Ecuador Travel

Overview

Urcuqui and Chachimbiro are two small towns in northern Ecuador in the province of Imbabura that are known for their calm character and healing volcanic hot springs.

Urcuqui sits 20 km northwest of Ibarra, reached by a winding road through the mountains. Urcuqui is a small, rural town that is not generally exposed to overcrowding or tourist exploitation. Leafy trees fill the town square and a bright white church stands proudly as Urcuqui’s landmark. Several basic hotels provide accommodation for travelers, many of whom are hikers stopping along their trek to the Piñan Lakes and the mountain Yanu Urcu de Pinan. This trek takes four days and begins further south of Urcuqui.

Sixteen kilometers further past Urcuqui is the modest but significant town of Chachimbiro. Chachimbiro is reached by passing through an attractive cobblestone road with flowers on both sides. This road makes its way through the countryside and into Chachimbiro. Although positioned in a valley between the foothills of Yanu Urcu de Pinan, Chachimbiro is famous for its wealth of natural hot springs. A major attraction, Chachimbiro provides the infrastructure to support its natural blessings.

Travelers come from far and wide to experience the quiet charm of these towns and let the mineral-rich waters soak into their tired bodies. This is a great multi-day trip out of Quito and into the northern countryside.

History

The Chachimbiro thermal hot springs are heated by a system of volcanoes surrounding the valley. Experts conclude that the Chachimbiro network of volcanoes dates back more than 10,000 years. The area’s native indigenous cultures, long before Spanish occupation and Incan rule, knew of the medicinal wonders of these waters.

They used the springs in healing rituals and ceremonies for generations. After the infamous earthquake of 1868, the breaks in the ground and the rerouting of streams helped the thermal springs emerge more fully. They became more accessible to the local residents. Word of their rich mineral content spread and Chachimbiro developed into a popular spot for those hoping to experience its healing effects.

Attractions

The primary attractions of these small towns are the hot springs themselves. The resort in Chachimbiro divides the waters into pools according to temperature. The hottest is a scorching 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit) and the coolest still a warm 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Scientists today have determined that the waters of Chachimbiro contain iron chlorides and sulfides, bromine, iodine, and fluorine. These elements help regulate digestive and purgative systems. They also stimulate the diuretic, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. Other ailments thought to be cured from the Chachimbiro waters are neuralgia, arthritis, and rheumatism. In addition to the outdoor pools, the complex features indoor saunas and showers, cold pools, child pools, and private jacuzzis.

The resort itself is different than a chain hotel or spa. Run by the Fundacion Cordillera as part of the Complejo de Turismo Ecologico Chachimbiro, the resort is designed to promote sustainable local development. It also holds environmental education as a primary focus. In addition to the water, guests enjoy plenty of other sources including:

Cable-car ride from peak to peak. Known as a “tarabita,” this caged in bench area moves on a cable wire at high altitude. This experience provides incredible views of the surrounding natural environment. The tarabita sets off from the complex and crosses the Cachiyacu River. Round trip rides cost about one dollar.

Canopy tours at high speeds through the lush forest. Also setting off from the complex, guests can zip-line from point to point while watching the countryside fly by in a blur of green. A zip-line ride costs about two dollars for a round trip “flight.”

The Chachimbiro hot springs resort also features a recently designed rock-climbing wall. Ranging in difficulty, this climbing wall offers family fun as well as serious climbs for advanced climbers. The price depends but is usually around three dollars with equipment and instruction included.

Horseback riding is also a popular activity. This is a great way to experience the surrounding natural wonders. Open to all experience levels, visitors can travel with a guide on the established routes through the area or ask to custom plan their route according to their interests. Horseback riding costs between seven and eight dollars per hour.

Local guides also offer traditional hiking and trekking through the surrounding Yanu Urcu de Pinan forest. These hikes can be day hikes taking less than three hours, or multi-day hikes deep into the area’s fantastic natural environment. The price of this adventure depends directly on the duration of the hike.

For those hoping to experience the local culture, a Chiva ride may be the best option. Chiva rides are trips on decorated open-air buses from the Chachimbiro complex through the local agricultural and residential areas. These rides generally feature music and dancing right on the bus with interesting stops along the way.

Chachimbiro also has an organic garden and lectures on environmental education.

Getting There

To get to either Urcuqui or Chachimbiro, it is necessary to pass through the larger town of Ibarra. There are two bus companies providing service to these towns with, one being Cooperativa Urcuqui and the other being Cooperativa Buenos Aires. Buses leave every thirty minutes and take about thirty minutes to get to Urcuqui. There are also buses directly to the hot springs complex in Chachimbiro. The hours for this service are as follows:

Everyday from Ibarra to Chachimbiro Hot Springs at 7:30am and 12:00pm.
Everyday from Chachimbiro Hot Springs to Ibarra at 12:00om and 3:00pm.

One way tickets cost between one and two dollars.

When to go

Try to go to the hot springs mid week when the crowds will not be there. However, some say that coming on the weekend and sitting side by side with Ecuadorians is a great cultural experience. Whichever your preference, remember that the waters are warm and medicinal all year round. This is a fun rainy or cloudy day activity as the water heats even the coldest of bodies.