Sigchos
Sigchos is a canton in the province of Cotopaxi, located in the center of Ecuador's Andean region. Sigchos was founded in 1537 by the Spaniard Hernando de la Parra.
The meaning of "Sigchos" comes from an etymological origin attributed to a chief of the Sigchila tribe ("Iron Arm") who tenaciously defended his territory and established the first settlement in what is now Wingopana and on the hill Pucara of Chisaló.
Sigchos has four parishes: Chugchilán, Isinliví, Las Pampas y Palo Quemado.
Sigchos urban area has nine neighborhoods: 24 de Mayo, 22 de Septiembre, 14 de Noviembre, Centro, Collanes, La Libertad, Puchuguango, San Juan y San Sebastian
Where is Sigchos?
Sigchos is located in the mountainous region of Ecuador, on the western side of the Andes mountain range. Sigchos is 74 kilometers from Latacunga and 43 kilometers from the Quilotoa Volcano & Lagoon (by the Sigchos-Quilotoa alternative road).
How to get to Sigchos?
You can visit Sigchos by private car, taking the detour on the Panamericana South E35 to the overpass that leads to the road to Sigchos. You can also get Sigchos by public transport from the Latacunga City Bus Terminal.
From Quito to Sigchos (2026)
You can travel directly from Quito to Sigchos by public bus with Bus Company "14 de Octubre". Ticket for sale on the second floor, gate 23 in the Quitumbe Bus Terminal. Departure times: 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM - Daily. Ticket price: $4.55 (+ $0.20 passenger fare). Estimated travel time from Quito to Sigchos: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Where to stay at Sigchos?
What to do in Sigchos?
- Central Park
- San Rafael Viewpoint
- Sigchos Park
- Town Square 22 de Septiembre
- Columnas de Tangan
- Start point of Quilotoa Loop
You can visit the San Rafael viewpoint by car or on foot from Sigchos (2.4km).
Sigchos Adventure Tourism
CHURO DE AMANTA
The Churo de Amanta is a hill surrounded by canals and ditches, at the top of which are stone ruins that would have been a fort used in combat against the Spanish.
WATERFALL LICAMANCHA
On the way to the Agüilla Canyon in Guacusig, on a mountain covered in virgin vegetation at an altitude of 2,476 meters above sea level, you will find Licamancha, an amazing waterfall with a drop of 102 meters that flows into the Toachi River.
SARAPULLO FOREST
Sarapullo (1,280 m.a.s.l) is a forest that has been protected since 1986. Minerals were mined here during colonial times, and the Toachi and Pilatón rivers flow through it. Today, it maintains a diverse ecosystem in terms of wildlife and landscapes.
Sigchos ⇆ Isinliví ⇆ Chugchilan
The town of Sigchos is the start—or end—of the complete trek to the Quilotoa Volcano and Lagoon. An adventure through the Ecuadorian mountain range that is worth experiencing at least once in your life, due to its accessibility, the friends you will make along the way, and its incredible Andean natural landscapes.