A colonial city at 2,750 meters in Ecuador's central highlands, known for its Indigenous market and the active Cotopaxi volcano rising in the background.
Latacunga (2,850 meters) lies in Ecuador's central highlands, with Cotopaxi Volcano's snow-capped peak visible from many streets. In the city center, you'll find the Municipal Palace built from dark volcanic stone, while local restaurants serve chugchucaras - a hearty plate of fried pork with corn and potatoes. Twice a year, the streets fill with dancers and musicians during the Mama Negra festival, where participants wear intricate costumes and paint their faces black in a tradition dating back to colonial times.
Getting to Latacunga
Buses run regularly from Quito's Quitumbe terminal to Latacunga, taking under two hours to cover the 89-kilometer route along the Pan-American Highway. From the Latacunga bus terminal, you can walk 15 minutes to reach the city center.
Cotopaxi National Park
You can climb Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 meters) to the first refuge at 4,800 meters by vehicle, then continue on foot to the glacier line at 5,000 meters. Wild horses roam through the park's páramo grasslands, and you'll find the Limpiopungo lagoon reflecting the volcano on clear days. Book day trips through local tour operators or hostels in Latacunga.
Quilotoa Loop Trek
The multi-day Quilotoa Loop takes you through small mountain communities and past fields of quinoa and corn. The trail ends at Quilotoa crater lake, a 3-kilometer-wide volcanic lake at 3,800 meters. Walking the entire rim takes 4-5 hours. Plan 3-4 days for the complete trek, with overnight stays in guesthouses in Chugchilan and Isinlivi villages.
Traditional Ecuadorian Food
Try chugchucaras, a Latacunga specialty that fills a plate with crispy pork, potatoes, toasted corn, small empanadas, and fried plantains. The central market, busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays, has food stalls serving traditional dishes. Street vendors sell snacks with ajà sauce - ask about the spice level before adding it to your food.
Colonial Buildings
The historic center contains 30 blocks of buildings made from black volcanic stone. Inside the neoclassical Municipal Palace, you'll find carved stone columns and wooden balconies. The Cathedral contains 18th-century paintings and gold-leaf altars, while San Francisco Church has a collection of colonial-era religious sculptures. Vicente León Park marks the center, surrounded by stone buildings with red-tiled roofs.
Mama Negra Festival
The festival runs in September and November, with different focuses each time. September's religious celebration includes a procession carrying the Virgin of Mercy statue to El Calvario hill. In November, the main character "Mama Negra" leads parades through the streets, accompanied by musicians and dancers in traditional Andean costumes.
Weather and Climate
Temperatures stay cool throughout the year due to the 2,850-meter elevation. Rain falls irregularly, with no clear wet or dry season. Strong winds sweep across the plateau, especially during rainless periods. Pack warm layers and rain gear regardless of when you visit.
