Cotopaxi - Province

Cotopaxi

This province of Ecuador is named after the active volcano Cotopaxi, the most important in the country. Latacunga is the capital of Cotopaxi since ancient times, one of the economic and most important centers of the Ecuadorian central highlands with a very rich history, culture and tradition that has influenced other nearby provinces. It should be noted that Cotopaxi is the ninth most populated province nationwide.

Cotopaxi Ecuador

The economic activities of the population range from agriculture, livestock and tourism, its great territories for many centuries they were filled by a growing and very characteristic agricultural industry from the area.

Cotopaxi History

Its founding date is April 1, 1851 during the colonial era, the military district was founded with the name of San Martín de Latacunga, under the administrative power of the Spaniards, the lands and indigenous would be distributed among the newly arrived settlers, part of the history of the province accounts for the work in the encomiendas and mitas that years later gave rise to three great marquisates with both political and economic influence, especially in

the most important decisions of the colony, it is known that the influence and importance that the marquisates of this province would achieve would be seen reflected in the appointment of a president of the Royal Audience of Quito originally from this land. During the independence struggle would be the marquesados themselves that would support the separation from Spain and would greatly help the libertarian process of that time. While in the republican era the corregimiento of Latacunga would be elevated to Villa and with it the Province of León is created, which brings together the now Cantons of Latacunga and Ambato.

Cotopaxi tourism

Places to discover in Cotopaxi

• Quilotoa Lagoon: Its waters have a greenish color and its shape is semi rounded, it is so particular that it is easy to recognize its shape and color even from the air. With an extension of 3 kilometers, it is ideal for visiting and walking observing the characteristic landscape and nearby elevations.
• Saquisilí Fair: Within cantonal activities, since a long time ago, every week and every year the fair is held in what was once a small central square. Now this fair takes place on Thursdays and has been growing in the economy of center of the country. Historically it has had folk, traditional and cultural approach.
• Cotopaxi National Park : It is a very protected reserve, located 30 km from the city of Latacunga. Is one of the most important attractions of the Ecuadorian highlands. The Cotopaxi volcano is located here.
• The 7 Zapanal Waterfalls: There are a total of seven beautiful waterfalls that are extended throughout the Zapanal area, a haven of relaxation and rest where nature can be feetys and and one can breathe pure air.
• Yambo Lagoon: this lagoon has its alluvial origin and has formed due to the presence of slopes that run under the land.
• Latacunga: In the capital city of this province you can discover much of the traditional, tourist, gastronomic and cultural wealth characteristic of this province.

Cotopaxi Province

Cotopaxi Weather

The climate of Cotopaxi goes between: humid temperate, rainy wasteland andtropical subhumid miaccording to the climatic floors that conform it. The province has several states in its climate that range from the icy of the Andean peaks down to the warm humid in the subtropics, the part less cold The capital, Latacunga is located about 2,800 meters above the

sea level, therefore the blanket a mild climate, but sometimes windy and thermally cold. So you know, if you go to the High part or the capital of the province do not trust the sun and protect yourself from cold, a scarf, warm clothes is something you should pack first in your suitcase.

Cotopaxi gastronomy

The gastronomic offer of Cotopaxi is based on typical dishes of the Ecuadorian highlands adapted to its context, customs, traditions and culture,  so in the province we can find the following delicacies:

• Salcedo ice cream: They are made with various types of fruit juices,the special thing about  these ice creams is that, in a palette we can find between 5 and 6 flavors, they are well known in other provinces for its homemade elaboration.
• Allullas : Allulas are a bit crunchy breads, made with fat of pig, wheat flour, eggs.
• Bked Guinea Pig (Saquisilí) In this place of Ecuador this traditional dish is made in a wood oven and is accompanied with potatoes cooked with peel and peanut sauce or cariucho as it is known in the region.
• Llapingachos: mashed potatoes, with a cheese center that is almost always served with fried or baked pork, accompanied with a little avocado, sausage, lettuce salad, fried egg and tomato.
• Chugchucaras It has fried pork, mote,  cooked potatoes, fried banana, empanadas, popcorn and pork chunks. It is accompanied with a little spicy or chili pepper, a sauce made with red spicy chili that grows in the area, tomatoes, cilantro and onion.

Culture and traditions of Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi culture is characterized like other nearby provinces for his miscegenation and the deep Catholic faith, during the main celebrations of the province one can be observe the harmonious mixture that summons tourists from across the nation.

The parade and troupes of the Black Mama is one of the most celebrated and important festivities of this province and is known throughout Ecuador, each year summons thousands of people who enjoy the scheduled activities.

This holiday takes place in the capital of the province, Latacunga, the celebration is held year after year and consists of several iconic characters of the history of the Black Mama that make a troupe that Parade through the city streets. Everything revolves around the Black Mama representing the Virgin Mary, this festival icon should always be a man dressed as a woman riding a horse, carrying in his right hand t his daughter named Baltasara, who is a black doll and with his left hand throws a white liquid that is milk with water to the public. 

This character's costume is very diverse. Other companion characters are: The Moorish King, The Captain, The Angel of the Star and The Flagman, other of the many secondary characters but very important and that interact with the attendees of the parade, are: ashangueros, the guacos, the carrillas, among others.

Like other popular festivals in Cotopaxi is the Corpus Christi. This ancient festivity takes place specifically in Pujilí, well known also throughout the nation, in it there are many dancers who dance to the sound of a quiet music and several streets become a stage of celebration.

Some dance groups from different cities of the country participate to give color and excitement to this important festival. This celebration worships to the body and blood of Christ, the customs of before conquest are merged here, the festival takes place at the beginning of the harvest season. After the celebration ends  there is a popular bull fight and other important acts within the framework of this festivity.