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Square · Latacunga, Cotopaxi
Centro histórico de Latacunga
The colonial center of Latacunga, built with volcanic pumice stone, around Parque Vicente León, with the cathedral, the town hall and old houses.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro histórico de Latacunga
Latacunga, capital of the province of Cotopaxi, was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and rebuilt several times after earthquakes and eruptions of Cotopaxi. Many buildings in the center use pumice, a light, porous volcanic stone of pale gray color, which gives the facades a distinctive texture.
The center is organized around Parque Vicente León, a tree-lined square with gardens, bordered by the Cathedral, with a white façade, and the Municipal Palace, built of pumice with arches. Nearby streets include churches such as Santo Domingo and San Francisco and colonial houses with courtyards, like the Casa de los Marqueses de Miraflores, now a cultural center.
The city is known for the Mama Negra, a festival that mixes indigenous, African and Spanish traditions, with parades of costumed characters, music and dance in September and November. In everyday life, Latacunga is a commercial town with food markets.
The typical dish is chugchucara: pork cracklings, mote, fried plantain, empanadas, popcorn and potato.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
During the day on weekdays. In September and November, for the Mama Negra festival, the city gets crowded.
How to get there
In the center of Latacunga, about 1 km from the bus terminal, on foot.
Tip
Try the chugchucara at one of the city's specialist restaurants. Notice the pumice stone of the Municipal Palace, facing Parque Vicente León.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro histórico de Latacunga
What is the Mama Negra?
Latacunga's festival, in September and November, with parades of characters, music and dance that blend indigenous, African and Spanish traditions.
What is chugchucara?
Latacunga's typical dish: pork cracklings, mote, plantain, empanadas, popcorn and potato.
Is it worth staying overnight in Latacunga?
As a base for Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, yes. The center can be seen in a short time.