Things To Do
in Saquisilí
Saquisilí is a highland market town in Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador, set in a lush valley at about 2,900 meters. It lies a short drive from Latacunga and serves as a gateway to the Cotopaxi region and surrounding Andean farmland. The town is famous for its open-air market, especially on Thursdays, where farmers, artisans and traders gather in a riot of color, sound and aroma.
Visitors come for a hands-on cultural experience, friendly locals and a chance to sample traditional Andean fare in a relaxed, village setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Saquisilí and settle into your accommodations. Stroll through the local streets to absorb the vibrant culture and unique architecture of this small town. Take your time to sample some traditional Ecuadorian breakfast options at a local café.
Visit the local market, known for its colorful textiles, fresh produce, and hand-crafted goods. Engage with the friendly vendors and try some street food specialties like empanadas and llapingachos. Enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with music and chatter as you explore the market stalls.
Choose a quaint restaurant for dinner and savor traditional Ecuadorian dishes like cuy or locro de papa. As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk in the central plaza, observing the local life and perhaps treating yourself to a local dessert. Wind down your day, reflecting on the vibrant experiences the town has to offer.
Early morning departure to Cotopaxi National Park, where you can admire stunning views of the active volcano. Begin with a guided hike through the breathtaking landscapes, observing diverse flora and fauna along the way. Don’t forget to take plenty of photographs as you journey to the Limpiopungo Lagoon.
Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view, appreciating the natural beauty and tranquil environment surrounding you. Post-lunch, engage in an optional horseback riding adventure to explore more remote trails within the park. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate through the stunning Andean landscapes.
Return to Saquisilí for a relaxed evening. Dine at a local eatery featuring regional specialties, and share stories with fellow travelers about your experiences in the park. As night falls, take a moment to stargaze and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural experiences at the market and in daily life
- Affordable costs and friendly locals
- Limited nightlife and some infrastructure gaps
- Rural transport can be basic and schedules vary
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Hablo inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Sin carne" - Without meat
- "¿Puede recomendar un buen restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
Places to Visit in Saquisilí
Visit one of these nice places.
A kaleidoscope of colors and textures: stalls with fruit, grains, textiles, and the occasional animal, ideal in the soft morning light.
Quiet streets around the plaza provide arches, stone facades and street photography moments.
Rural terraces and patchwork fields offer expansive Andean landscapes and farm life.
Food in Saquisilí
Saquisilí Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted pork with crispy skin, often accompanied by llapingacho and mote. Best found in traditional eateries near the market.
Must-Try!
Fried potato cakes stuffed with cheese, typically served with avocado, chorizo and eggs.
Roasted guinea pig, a regional delicacy in some family-run restaurants.
Goat stew simmered with cilantro and beer, a robust, comforting staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Ecuador’s most famous open-air markets, especially on Thursdays; a flood of colors, produce, meats, grains and prepared foods.
Empanadas, humitas, roasted corn, mote and canelazo to warm you on cool evenings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes” and a handshake; address older people with courtesy. Ask before photographing people.
Be mindful around sacred sites and respect personal space; avoid loud behavior and protect local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Saquisilí
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants 5–10% is common; for guides or drivers, 5–10% is standard if you’re satisfied.
Cash is king in markets and small eateries; many places in Latacunga or Quito accept cards, but carry cash for Saquisilí. ATMs are available in larger towns nearby.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–September brings clearer skies, cooler nights, and longer sunny days—great for outdoor activities and photography, but expect dusty streets and higher fire risk in rural areas.
October–May brings showers, higher humidity and greener landscapes. Roads can be slippery after rain; carry a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes.
Saquisilí at Night
Hiking in Saquisilí
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hike with views of Cotopaxi and the high Andean landscape.
Scenic routes offering panoramic valley views and rugged volcanic scenery.
Forest and hill trails suitable for day hikes near Latacunga and Quito farther away.
Airports
How to reach Saquisilí by plane.
Quito’s main international airport; about 90-120 miles (150-200 km) from Saquisilí, with bus or private transfer options.
Smaller regional airport near Latacunga; convenient for short domestic flights and ground transfers to Saquisilí.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents maintain traditional practices and languages.
A blended population with strong agricultural roots.
People who work in the surrounding farms and markets, contributing to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common in town and schools.
Riding along rural trails is a common activity in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saquisilí.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose veggie llapingacho, mote, legumes, fresh vegetables; ask for soups or stews without meat; request 'sin carne' or 'vegetariano' when ordering.