Latacunga

Also known as San Vicente Mártir de Latacunga

thumb|Monument to Vicente León on the main square of Latacunga Latacunga (; Quechua: Latakunga) is a plateau city of Ecuador, capital of the Cotopaxi Province, south of Quito, near the confluence of the Alaquez and Cutuchi rivers to form the Patate, the headstream of the Pastaza. At the time of census 2022 Latacunga had a population of 77,267 largely mestizo and indigenous.

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Place details

Locality: Latacunga
Region: Cotopaxi
Country: Ecuador
Population: 205,624

Travel guide

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.