Autódromo Yahuarcocha
Location
Ibarra, Imbabura Province, Ecuador
Current Local Time
Track Info
Autódromo Yahuarcocha - Ibarra, Imbabura, Ecuador
Historic high-altitude circuit beside Lake Yahuarcocha - usually clockwise - fast, technical and the traditional home of Ecuadorian circuit racing
When was the track built?
The idea for a permanent racing circuit at Yahuarcocha came from José Tobar and other members of the Club de Automovilismo y Turismo de Imbabura during the early 1960s. Construction work began in 1963 beside the lake, only a few kilometres from the city of Ibarra.
The original course was very different from today's compact circuit. It used roughly 10 km of road around Lake Yahuarcocha, creating a spectacular high-speed road course surrounded by water and mountains.
When was its first race?
Cars and motorcycles first competed at Yahuarcocha on 8 February 1970, but the circuit's official inauguration followed on 2 May 1970 with a 600 km endurance race.
Local driver Fernando Madera won the inaugural event in a Reliant, completing 60 laps and immediately becoming an important figure in the circuit's history.
What's the circuit like?
- High altitude: Yahuarcocha sits roughly 2,200 metres above sea level. The thinner air affects engine performance, cooling and aerodynamic downforce.
- Long main straight: At around 770 metres, it gives faster cars plenty of time to build speed before the next braking zone.
- Compact and technical: The modern layout places many corners into less than 3.6 km, so rhythm and accurate positioning are important throughout the lap.
The circuit normally runs clockwise, but some championships have raced it anti-clockwise. For a driver, reversing the direction changes braking points, corner entries and overtaking opportunities enough to make the same piece of asphalt feel like a different track.
Lap records and benchmarks
- 2019 prototype race benchmark: 1:25.750 - Jhon Estupiñán, West Turbo - 6 Hours of Ecuador.
- 2019 TC2000 race benchmark: 1:47.312 - Diego Morán, Honda Civic - 6 Hours of Ecuador.
- 2012 Panam GP: Sebastián Merchán took pole and won both Formula Abarth races during Yahuarcocha's return to international single-seater competition.
- Historic 10 km circuit: 2:52 - Tony Adamowicz, Ferrari 512 S, 1971 - 12 Hours Marlboro.
Yahuarcocha does not have a readily available official all-time lap-record register, and the circuit has been modified and raced in both directions. These figures are therefore best treated as documented benchmarks rather than a single definitive outright record.
Why is Yahuarcocha historically important?
Only a year after opening, Yahuarcocha staged one of the most remarkable races in Ecuadorian motorsport history: the 12 Hours Marlboro on 26 September 1971.
The international field included Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Camaro and Mustang machinery. American driver Tony Adamowicz won in a Ferrari 512 S and reportedly lapped the original 10 km road course in just 2 minutes 52 seconds.
Later international events included the Caney 500, GT Marlboro de las Américas, Mexican Formula 3 and the Panam GP Series.
What is its biggest race today?
Long-distance racing remains central to Yahuarcocha. For many years the 6 Hours of Ecuador brought together prototypes and touring cars from Ecuador and neighbouring countries, creating constant traffic on the relatively short circuit.
The endurance tradition has continued to evolve. In 2025 the venue hosted the 10 Hours Ecuador, won by the ABRO team with a Radical PR6.
Why go?
Few South American circuits have a setting quite like Yahuarcocha. The track sits directly beside the lake with the Andes surrounding Ibarra, giving spectators a combination of motorsport and mountain scenery.
It also remains central to Ecuadorian racing. National circuit championships, endurance events, classic cars and other motorsport activities continue to use the venue, so it is one of the best places to experience the country's racing culture.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main grandstand: Best for starts, finishes, pit activity and following the overall progress of endurance races.
- Technical infield: Where spectator access allows, the linked corners give a good view of braking, direction changes and differences between prototypes and touring cars.
- Lakeside areas: The most distinctive Yahuarcocha experience, combining views of the racing with the lake and surrounding mountains.
The circuit can be raced in different directions and event layouts can change, so check the official spectator areas and event map before choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autódromo Yahuarcocha (Ibarra)
The circuit is beside Laguna de Yahuarcocha, only a few kilometres from Ibarra. Driving or taking a taxi is easiest; visitors from Quito can also take an intercity bus to Ibarra and complete the short final journey locally.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, a car or taxi is the easiest way to reach Autódromo Yahuarcocha. Unlike many race circuits, the venue is very close to a major city, so you do not need to stay in a remote location or make a long final journey.
If you are travelling from Quito without a car, take an intercity bus to Ibarra and then use a taxi for the remaining few kilometres.
Tip: The circuit may appear on maps as Autódromo Yahuarcocha, Autódromo Internacional José Tobar Tobar or simply Autódromo José Tobar.
Driving & parking
- From Ibarra: head north towards Laguna de Yahuarcocha and follow navigation to the circuit.
- From Quito: travel north towards Cayambe, Otavalo and Ibarra before following signs towards Yahuarcocha.
- Final approach: the circuit is beside the lake, so use the official event entrance rather than simply stopping at the first lakeside access.
- Parking: vehicle access and parking areas can change depending on the event.
- Busy meetings: allow extra time around the lake when large crowds are expected.
Bus & public transport
Ibarra is the main public transport hub for the circuit. Long-distance buses connect the city with Quito and other destinations across northern Ecuador.
- Quito → Ibarra: buses operate from the northern side of Quito, including services from Terminal Carcelén.
- Ibarra Bus Terminal: once you arrive, taking a taxi to the circuit is the simplest final connection.
- Local buses: services may operate towards the Yahuarcocha area, but routes and stopping points should be checked locally.
- Return journey: if your event finishes late, a pre-arranged taxi is usually easier than relying on local buses.
Taxi & private transfers
- From central Ibarra: the short distance makes a taxi one of the easiest options for visitors without a car.
- From the bus terminal: continue directly to the circuit rather than changing onto several local services.
- From Quito: a private transfer is convenient for groups who want a direct journey.
- After the race: arrange a pickup point in advance if a large event is expected to attract heavy traffic.
Quito airport
- Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO): the nearest major international airport.
- Airport → Ibarra: the road distance is roughly 102 km.
- Easiest option: hire a car or arrange a private transfer if travelling directly towards Ibarra.
- Public transport: another option is to connect with an intercity bus towards Ibarra and then take a taxi to Yahuarcocha.
Where to stay
- Ibarra: the best choice for most visitors, with hotels, restaurants, shops and transport only a short distance from the circuit.
- Yahuarcocha: some accommodation is available closer to the lake if you want a very short event-day journey.
- Otavalo: another option around 30 km south, particularly if you are combining the race weekend with sightseeing.
Event-day tips
- Check the event schedule: Yahuarcocha hosts circuit racing, endurance events, motorcycles and other motorsport activities.
- Check your entrance: larger events may use different spectator, paddock and vehicle access points.
- Prepare for altitude: Ibarra sits high in the Andes, so visitors arriving from sea level may notice the thinner air.
- Bring sun and rain protection: mountain weather can change quickly during an outdoor event.
- Plan your return: taxis are easiest to arrange before the largest crowds begin leaving.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Autódromo Yahuarcocha, contact the event organiser before travelling. Entrances, parking and spectator areas can differ depending on the competition being held.
Bus services, parking, spectator entrances and event traffic arrangements can change. Check the official event information and current local transport details shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autódromo Yahuarcocha (Ibarra, Ecuador)
Autódromo Yahuarcocha sits beside a mountain lake just outside Ibarra in northern Ecuador. Whether you’re visiting for national circuit racing, endurance events or another motorsport weekend, the area combines racing history with Andean scenery, traditional crafts, colourful markets and some of Imbabura’s best-known food.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Laguna de Yahuarcocha: The lake beside the circuit is the easiest place to relax between activities. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, take boat trips and spend time along the waterfront.
- Ibarra historic centre: Walk through plazas, churches and restored republican-era buildings in the city known locally as the “White City”. A self-guided heritage route connects many of the main sights.
- San Antonio de Ibarra: This nearby town is famous for woodcarving and sculpture. Browse workshops and galleries to see how local artisans turn timber into religious figures, furniture and decorative art.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Centro Cultural El Cuartel: A restored historic building in central Ibarra used for art exhibitions, cultural events and guided visits.
- Casa de la Ibarreñidad: Learn more about the identity, architecture and history of Ibarra while exploring the city’s revitalised heritage district.
- San Antonio workshops: The artisan studios make a useful indoor alternative when mountain weather turns wet.
Eat & drink like a local
- Helados de paila: Ibarra’s famous fruit ice cream is traditionally prepared by spinning a metal bowl over ice. It is one of the easiest local specialities for first-time visitors to try.
- Fritada: This traditional Ecuadorian pork dish is usually served with sides such as corn, potatoes or toasted maize and makes a filling post-race meal.
- Nogadas & arrope de mora: Look around the La Merced area for traditional walnut sweets and thick blackberry syrup associated with Ibarra.
Get outdoors around Imbabura
- Yahuarcocha lake circuit: Walk, jog or cycle around sections of the lake when roads and event activity allow. Remember that these are public roads rather than part of the active racetrack.
- Cuicocha: Visit a spectacular crater lake beneath Cotacachi volcano, with viewpoints and walking opportunities around the caldera.
- Andean countryside: The roads around Ibarra pass farms, mountains and Indigenous communities, giving even short drives a strong sense of northern Ecuador’s highland landscape.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Otavalo: Visit the famous Plaza de Ponchos for textiles, clothing, jewellery and handicrafts produced by Indigenous artisans from the surrounding region.
- Cuicocha & Cotacachi: Combine the crater lake with the town of Cotacachi, known for leather goods, cafés and views towards the surrounding volcanoes.
- Peguche: Near Otavalo, the waterfall and surrounding forest provide an easy nature stop with strong cultural importance to local Kichwa communities.
Good to know on event weekends
- The 2026 calendar is busy: National circuit racing returns to Yahuarcocha in August and November, while the 12 Horas Ecuador is scheduled for 25 - 26 September.
- Do not confuse the two circuits: The famous original 10 km lake course is historic. Modern competition uses the shorter permanent José Tobar circuit.
- Expect altitude: Ibarra sits at roughly 2,200 m above sea level. Strong Andean sunshine can feel intense even when the air temperature is comfortable.
- Check access before arriving: Tickets, spectator areas and paddock access depend on the organiser, so confirm the arrangements for your particular race meeting.
Race schedules, spectator access, lake activities, attraction opening hours and mountain conditions can change - check current information before you travel.