The mysterious Yambo Lagoon, nestled between the provinces of Cotopaxi and Tungurahua, was once at the heart of judicial investigations into the disappearance of the Restrepo brothers. This enigmatic body of water, located in Cotopaxi, has been the subject of numerous legends and stories, adding to its allure as a destination steeped in mystery.

Yambo Lagoon gained international attention when it was believed to be the final resting place of brothers Carlos Santiago and Pedro Andrés Restrepo Arismendi, who vanished in January 1988. Despite extensive searches following statements by agent Hugo España, who claimed the brothers’ remains were disposed of in Yambo, no bodies were ever found, solidifying the lagoon’s eerie reputation.

Another tale deeply embedded in local lore is that of the “Infernal Train.” According to legend, on a Good Friday during the presidency of Eloy Alfaro, one of the first locomotives derailed and plunged into the lagoon, with none of its passengers surviving. Since that tragic event over a century ago, residents have reported hearing screams and witnessing ghostly figures wandering the waters, pleading for help.

A Rising Tourist Attraction

Located just 12 kilometers from Salcedo and 3.4 kilometers from Ambato, Yambo has seen a significant surge in tourism over the last five years. The lagoon, whose name derives from the Panzaleo word “Yamboc,” meaning “Smoking Lagoon,” has become a beacon for visitors drawn to its mystical beauty and the captivating stories surrounding it.

Public and Private Investments Drive Growth

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, investments along the banks of Yambo Lagoon began to flourish. Currently, 12 enterprises, in collaboration with various tourist operators, are revitalizing this sector of Salcedo canton.

One notable investor, Marco Gaibor, has committed approximately $250,000 to construct “Taita Yambo,” the longest cable car in Ecuador, spanning 50 meters in length and standing 150 meters high. This cable car serves as a bridge, transporting tourists from the Linear Park, located at the edge of the E35 highway, to the opposite side of the lagoon.

“It’s an exciting challenge to innovate with this cable car in Yambo. The tourism boom really took off during the pandemic when people were seeking outdoor spaces. Now, we’re part of an association promoting tourism in this area of Salcedo,” Gaibor explained. He emphasized that while the lagoon’s legends have drawn attention, the current focus is on preserving its natural beauty.

Every weekend, Yambo welcomes between 500 and 1,000 tourists, both from the Central Zone and beyond, including international visitors. These global travelers particularly enjoy “glamping,” which offers lodging in natural settings and experiences that connect them with nature and ancestral culture.

Around the lagoon, there are 12 businesses providing a range of services, including food, drinks, boating, lodging, and adventurous activities, as well as both typical and gourmet cuisine.

Enhancing Accessibility and Infrastructure

Juan Paul Pacheco, the mayor of Salcedo, highlighted that, in partnership with the Cotopaxi prefecture, approximately $500,000 has been invested in asphalting and paving the main road to the lagoon. An ordinance has also been approved to enforce environmental controls, safeguarding the area’s flora and fauna. Looking ahead, a new boardwalk is planned for 2025 to further enhance Yambo’s appeal, solidifying its status as a key tourist destination in Salcedo and Cotopaxi.

A Destination Within Reach

Yambo’s lagoon is easily accessible, whether by foot, car, or even by air via the new cable car, which takes less than three minutes. Walking from the Linear Park takes about 30 minutes, while a car ride is no more than five minutes.

From the Linear Park, inaugurated in 2018, visitors can explore various businesses offering crafts, food, lodging, and adventure sports. For $20, guests can indulge in local cuisine, experience the country’s longest cable car, and enjoy boat rides across the 1,100-meter-long lagoon. Accommodation costs vary, with higher budgets offering more luxurious experiences.

Near the lagoon, the vibrant green waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding forest, grassland vegetation, cacti, and bushes. The area is also a habitat for ducks, herons, and partridges, which often delight tourists with their presence.