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.
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 Léon, -0.9336760°, -78.6149329°. A 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. 2018-02-19
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).
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.
Hotel Rosim, Calle Quito 16-49, -0.9324395°, -78.6158681°, +593 99 500 4480. Nicely located hotel near the main square. The staff is very helpful to find information to organize trip by yourself to the surrounding parks. $10 for a double room, $15 with breakfast 2018-02-19
Hotel Rodelu, Calle Quito No 1631 and Padre Salcedo, -0.9328580°, -78.6157341°, +593 3-280-0956, rodelu@andinanet.net. Located next to the Hotel Rosim, it is its the midrange version. The hotel restaurant offers tasty and affordable food. $45 for a double room 2018-02-19
Hostal Tiana, Vivero 1.31 and Quijano y Ordonez, -0.9323174°, -78.6143185°, +593 3 281 0147, info@hostaltiana.com. Hostel which offers services for organizing mountaineering to Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Illinizas and Rumiñahui. $10.50 for a dormitory bed and $25 for a double room. 2018-02-19
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division