Latacunga

Latacunga is a city in the Central Andean Highlands region of Ecuador. It is a good starting point for trips to Cotopaxi and the Quilotoa Loop.

By bus
There are frequent buses from Quito and other cities in the highlands. The bus from Quevedo cost $5 and lasts 4 hours with the company Cotopaxi.

By train
There is also a train connecting it with Quito and Guayaquil; however it is not in operation as of January 2016.

Get around
Latacunga center is a small and it is an easy 10-minute walk to the bus terminal. The center is compact and best explored on foot.

Do

 * Ideally located near the Cotopaxi, Latacunga allows the organization of mountaineering. Most of the agencies to organized guided climbs are on Guayaquil street. They offer tours to Chimborazo and Quilotoa as well. In addition, the prices for expeditions are cheaper compared to the one organized from Quito.

Buy
You may find almost anything as long as it’s made of plastic, including warm clothes for trekking. However don’t expect to find other outdoor stuff: shoes are mostly expensive fakes ($50-90), there are no walking sticks (unless you go to The Mall, apparently).

Eat
The most famous and unhealthy dish from Latacunga is call the Chugchucaras is made of deep fried pork, boiled hominy, potatoes, fried plantains, sweet empanadas, popcorn, and pork rinds. It is accompanied by aji, a spicy sauce made with hot peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, and onions. If you are hungry you can order one for yourself but it can be easily shared. Most of the restaurant which served the Chugchucaras are located on Quijando y Ordoñez street. You may also easily find cebichochos (vegetarian chick peas ceviche) on the street.

Go next

 * Zumbahua and Lake Quilotoa
 * Cotopaxi
 * Baños