint you can see Lake San Pablo, the Fuya Fuya Mountains, the Cotacachi Volcanoes, Imbabura and a great view of the city of Otavalo. The place where the tree stands is considered a sacred place with healing powers by local people. There are indigenous Otavaleños who perform many purification rituals and spiritual ceremonies. El Lechero is a place open to the public, where you can not only take beautiful photos, but also have picnics. To get there, you'll have to walk a steep 5km or so from Otavalo or hire a taxi for around $4 each way. There is no transport at the top. Ask the driver to wait if he doesn't want to go back. Source: https://www.planetandes.com/es/ecuador/andes/imbabura/otavalo/el-lechero-arbol-sagrado-otavalo/

Lake San Pablo or Imbacocha, Spanish Lago San Pablo, Kichwa: Impakucha ("Lake of the Andean Climbing Catfish": impa "Andean Climbing Catfish", kucha "lake") is located in the province of Imbabura in northern Ecuador, at 2,660 m above sea level, below the Imbabura volcano, has a water surface of about 1.8 km² and is of volcanic origin. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lago_San_Pablo You can take boats across the lake. There are a few stalls at the departure point.

El Lechero is an ancient tree on a hilltop above Otavalo overlooking the San Pablo Lagoon, Otavalo and Imbabura Volcano. What is special about this tree is not only its age (it is said to be more than a thousand years old), but also its religious background. According to the indigenous people, it is said to have healing abilities. It is not for nothing that he is visited and worshiped for rituals or weddings

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