"Llacata kunka" the god of the lakes

We arrived to Latacunga nice bus ride with views to gorgeous landscapes. We stayed with Dariña and her family who allow us to have another great "surfer" experience. Latacunga is small but enjoyable city. If there is no fog or clouds you get chance to have clear view of volcano Cotopaxi and Iliniza. Really cool!

On first day we went to Saquisili – market place where they have 7 squares full of stands and goods to sell and nice mix of smells. Fresh and cooked food, clothes, tools, animals…well everything. Wondering around, we were not expecting to find baskets filled with guinea pigs (Chugchucara or cuy) sold for reproduction and as local delicious served with maize, beans and salad!!! Oh, horrible…. and no, we did not try it (at least for now)…

After 2 hours walking through mess of people we watched a nice student´s parade which was never ending.  We watched, watched and then ate and bought vegetable and fruit and they still walked and played on instruments..never ending J

On Friday we visited another volcano named Quilotoa. Perfect day! We walked into the crater of volcano to see lagoon and volcanic bubbles coming to the surface. Walking down was easy..but coming up…pretty difficult. When we finally got up locals tried to fool us telling there is no bus going to Latacunga. So we would take local taxi! Still they didn’t know we are no ordinary tourists :D we hitch-hiked to nearest village and took bus from there.

Next day was dedicated to relax in thermal bath in city called Banos. Surrounded by hills full of lovely flora, singing birds and shining sun..such a beautiful day. On the way back we saw another volcano, the Tungurahua, which is active.

On our last day in Latacunga we went to an enjoyable artificial lake which we believe all the inhabitants visit on Sunday. There was our last walk in Latacunga. We said good bye to street we walked through so many times, packed bags once again and got ready for night trip towards coast to Jipijapa.