Ecuador travel
Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Explore the tourist attractions of Ecuador.
Isidro Ayora School Museum
The Museum of the Isidro Ayora School is the result of the philanthropic work of outstanding Latacungueños, among whom the Master Rodrigo Campaña Escobar stands out. It houses one of the most important archaeological collections of the Panzaleo aboriginal culture - made up of nearly 2000 pieces - which include: domestic utensils, body adornments and more; Important samples of Andean folklore, botanical and faunal species of the country and an important numismatic sample are added to this collection. Schedule: From Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Address: San Francisco neighborhood. Quijano and Ordoñez Streets (corner) and Tarqui, city of Latacunga contacts Telephone(s): (03) 280 1401 Director and/or Responsible Nelson Espín Cell.: 099 587 7217 E-mail: isidroayora.35@gmail.com
85.59 Km.
Church of San Agustin in Latacunga
This building has been devastated by the harshness of several telluric events that hit the area. On the same site, today stands a magnificent building consisting of a single nave with a transept and two adjoining chapels, it has a dome with artistic characteristics, similar to the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, and next to it stands the convent space . Inside you can see a collection of works of art related to the religious life of the Augustinian Order. Location The Church of San Agustín is located between the streets Hnas. Paez and Quito. Highlights of Iglesia de San Agustín Inside the temple we find the main altar with the replica of the Virgen del Quinche (on the left side) and Saint Augustine, Patron Saint of the Sanctuary, on the right side. The altar is built of wood and gold leaf. The west transept contains the sculpture of the Lord of the Forsaken, in a structure of 6 pillars, Doric, with a vaulted upper stained glass window. The transept contains the sculpture of Jesus "The Lord of Good Hope", with a structure of 6 pillars of Doric art with circumferential vaulting and a stained glass window of various colors.
85.77 Km.
Ignacio Flores Nautical Park
The Ignacio Flores Nautical Park is also known as Alameda Park due to the abundance of Alamos that embellished the sector. It consists of a lagoon formed by a natural "Ojo de Agua", the traditional "Timbug Pugyu", it is par excellence the meeting, relaxation and recreation place for Latacungueños and visitors. The lagoon has an oval shape, approximately one hectare in length, a complex has been built in the center, to access this "islet" you cross an ornamental bridge of modern design made of concrete, at the moment it has been remodeled adding facilities such as a wooden platform for shows, children's games, outdoor exercise machines, library, children's play area, green spaces, signage, cycle paths around the 4 m wide cobbled park. Night lighting of the lagoon, ecological garbage dumps, sites of rest such as benches, tables, and a pedestrian path for those who enjoy walking; there are also cypress trees (Cupresus sp), white brush (Callistemon citrinus) and palms It has a service Boats, stage for shows, children's games and large green spaces. Location: The Laguna Ignacio Flores Nautical Park is located in the Miraflores sector in the cantonal capital of Latacunga.
85.78 Km.
Forests And Waterfalls The Rocks
Cascadas Las Rocas is a set of eight waterfalls, seeking the protection and conservation of the ecosystem of the place. It seeks to be a place of protection and conservation of the ecosystem in which it is located to avoid its destruction. It is a route in the middle of the forest, crossing steps through the Bolo River, with crystal clear waters and that on its route has eight waterfalls. It is guarded by the Díaz family and by a group of Tsáchilas. This place was an energy source and a natural apothecary for the shamans who lived in this area. LOCATION It is located in the rural parish of El Esfuerzo, entering through the Santo Domingo - Quevedo road. We take the Santo Domingo – Quevedo road until we reach km 7 where we turn left, continue along this road for 19.3 km and then turn right, continue for 4.70 km until we reach an intersection where this time we turn left.
85.86 Km.
Los Illinizas Ecological Reserve
The altitude reached by the summit of Los Illinizas allows for the existence of two well-marked zones: towards the west, it is more humid soils and vegetation, while in the foothills that face the inter-Andean alley the soils are more sandy and with little Water. In the reserve you can observe flora and fauna, Los Illinizas, El Corazón, named for its inverted heart shape. A volcano with two peaks, a heart-shaped hill and a turquoise-green lagoon are the main attractions of this reserve. From its foothills are born the springs for two important rivers, the Toachi, which runs north through a 40-meter-high canyon, and the Pilatón. This reveals the importance of the cloud forests of this reserve for the generation of water for the nearby towns and cities. The reserve is divided into four sections and you may have visited it without realizing it. The largest includes a long block to the west of Quilotoa, where the springs and streams are born that will feed the Toachi River downstream. The second zone, located to the northeast, is the block where the Ilinizas (Illinizas Sur - Illinizas Norte) and the Heart are. The third block is to the southwest, separated from the larger section by the Latacunga – La Maná highway. The fourth block is a kind of island of 800 hectares that basically surrounds the Quilotoa lagoon.
86.44 Km.
Tapir Island Zoo
It is an ecological and recreational zoo, designed to contribute to the conservation of the environment, research, education, awareness and protection of wild species. At the zoo they rescue and care for wild animals, until they are returned to their natural habitat.Its name is due to the fact that the tapir species from the Amazon was brought to this place.It has 80 hectares, mostly it is a forest and with 200 animals. What you can do in the Tapir Island Zoo Wildlife observation Photography Location It is located in the city of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, 21 km from the bus terminal, via a la Concordia, left bank. Entry price Adults $4.00 Children (3 to 10 years old) $3.00 Seniors $2.00
86.65 Km.
Putzalahua Hill
Cerro Putzalahua, is conical in shape, constitutes a true viewpoint towards the city of Latacunga. Guardian of various hamlets, neighborhoods and parishes of Latacunga. Considered one of the most important in Cotopaxi. It contrasts with the extensive crops that exist in the surroundings of the hill and finally the typical vegetation cover of the moor. From the top of the peak, it is possible to see volcanoes such as: Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Altar, Illinizas, Chimborazo and Carihuairazo. In addition, you can see the city of Latacunga, Salcedo, part of Pujilí and the Belisario Quevedo parish. Considered as a site for walks, recreational practices, interpretive talks, cycling and extreme sports such as motocross, bicycle cross and paragliding. Its name means in native language "hill of water". Location Cerro Putzalahua is located 15 kilometers from the city of Latacunga, in the Belisario Quevedo parish.
88.39 Km.
Sinchahuasín Hill
In Cerro Sinchahuasín a stairway rises, the same one that is cut by the shield that has the date of Pujilí's cantonization printed on it; this stairway leads from the base to the top of the hill. The hill constitutes a viewpoint of Pujilí and its surroundings. It is a thick sequence of tuffs, agglomerates, pyroplastic materials and lava. To ascend to the viewpoint you have to climb 600 steps, in the middle of the ascent there is a diamond-shaped cement wall, in which there is a mural with the shield of the canton. At the top recreational activities are carried out and it constitutes a natural viewpoint of the city and its surroundings. At the top of the hill there is a steel tube cross, at the back of the cross there is a set of brick, stone, tile, and wood constructions, they are used as sites for craft trade, cabins for lodging and for conventions. In the center of the buildings there is a kind of agora for shows and attached a parking area. Location Cerro SinchahuasínThis hill is located one kilometer from the city of Pujilí, and 11 kilometers from Latacunga.
89.75 Km.
Ruins of Malqui - Machay
This place would be the last resting place of Atahualpa, according to investigations. The place is called Malqui Machay, which in Quichua means "burial of the body of the parent of the ayllu." The official news of the discovery of Malqui-Machay was released on April 8, 2011, within the framework of the Eightieth Anniversary of the Military Geographic Institute of Ecuador. In Machay there would not only be the historical compilation of the Incas, but also of the culture of the Yumbos and the Panzaleos. How to get? From Quito, at the Quitumbe Terrestrial Terminal you can take the following companies that travel directly to Sigchos: Ilinaza, Reina de Sigchos, Saquisilí, approximate distance by land 115 km, travel time 3 hours.
89.90 Km.
Quilotoa Lagoon
HISTORY OF LA LAGUNA DE QUILOTOA It has the appearance of a Caribbean island, but embedded in the middle of the Andes. The Quilotoa surprises more than one. From the viewpoint, located at 4,000 meters above sea level, you can see the lagoon formed in the crater of a volcano. The water, for minerals, has different shades: green, turquoise, blue. Natives, handicrafts, flora, fauna, constructions, climate, gastronomy and geography make this Andean tourist attraction one of the most sought after by national and international tourism. The journey to Quilotoa is also part of the tourist attraction, as it zigzags through the Andes and enters the Andean páramo. In the mornings, the greens of the mountains change their shade by the sun and, in the afternoon, the mist paints the duly signposted road with white. To get there, take the Latacunga-La Maná road, built by the current government. Upon reaching the town of Zumbahua, the ascent road continues for 15 more kilometers. The income costs $ 1 for Ecuadorians and $ 2 for foreigners. The vehicle arrives at a parking lot and, in its surroundings, there are crafts made by the inhabitants of Quilotoa. In addition, small restaurants, or food stalls, offer typical products of the area such as corn and beans. The food will give energy for the descent towards the lagoon. For about 30 minutes, along a dusty road, but marked with stones and sticks, you reach the edge of the Quilotoa lagoon. The cold is intense and the inhabitants of the area offer a variety of products: coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, fried foods. In addition, the transportation service is provided on horse or mule for the ascent. At a rapid pace it would rise in 1 hour and on horse it is done in 45 minutes. Tourists can also sleep in the area, in rustic cabins. The temperature at night can go down to 6 degrees in summer. They cost $ 10 per night. So in the morning you can take the time to take a boat tour of the 3 kilometers that the lagoon has. The main attraction is in certain areas where the fumaroles of the volcano are still active and heat the water. The Quilotoa lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful lagoons of volcanic origin on the planet. The most significant feature of this lagoon, with a depth of 250 meters, are its turquoise green waters. Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano of the Ecuadorian Andes, within its crater a caldera with a diameter of almost 9 km has been formed. This is the product of the collapse of the volcano, which occurred some 800 years ago. According to studies, the volcanic flow managed to reach the Pacific Ocean. In the 250 m deep boiler, a lagoon has formed. The minerals have given the surface a greenish and bluish tone when it receives the impact of sunlight. Inside, there are springs that from the shore, can be perceived as bubbling steles that rise to the surface. The popularity of Quilotoa is due to the beauty of its landscapes and the spectacle of calm waters. In the community of Quilotoa, also known as the Route of the "Summit" and which is accessed by bus from the town of Zumbahua, visitors can make ecotourism and adventure tourism with a high dose of adrenaline or simply contemplate the nearby landscapes . Even this place is close to what many researchers assume as the last resting place of the Inca Atahualpa, so this was the last sacred route of the Incas. Visiting Quilotoa is an overwhelming experience at approximately 4 thousand meters above sea level. How to get to Laguna Quilotoa? Tourists who visit the volcano and the Quilotoa lagoon use the frequencies of buses that depart daily and at different times to Latacunga and from this city, they use the services that link Latacunga, Pujilí, Zumbahua (64.33 km) and from this town to Quilotoa (12.67 km). The approximate travel time from Latacunga to Mirador de Quilota is 1 hour. How to get to Laguna Quilotoa from Quito in private vehicle? It is the best recommendation and the easiest way to get to the place but you also have other options such as renting a car or you can get a transport service with a professional person at the wheel and so you can enjoy the landscape much better. If your budget is not that high do not worry there is an option for you too, public transport; buses leave from the Quitumbe terminal in Quito and arrive at Latacunga. How to get to Laguna Quilotoa by Bus? From the Terrestrial Terminal of the city of Latacunga you can buy a ticket in a transport cooperative in the direction of La Maná or Zumbahua, with a journey of approximately 1H47 minutes you can get to Zumbahua and from there rent a van or some means of transportation till the Laguna. What to do in the Quilotoa lagoon? It is possible to take short and long walks around the crater of the volcano or descend to the waters of the lagoon, there is even a horseback riding service. The sector is ideal for camping and for the practice of astrography. Approximately 45 minutes from the main access control, there is a viewpoint built with wood and glass, which allows you to rest while contemplating the turquoise green waters. The inhabitants of the sector make handicrafts, such as ponchos, coats, hats and masks from the representation of the Devil Huma. Community tourism with affordable prices. Where to stay in the Quilotoa Lagoon? In the Quilotoa, Zumbahua, Tigua, Shalalá, Chugchilán, Itupungo and Guayama San Pedro communities, accommodation of different types is offered, such as hostels, hotels, cabins, hostels and inns. They also rent horses and water transport such as kayaks and boats, supporting the practice of sports activities that are carried out in the radius of influence of the Quilotoa Tourist Circuit, such as Trekking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Camping and High Rodeo. Quilotoa Weather In the Quilotoa lagoon the climate is approximately between 12 degrees Celsius, emphasizing that sometimes it reaches up to 20. If you plan to visit the place you must remember that between the months of January and May the rains are more frequent. Quilotoa Food In the place you can find food from a dollar like corn with cheese or different dishes that range between $ 5. Potatos with cuy There are also typical dishes made of barley rice ground in stone, with milk and panela. Cooked potatoes, beans, melloco, Choclos with cheese Mash with pork fat and pork Potatoes with beef from Borrego Creole chicken broth Bighorn broth Beef broth Purple wash with wawas of bread, this product is consumed in the times of the finados in all homes. Pouring sweet yellow corn, this dish is savored to receive jokes in social engagements. Dishes of Fanesca, in seasons of holy week. Legend of the Quilotoa Lagoon The legend says that from the center of the volcano (circular caldera) emerged the fearsome god Quilotoa, who destroyed everything in its path. Toachi, another of the Andean gods, appeared from the lagoon to fight Quilotoa. When Quilotoa erupted, the waters of the lagoon reflected the color of the gray sky, which provoked Toachi's anger. Pachacamac created a sacred bird to mediate in that conflict. The condor was chosen to watch over them and thus flew over those lands carrying news of the conflict. One fine day, the bird saw from above a beautiful woman who grazed her sheep in the moor and was spellbound. He decided to become human and took the personality of a pastor who slept very close.
90.72 Km.
The effort
Thanks to its geographical location, the Parroquia El Esfuerzo is a place that calls for tourism. Surrounded by rivers, visitors seek this space every weekend and on holidays. A few steps from the town center of El Esfuerzo, is the boardwalk, a pleasant place for recreational activities. In the place, the river is the main attraction, also already in the populated center, those who arrive can enjoy the gastronomy of the place. Its area of influence is marked by a small-scale agricultural and livestock vocation. The majority of the population works in agriculture and livestock. Its main products are cassava, lemon, banana and plantain. It is an area dedicated to agriculture and livestock. In this parish, festivities are celebrated in honor of the Virgen del Cisne on August 15, festivities in honor of Saint Vincent de Paul, patron saint of the parish, on September 28, and Parochialization festivities, on November 15, which are characterized by the delicious fried, Creole chicken broth and other typical foods. Location It is located in the Canton of Santo Domingo, 22 km from the cantonal capital, entering at km 19 of the road to Quevedo, left bank.
92.31 Km.
Toachi Canyon Zumbahua Parish
The Toachi Canyon is the product of pyroclastic flows whose source was the Quilotoa volcano. It is a great geographical accident in the form of a gigantic ravine that crosses part of the reserve and is visible from a natural viewpoint near the Zumbahua Parish. It is a site with a beautiful landscape in whose deep interior runs the Toachi River, the main hydrographic axis of the Zone. For lovers of rafting, the Toachi River Canyon is undoubtedly one of the best places to practice this sport full of adrenaline and adventure. The Toachi River Canyon was formed by the emission of pyroclastic flows, lithic fragments, sand, bombs and pumice stone from the Quilotoa volcano. The visit facilities can be made from the main road, the canyon is almost completely visible, for better security it is preferable to be accompanied by a guide due to its irregularity. Location It is located 10 kilometers from the Parish of Zumbahua, in the Cotopaxi Province.
95.97 Km.
We have 413 tourist attractions listed in Ecuador.