Latacunga

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

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.

Parque Vicente LéonA nice place of the city center were stands the cathedral which dates from the 17th century and contains an altar made from pumice. Next to the cathedral there is the Palacio municipal also made from pumice.

• Ideally located near the Cotopaxi, Latacunga allows the organization of mountaineering. Most of the agencies to organized guided climbs are located 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.

• Reserva Ecológica Los IllinizasThe ecological reserve allows hiking and climbing. Most of the people spend a night in the Refugio Nuevos Horizontes and then scramble to the Illiniza Norte summit (5126m). The Illiniza Sur summit (5248m) offers much more technical climbing routes.

The most famous and unhealthy dish from Latacunga is call the Chugchucaras is 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 angry 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.

• Pizzeria Buona

  phone: +593 99 920 8261
  address: Sanchez de Oreliana
  Nice and generous pizzas or pastas to eat in the restaurant or to take away. There is some vegetarian option as well.

• Mercado Cerrado Latacunga

  address: Plaza Chile
  At the first floor of the market building there is a plenty of option for a typical and cheap lunch. The market itself is also a nice option to buy vegetables and fruits. The options are reduced the Sunday.

• Santa Maria supermarketThe biggest supermarket of town with anything available, ideal to do provision before trekking.

Hotel RosimNicely located hotel near the main square. The staff is very helpful to find information to organize trip by yourself to the surrounding parks.

Hotel Rodelu

Located next to the Hotel Rosim, it is its the midrange version. The hotel restaurant offers tasty and affordable food.

Hostal Tiana

Hostel which offers as well services for organizing mountaineering to Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Illinizas and Rumiñahui.

• Zumbahua and Lake Quilotoa
• Cotopaxi
• Baños