Ecuador - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 586

Quito

PICHINCHA

QUILOTOA LOOP

Iliniza Norte
(5126m)

0 5

kilometres

Iliniza Sur(5248m)

N

RESERVA ECOLÓGICA
LOS ILINIZAS

Sigchos

COTOPAXI

Isinliví

Toacazo

Lasso

6

Tanicuchi

Chugchilán

Volcán
Yanaurcu
(4292m)

Saquisilí

Laguna
Quilotoa

Alaquez

Guangaje

Quilotoa

Tigua

Zumbahua

Latacunga

Pujilí

Ambato

ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
By bus Latacunga's bus station is on the Panamericana,
five blocks west of town. If Latacunga is not the final
destination of your bus, you'll be dropped off 400m further
west (take a taxi to the centre for $1, or walk over the
bridge). There are hourly services from the bus station to
Quito's Quitumbe terminal (1hr 30min) and Ambato (1hr).
For the surrounding indigenous villages there are buses to
Saquisilí (hourly; 20min). To get to Quilotoa, there is only
one direct bus per day (around noon). If you miss it, take
a bus to Zumbahua and take a taxi from there.
By train The Quito-Latacunga train service (4hr; $15
return, $10 one-way; W ferrocarrilesdelecuador.gob.ec)
passes through Machachi and Boliche. Services are more
frequent Fri-Sun and often don't run the rest of the week.
The route is popular so book in advance at the train station.
Tourist information Captur (Orellana, at Guayaquil
T 03 281 4968).

quieter option than the hostals on the main square, wit h
well-equipped rooms and high ceilings. Good value. $26
Hostal Tiana Vivero, at Ordoñez T 03 281 0147, W hostal
tiana.com. This friendly backpacker favourite has a range
of colourful new roo ms an d its own tour operator. Break-
fast included. Dorms $9.50 , doubles $22

EATING
Chifa Miraflores Salcedo, at 2 de Mayo. The best Chinese
restaurant with a wide range of soup, rice, noodles and
sweet and sour for $3-5.
El Copihue Rojo Quito 14-38. Charming restaurant
tucked away behind the cathedral, specializing in grilled
meats for $6-8.
La Mama Negra Ordoñez, at Rumiñahui. The best place
to try the local speciality chugchucara (fried pork with fried
potatoes, plantains and corn). $6-7.
Pizzeria Bon Giorno Orellana, at Maldonado. A friendly
place in which to escape the highland staples, with great
lasagne and large pizzas ($5) to share.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Central Orellana, at Salcedo T 03 280 2912. Along
with Hotel Cotopaxi next door, this is the best-located budget
option in Latacunga. Rooms have private bathro om, cable TV
and some have a great view of the main square. $20
Rodelu T 03 280 0956, W rodelu.com.ec. This upmarket
hotel has wood panelling, in dige nous motifs, free internet
and an excellent restaurant. $44
Rosim Quito 16-49 T 03 280 2172, W hotelrosim.com. A

LAKE QUILOTOA AND THE
QUILOTOA LOOP
The luminous turquoise water of volcanic
crater lake Laguna Quilotoa is one of
Ecuador's most awe-inspiring sights. The
lake was formed 800 years ago by a massive