Cotacachi is a canton of Imbabura province of Ecuador in South America . The name also refers to Cotacachi , the seat of that canton, which is one of Ecuador's leading artisanal manufacturers of leather goods, and to the dormant Cotacachi Volcano which overlooks the canton.
17-417: Cotacachi Canton had a population of 37,215 in the 2001 census and 40,036 in the 2010 census. The area is 1,726 square kilometres (666 sq mi). The Canton is divided into nine parishes: 6 de Julio de Cuellaje, Apuela, Cotacachi (Kutakachi), García Morena (Llurimagua, Llurimawa), Imantag, Peñagerrera, Plaza Gutiérrez (Calvario, Kalwaryu), Quiroga, Vacas Galindo (El Churo). The city of Cotacachi holds
34-522: A UNESCO medal for being free of illiteracy . In 2000 the canton of Cotacachi was declared the first ecological county of South America. The name Cotacachi has many meanings. In " Cara " it means "lake with women breast" which refers to the general shape of the island in Cuicocha lake; in Quichua it means powder salt. The ecosystems of the area and the native flora and fauna makes this canton one of
51-556: A population of 42,010 in 2010. The capital of the canton, the town of Cotacachi , had a population of 8,848 in 2010. Ethnic groups as of the Ecuadorian census of 2010: Cotacachi (city) Cotacachi is a town that is the seat of Cotacachi Canton , Imbabura Province , Ecuador , in South America . Cotacachi is located at an altitude of 2,418 metres (7,933 ft) and had a population of 8,848 in 2010. Cotacachi
68-535: Is also known for its traditional local cuisine including the “carne colorada” dish, which is based on pork cooked with achiote and served with cooked potato, corn, mote , empanada and avocado. Cotacachi was designated a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) in 2019. It is one of the country's five original Pueblos Mágicos . Cotacachi canton has an area of 1,687 square kilometres (651 sq mi) and had
85-421: Is an artisan city that is famous for its leather goods and handicrafts. Cotacachi residents are also well known for their carne colorada (filet of pork cooked in red achiote sauce), and queso de hoja (soft cheese wrapped in a plant leaf). The city of Cotacachi holds a UNESCO medal for being free of illiteracy . In 2000 the entire canton was declared the first ecological county of South America. Cotacachi
102-496: Is celebrated in the city, with many different ceremonies and the main event, known as "taking of the plaza", during which the groups of dancers from different communities circle the biggest town square, site of the Municipality and the town Cathedral, several times. Children, men and women have different days assigned to perform the dance. Men's day sometimes degenerates into altercations between various indigenous communities in
119-563: Is popular with hikers and small boats ply the lake. 0°18′N 78°16′W / 0.300°N 78.267°W / 0.300; -78.267 Cotacachi Volcano Cotacachi is a dormant volcano in the Western Cordillera of the northern Ecuadorian Andes , in the west of Imbabura Province , above the city of Cotacachi . It has a summit elevation of 4,944 m (16,220 ft) above sea level and its highest elevations are capped with snow. The summit of Cotacachi
136-632: The area at the 2004 local elections. For the 2009-2014 period, Alberto Anrango (supporter of the Alianza PAIS party) was the mayor of Cotacachi. In 2014, Jomar Cevallos, founder of the new party, Ally Kawsay ("Vivir Bien" in Spanish, or "Good Living" in English), won the election for the 2015-2019 period. Cotacachi is known for quality leather goods; it has a number of shops on "Leather Street" that sell coats, jackets, shoes, and specialty items. It
153-514: The area, and is often seen as once a year opportunity for "settling scores", while women's occasional fights are playful and not intended to harm. The indigenous communities, mestizo majority population and the group of expats co-exist uneventfully throughout the rest of the year. The ritual is a temporary enactment of social upheaval via the symbolic storming of the city, remembering ancient rivalries - so ancient, that in fact nobody can tell how exactly did they start. Distinctive black leather hats for
170-512: The city, both stemming exit off the Panamerican Highway. The first entrance feeds directly into the city's main square, while the other turns into the famed Calle 10 de Agosto (locally known as Leather Street). Cotacachi and the surrounding communities boasts one of the highest concentrations of indigenous people in the country of Ecuador. Due to its location close to the metropolitan areas of Ibarra and Quito, as well as proximity to
187-505: The coastal province of Esmeraldas, it is also home to great diversity. Many mestizo people (coming from Quito) and many Afro-Ecuadorians (coming from Esmeraldas) live in and around the city. In recent years, the demographic has shifted to include many foreign retirees. On a recent census, the number of resident foreigners totaled more than 500. The climate is mild year-round. Situated in the inter-Andean valley temperatures are generally between 21 and 27 degrees C (70 and 80 degrees F) during
SECTION 10
#1732800861027204-495: The council. Cotacachi is an example of development and progress. Ascendant Corporation plans to raze to the ground the villages of Junín , Cerro Pelado , and El Triunfo in order to make ground for copper mining. Since the complete moratorium passed on all mining in Ecuador (as of May 2008), however, this has been delayed if not completely halted. Pachakutik, a party of the indigenous population gained four of five seats in
221-515: The day, and between 10 and 16 degrees C (50 and 60 degrees F) at night. Cotacachi is considered the "Leather Capital of Ecuador". With over 50 separate artisanal leather shops in the city, many of the leather goods sold in other parts of Ecuador are produced in Cotacachi. An annual fiesta of San Juan, San Pedro, y San Pablo (also known as Inti Raymi , or the "Sun Festival" in Kichwa) in late June
238-494: The ecologically richest zones in South America. The area attracts tourists for bird-watching, camping, and fly fishing. The weather in the area ranges from 9 to 25 degrees Celsius and is cooler in the evenings. In the last decade Cotacachi has implemented a new system of local development by creating a city council. All the sectors of the society, from children to the ancient, rural and urban representatives participate in
255-435: The fiesta are worn by some male participants during the ceremonies and the parade. The San Juan hats have greatly exaggerated, stiff and circular flat brims that extend over the shoulders and crowns that are high, square, and pointed, bearing many types of symbols. Perhaps intentionally, the design also serves to protect wearers from the rocks. Sometimes intervention by police is required if the participants become too rowdy. In
272-410: The last years the safety of the participants and onlookers greatly improved, due to the careful scheduling and monitoring of the arrival of dancers from different communities to town. Cotacachi is popular with tourists because of its proximity with Otavalo and also because of the second most famous crater lake in Ecuador, Cuicocha (Guinea Pig Lake). Located 10 minutes by taxi from Cotacachi, Cuicocha
289-424: Was designated a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) in 2019. It is one of the country's five original Pueblos Mágicos. The city is located 8 km (5 miles) northwest of the artisan city of Otavalo, about 4.8 km (3 miles) west of the Panamerican Highway (Route 35). It lies in the valley between the volcanos of Imbabura and Cotacachi . There are two main entrances to
#26973