Lake San Pablo, also known as Imbacocha or Imbakucha, lies at the foot of the Imbabura volcano and is just 5 minutes away from Otavalo.

The largest lake in Imbabura also holds great mysteries. Lake San Pablo, which rests at the foot of the Imbabura volcano and is just 5 minutes from Otavalo, spans an area of approximately 3.5 by 2.2 kilometers and is home to a series of legends that explain its origin and the enchanted characters that inhabit it.

It is said that centuries ago, there was a severe drought that devastated the cornfields. The elders of the village decided that the Taita Imbabura (the volcano) was angry and could only be appeased with the sacrifice of the most beautiful maiden: Nina Paccha, whose name means “source of light.” She was a young woman of great beauty who had won the heart of Guatalquí. In an act of bravery, the young man defied the prophecy and fled with her.

As the villagers pursued them for the sacrifice, Nina Paccha disappeared, and in her place, a vast spring of crystal-clear water burst forth, flooding the plains and forming the lagoon.

Taita Imbabura, though appeased by the offering, turned Guatalquí into a milk tree on the Rey Loma hill so that he would forever watch over and gaze upon his beloved, now transformed into a lake.

Another legend, according to Luis Ubidia (a late Otavalo teacher), says that Lake San Pablo was formed when God rebuked the owner of a large estate for being greedy and uncharitable. As punishment, the estate turned into a large lagoon overnight.