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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.
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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.
Iliniza
The 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.
Nice and generous pizzas or pastas to eat in the restaurant or to take away. There are some vegetarian options as well.
At the first floor of the market building there are plenty of options for a typical and cheap lunch. The market itself is also a nice option to buy vegetables and fruits. The options are reduced on Sundays.
The biggest supermarket of town with anything available, ideal to do provision before trekking.
Excellent locally-owned place with delicious vegetarian and vegan fare. Set menu that changes each day and includes a soup, a main, and a freshly blended juice for $5 (May 2022). Super friendly owner that is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions and can give you lots of tips on Latacunga and Cuenca. Around the corner from Hostel Tiana.
Cheap and gourmet Ecuadorian restaurant run by lovely people. Delicious vegetarian ceviche, and many other dishes revisited by the chef. You may also find quick eats (piqueos, good Mexican food, burgers) and good drinks (cocktails, beers). Very decent prices ($5-7 for mains).
Nicely located hotel near the main square. The staff is very helpful to find information to organize trip by yourself to the surrounding parks.
Located next to the Hotel Rosim, it is the midrange version. The hotel restaurant offers tasty and affordable food.
Hostel which offers services for organizing mountaineering to Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Illinizas and Rumiñahui.
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.
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.
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Latacunga · Regional · LTX
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