San Pablo Lake Resort in Ecuador
Kayaking, Water Skiing, and Tubing at Cabañas del Lago in Otavalo
Located on the shores of popular Lago San Pablo in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, this lake resort is a relaxing destination for families and water sports aficionados.
Nestled at the foot of Imbabura volcano, San Pablo Lake is a well-known destination Ecuadorians. Off the main highway, far from the bustle of the larger towns, this resort has a relaxing, kid-friendly atmosphere, with plenty for the whole family, from water sports to mini golf. The on-site restaurant offers gourmet food with local and international specialties, and includes a kids' menu.
Sleeping accommodations
A variety of accommodations are offered at Cabañas del Lago. Single rooms hold up to three people, and are located above the restaurant. Although these rooms do not contain a fireplace, they do offer a spectacular view of the lake, which the other cabins do not.
Behind the main building are 25 log cabins, each with a fireplace, lending a cozy atmosphere to the rustic setting. The friendly staff is willing to help start the fires in the fireplaces, so there is no stress over getting one started. Each cabin has a small porch covered in climbing, flowering vines where one can sit and relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Suites, which offer a small sitting room in addition to the sleeping areas, can accommodate the same number of people as the regular cabins (1-4) for about five U.S. dollars more per night. Family cabins are also available, with room for up to 7 people.
Prices for the single rooms start at US$55 a night (as of January 2008), while cabin prices range from US$60-85 a night, depending on the size and location. Extra cots can be had for another US$12 per night.
(In 2000, Ecuador adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency, but, as prices may change, it is important to check with the hotel before traveling.)
Entertainment
Cabañas del Lago Lake Resort offers a variety of water sports, including:
- water skiing
- water tubing
- kayaking
- wakeboard and kneeboard
- jet skis
- speed boats
- “disco”, a water tube large enough for 2-3 people.
Life jackets and wet suits are provided with all sports and courses are offered year round for ages 3 and up. Guests staying at the resort have access to these sports at no additional cost, but the water sports are open to anyone visting the resort for an additional fee.
One of the features of Cabañas del Lago are the yearly tournaments in slalom and wakeboard. Other popular events are the yearly jetski scavenger hunts and water sports shows. Aside from water sports, there is also an outdoor fire for roasting marshmallows, launch cruises, mini golf, a small petting zoo for the children, and performances showcasing the traditional dances of the local indigenous tribes.
Restaurants
The restaurant is divided into three different environments, but the best is, by far, the covered porch, which sits directly on the water. Unhindered by guardrails, guests can enjoy a gourmet meal with waves silently lapping at the platform.
Precautions
- In Ecuador, restaurants and hotels charge a service tax (10%) and sales taxes (12%), so 22% must be figured into the costs of hotels and meals. Because service is already charged, however, tipping is completely optional, and, in fact, not common with the locals.
- Although a few degrees north of the Equator, Otavalo and its surroundings can be cool in the mornings and evenings due to its high elevation, and dressing in layers is a must. Moreover, the lake water does not heat up easily, so wearing a wet suit is a good idea.
