Ecuador travel
Tourist attractions in Latacunga
Explore the tourist attractions in Latacunga, Ecuador.
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Limpiopungo or "Clean Door" is a lagoon between the Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui volcanoes. The natural landscape has a singular beauty. It is a permanent site and a must for all those who go on excursions to the Cotopaxi National Park. Another volcano that is part of the millenary scenario is the Sincholagua. Limpiopungo is located 13.5 km from the entrance to the Park, at the foot of the road that leads to the Cotopaxi Volcano Refuge. It is crossed by strong winds at surface level. The visitor can play at beating them. The mirror of the lagoon reflects the Rumiñahui volcano, a stone mass with the appearance of a mountain range. Landscape photography is the most rewarding activity that can be done in the place. When the weather is clear, spectacular shots of the Cotopaxi cone are obtained. Only one other volcano in the world is so beautiful and portrayed, Mount Fuji in Japan. The biodiversity of the moor is present in and around its calm waters. At 3,900 meters above sea level, it is a sanctuary for the rest and reproduction of the Andean gull, ducks, hummingbirds, curiquingues, condors and other bird species. Wild horses run and llamas graze on the nearby plains. It is also the habitat for deer, lizards, rabbits and spectacled bears. Those who have the opportunity to visit Limpiopungo feel that it has a special energy. It is considered a nature destination for people with different abilities and families. There is a trail that surrounds the whole lagoon. To enjoy the silence. It is possible to walk it or ride a bike. Limpiopungo. Perfect base to know the Cotopaxi National Park: the route of ascent to the Rumiñahui, mountain bike trails, camping in the Rinconada, arrive at the José Rivas Refuge and the glacier, visit the archaeological site El Salitre. The Cotopaxi National Park was created in August 1975. Its name is due to the active volcano Cotopaxi of 5.897 msnm.
48.94 Km.
Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center
Interpretive Center allows you to learn more about the Cotopaxi National Park. Going through the four rooms of the Interpretation Center that was remodeled approximately a year ago by the Support Program for the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) of the Ministry of the Environment, co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the KFW, is literally entering the ecosystem of the Cotopaxi National Park. The same environment to which the volcano turns, it is remarkable to know the phases of the paramo, according to the guide that guides the visitors there is the sub-paramo at 3400-3900 masl, paramo 3900-4400 masl, the super-paramo that goes from 4400-4900 masl and the icy one of 4900-5897 masl, in addition the colossus is the second highest place in Ecuador. The entire ecosystem is a source of life, not only because it provides fresh water, but also because it provides natural medicine. Also, information is shown on the emergence of springs and several lagoons such as Limpiopungo, Santo Domingo and Cajas. They feed on rain, groundwater and melting ice. These lagoons are a refuge for at least 45 species of birds, there is also data on the 10 highest peaks in Ecuador. The center is dynamic and interpretive, providing data on the 32,000 hectares of the Park, it is open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00 and more than 250,000 people arrive each year, of which the national tourist occupies 70 % and abroad 30%, while 80% attend the Interpretation Center. At the main entrance there is a video surveillance system that transmits both internal and external actions in real time, in order to prevent any type of damage from being done. Likewise, there are several trails such as: del Páramo, Limpiopungo, Kawsay Ñan, among others. Next door there is a "Quinde" handicraft store, Gladys Calvopiña, is in charge of selling, in the place products made in tagua and wood are sold. Everything is produced in Ecuador and by the hands of 20 artisans from the area. "We have a lot of acceptance for quality and price," she said. This has allowed to increase the datafast.
51.86 Km.
Cotopaxi Volcano
The Cotopaxi volcano offers a very beautiful panoramic view, encloses a landscape that covers the vegetation cover on its slopes, mineral features of ancient volcanic eruptions are observed, on its eastern slopes there is a refuge where it allows visitors and visitors a view that encompasses the valley and the Limpiopungo lagoon where there are wild ducks. To go up, you have to ask permission from the authorities of the Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi volcano is the tallest and most active in the world. The Cotopaxi Ecuador volcano has almost exact snow to a cone is something unique on the planet and is perhaps, like Galapagos, the greatest symbol of our natural wealth, which is known throughout the world. Because it is located in the center of the inter-Andean alley and very close to several cities such as Quito and Latacunga, it is the desire of all tourists to crown El Cotopaxi, which offers a spectacular panoramic view, its landscape allows to know the vegetation on its slopes , you can also visualize the mineral features that have left ancient volcanic eruptions, in its eastern slopes there is a refuge, where tourists can enjoy the scenery to the valley and the Limpiopungo lagoon, include wild ducks in their panorama. A permit granted by the authorities of the Cotopaxi National Park is required for them to ascend. The park is located in a volcanic area, the largest in Ecuador. In the central part is the Cotopaxi, one of the most active and highest volcanoes in the world. The Cotopaxi Ecuador is located in the central sierra region of Ecuador in the Andes Mountains What is the meaning of Cotopaxi? Cotopaxi its name means "neck of the moon", is a place name of our country. You can refer to: Cotopaxi province of Ecuador. Cotopaxi Volcano, in Ecuador. How to get to Cotopaxi Volcano? The Cotopaxi Volcano is located 60 km south of the city of Quito, reached by the Pan-American Highway. There are two well-marked entrances and roads in good condition through which you reach the Cotopaxi moors. From the Pan-American to the first refuge, it is 24 km With half an hour more walking you will reach a hostel built and maintained by the Club de Andinismo of the Colegio San Gabriel, Quito. To enter the Cotopaxi National Park you can use three routes: Pedregal-Tambo, whose access from the north is through the town of Machachi Clirsen-Bowling Area The Chasqui, crossing the center of the camelid program, is the most frequented. For lovers of mountaineering, the Cotopaxi volcano is also a family experience full of color, an extreme adventure to prove dexterity and skill. Biodiversity of the Cotopaxi Volcano A large pine plantation that covers approximately 1750 ha, chuquirahuas, pumamaquis, romerillo, mortiño and capulí, are just some of the species that can be found. In relation to fauna, curiquingues, deer, rabbits, wolves of the moor and the rarely seen Andean condor, can appear at any time. Cotopaxi Volcano Fauna The Andean condor in the Cotopaxi can find this bird that is in danger of extinction, it is an emblematic bird that belongs to the Andean moorland, other specimens such as the spectacled bear, hummingbirds, deer, wolf of moor, field mouse, rabbit wild etc Cotopaxi Volcano Flora It is classified by the type of vegetation as: Humid Forest: It is characterized by that part of the subparagraph where chuquirahua, moss, chilcas, capulí trees, among others, grow. This forest is located at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano. Páramao pluvial: predominance of páramo straw, lichens and lycopodia. Alpine pluvial tundra: Mosses, lichens and some other species are located in smaller quantities Snow: Where it meets snow the glaciers do not allow the growth of vegetation What should you take Cotopaxi volcano? Warm Wool Cap Warm sweater A windbreaker breaks wind A scarf, warm gloves Trekking shoes Warm stockings Sunglasses, sunscreen Personal water bottle Extra money Camera Snacks Routes to access the Cotopaxi Volcano To reach the highest active volcano in the world, the Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui offers the shortest and most picturesque route called the Inca Trail, via Jatunpungo through the parish of Rumipamba. Average temperature: 3,103 and 3,174 meters above sea level Access time: The estimated travel time is 4 hours Crowning it is not for beginners. Knowing the Cotopaxi volcano is a fascinating experience, both for those who decide to feel the adrenaline and climb it, and for those who just enjoy the beautiful panoramic view that this Andean landscape offers them. Ecotourism lovers can enjoy great natural scenery, the charm of the moors, the magic of its capricious reliefs, the energy of its crystalline rivers, amid a great diversity of flora and fauna, which makes Rumiñahui a compendium of Ecuador's tourist wealth. Source: https://ec.viajandox.com/latacunga/volcan-cotopaxi-A359 https://www.goraymi.com/es-ec/latacunga/volcan-cotopaxi-a69cae589 Images: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cotopaxi_02.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Volc%C3%A1n_Cotopaxi_-_panoramio_(1).jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nieves_del_Volc%C3%A1n_Cotopaxi_-_panoramio.jpg
56.22 Km.
Cotopaxi National Park
The Cotopaxi volcano, with its majestic snow-capped summit and almost perfect cone shape, stands as an emblem of the Ecuadorian Andes and one of the country's main tourist attractions. This active volcano, located in the heart of Ecuador, is not only a natural jewel that attracts adventurers from all over the world, but also a cultural and historical icon deeply rooted in the identity of Ecuadorians. If you are planning a visit to Ecuador, Cotopaxi should be on your list of must-see places. But what makes it so special? Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know to make your visit unforgettable.
56.37 Km.
Morurco Hill
Cerro Morurco is a rock formation located on the south face of the Cotopaxi Volcano, it is also called the Inca's Head, due to the way its towers or rocky pillars give it; it is generally covered by glaciers; it is the remnant of the old volcanic building that was destroyed in the Pleistocene. El Morurco has a structure of pillars linked by small hills that descend in a north-south direction from the southern moraines of Cotopaxi, it has a height of 4920 m.a.s.l. and is located within the Cotopaxi National Park. During the tour you can also see the Burrohuayco ravine or canyon and the Chuquirahua Waterfall. The climate is particularly cold due to the presence of winds that come from the south, forming glaciers on the mountain. The landscape is made up of parallel packed plateaus and wide ravines, towards the east the topography sinks in the region of the valley at the base of the Quilindaña. To access from Mulaló you have to take the road that leads to the community of Ticatilín, and ascend crossing the sandbanks that are at the foot of it, the weather conditions often do not allow you to reach the top, however, in favorable conditions you can perform rock climbing from the base to almost 300 m upwards (over 4800 m.a.s.l.) for this it is necessary to use special equipment and high mountain guides.
59.72 Km.
El Boliche National Recreation Area
It is located next to the Cotopaxi National Park. El Boliche is known for its pine and cypress plantation, which covers 200 hectares and has almost completely replaced the paramo. The first trees were planted in 1928 in what was the Romerillos hacienda, with the idea of recovering the eroded soils and "reforesting" the moor. Those were other times: today it is known that these plantations affect the soil and the biodiversity of this ecosystem, and that the páramo does not need to be filled with trees. Next to this area is the "El Boliche" Station of the Ecuadorian Railway Company and, thanks to this, hundreds of visitors arrive every weekend to tour the attractions offered by this protected area. Location It is located next to the Cotopaxi National Park, in the parish of Mulalo, 27 km from Machachi and 30 km north of Latacunga. Continuing along the Pan-American highway, a sign indicates the entrance, you have to travel 3 km more along a carriageway. recommendations Wear warm clothes, rain poncho or waterproof sweater in case of rain or drizzle. Appropriate footwear, type half-round boots in case of walks.
68.95 Km.
Heritage House Hacienda Tilipulo
History The Hacienda de Tilipulo played a very important role in the libertarian deed of Latacunga on November 11, 1820, since this place housed the patriots. Also from this site the freedom of: Machachi, Ambato, Riobamba and Guaranda was planned simultaneously. On August 9, 1979, the Municipality of Latacunga bought Tilipulo, at a cost of eight million seven hundred and seventy thousand sucres. Gonzalo Zúñiga was the mayor of the time. Why visit Hacienda Tilipulo? The Sundial: It was used to see the time guided by the sun depending on its location with respect to the earth, it represents the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The water purifier: Made of pumice stone, coal and sand, it was used to filter the water, a wooden frame as a support and a vessel as a container for the liquid. The dungeon: It was built inside the Hacienda with the purpose of punishing slaves and indigenous people for their lack of authority, or the attempt to escape. El Pozo: Constructed of pumice stone and a metal door, its steps lead to a natural spring, and it also collected rainwater to supply the hacienda. It is said that the heroes made their hiding place there, which led to the altar of the Hacienda Tilipulito. The aromatic eucalyptus: It was donated by Gabriel García Moreno since his brother-in-law brought 4 useful specimens as a home remedy for respiratory diseases from a botanical explosion in Paris. The Miraflores La María sanctuary church: Completed its construction in 1772, it has 245 square meters and was used for the homily twice a day. It has a space for approximately 490 people, a speaker is not necessary since its construction in a barrel vault allows the sound to be amplified. The conversation room.- Also known as the confessional or battlement, it is a T-shaped pumice stone corridor, it was occupied so that the maidens could converse in a more intimate way, the priest received the confessions and the butler controlled the daily activities. of the entire Treasury. Schedule: Currently the administration of the farm is in charge of the Municipal Directorate of Social Development. Two guides lead the tours from Sunday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 17:00. Even on holidays.
82.37 Km.
San Sebastian Catholic Church- Latacunga
The church of San Sebastián de Latacunga has two characteristics that make it somewhat unique compared to other churches in the city. In the first place, it is not located in the central area of the urban area, and secondly, its wide square gives it a distinctive magnitude. The area of the church also included a piece of land one block long, adjacent to the cemetery area, all of this surrounded by rammed earth. A second natural event of magnitude, the Pelileo and Ambato earthquake of 1949, once again destroyed the church of San Sebastián. Its reconstruction did not involve the old walls and the original straw roof was changed for a tile one. The temple has a single nave in a north-south direction, parallel to the long wall that faces the square, and the fountain in the center has, in turn, a pair of medium-sized towers in the front part of the transept. over the door and the balcony. Formerly in the tower there was a set of bronze bells of regular size and a small one, for the service of the cult. Inside the temple there are ancient sculptures such as a Sacred Heart of Jesus carved by Caspicara. Address The San Sebastián Church is located between Juan Abel Echeverría, Josefa Calixto Pino and Isla San Bartolomé streets. Highlights of the Church of San Sebastian The temple has a single nave in a north-south direction parallel to the long wall that looks towards the square and the fountain that is in its center, it has in turn a pair of medium-sized towers in the front part of the transept over the door. and a balcony, the one that is open on its left sector by a wooden door that shows a lintel in its upper part. Due to natural events, the sacristy shows signs of previous fractures despite which it is used and formerly in the tower there was a set of bronze bells of regular size, and a small one, for the service of worship.
84.91 Km.
Merced Church- Latacunga
The church of La Merced de Latacunga has a characteristic that gives it a certain hierarchy in the group of churches and chapels in the province of Cotopaxi. It is the site where the image of the Virgin Protector of Latacunga is found. It is built on a Latin cross plan with a single nave with two transepts, a structure that stands out for the central nave, the dome in the central part and the choir. The story goes that in order to control and order the native population, Philip IV was asked in 1648 for authorization to establish a formal convent of the Religious Order of Mercy, to evangelize 15 indigenous peoples and teach basic arts. Regarding the Virgin, she was declared "Protector of the city" for the miracles attributed to her in calming the fury of the Cotopaxi Volcano during several eruptions; For this reason, every September 24, a costumbrista demonstration is held in the popular theater called "Capitanía de la Mama Negra". It is definitely the representation of the manifestation of Catholic faith in the city of Latacunga, religiosity and important popular faith during the eruptive processes of the volcano between the 18th and 19th centuries. Location The church of La Merced is located between Juan Abel Echeverría, Manuel de Jesús Quijano and Ordóñez streets. In the city of Latacunga, Cotopaxi province. Highlights of La Merced Church On her altar we find the sculpture of a mestizo virgin, with very long human hair and is known as "The Virgin of the Volcano", she holds Jesus in her left arm and a scepter in her right arm. Inside the temple we find an altar built in gold leaf, it is armed in various styles in red with applications of noble coats of arms, both the upper and lower parts of the altar are baroque with a bit of Byzantine style. On one of the walls of the temple (right side) there is an image that represents the protection of the Virgin to the province during the eruptions of the Cotopaxi volcano, it is approximately 2.5 meters long by 2.5 meters wide and 2 meters high.
85.13 Km.
House of the Marquises of Miraflores
The house of the Marqueses de Miraflores is more than 250 years old, it is a complex built by Mr. Juan García de Granda in 1710 and complemented by the Flores de Vergara, Marqueses de Miraflores, in later years. Among the owners we mention the Marquis of Maenza, who lived in it until his death. The current "Casa Cuna", which is a sector of the original residence of the Marquises of Miraflores, is located in the City of Latacunga, occupying the northwest corner lot of the block. You can visit the Museum of Numismatics and Philately, the Museum of Religious Art, the textile factory and the library, in addition the department of culture of the municipality works there. Its entire construction is made of pumice stone. In the first patio you reach a room covered with an Arab terrace system and supported towards the east by seven pillars supported by stone bases from where you can see the main patio. The second patio is rectangular in shape and smaller than the first, it is surrounded by 11 strong pumice stone columns.
85.17 Km.
Church of Santo Domingo-Latacunga
The building dates back to the 17th century, modified in its original form due to different earthquakes that occurred in the city, it has a facade of Doric columns with shafts, the temple is built on a Latin cross plan, with its Romanesque style, which highlights its structure. through the central nave. The upper body of the nave has columns with Ionic capitals. The plinth is made of continuous stone, they have a good harmony between the proportions of height and space, the temple as a whole is a delirium of art, on the outside there are two bell towers with dome tops. Inside the building, the convent block is projected with two-story nail plates arranged in a square with a font and gardens in the center. The temple represents the stage of the conquest and evangelization of the religious orders of the central highlands and the stage of independence. Currently it forms a neoclassical style complex, with a convent, corridors, columns and Romanesque arches. Inside you can see paintings, murals and frescoes with Mudejar art. Location The church of Santo Domingo is located on Av. Juan Abel Echeverría. In the city of Latacunga, province of Cotopaxi. Highlights of Church of Santo Domingo A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, patron saint of earthquakes, erected in 1690 by General Luís Sotomayor y Pimentel, remains as the main church. The interior mural paintings were worked by Brother Enrique Mideros. This church plays an important role in the history of the city of Latacunga, since it was within it that the Latacungueños patriots gathered to declare the independence of their city from the Spanish yoke.
85.25 Km.
Traditional festival of the Mama Negra
In Latacunga, the festival known as "Mama Negra" is celebrated. The first date is The date of the black mother is from September 23 to 28 in commemoration of the Virgen de las Mercedes and is organized by the merchants of Pichincha, La Merced and El Salto, an absolutely mestizo cultural phenomenon. The second date is in the month of November for the independence of the city of Latacunga. What is La Mama Negra de Latacunga? The main character of the party is La Mama Negra, always personified by a man with a completely mute face, dressed in rich and colorful formal garments, leading the streets of the city on a horse. The black mama represents a freed slave who takes all three guys with her: two at the end of her horse and a baby in her arms. recommendations It is preferable not to accept drinks or food from unknown people as a precaution. Do not carry valuables and preferably be accompanied. If you go with small children, older adults or people with disabilities, give them an identification with the name, contact telephone number, blood type and if they have any disease, in case they get lost. During the parade, come with a hat, sunscreen and carry hydration. The troupes and the main characters generally start their tour at 09:30 am through the main streets of Latacunga. If possible, watch the parade from the Calderón central park, since in this part the streets are a little wider and the comparsas have more space to dance and show off.
85.28 Km.
We have 23 tourist attractions listed in Latacunga, Ecuador.