Getting To and Away from Chugchilán

Transportation

By Caroline Bennett

Buses from Latacunga leave for Chugchilán via Sigchos (stopping in Saquisilí around noon, then in Sigchos for about 15 minutes around 2 pm) on the northern route at 11:30 am daily, and for Chugchilán via Zumbahua (passing through at about 1:30 pm) on the southern end at 12:00pm. Either journey takes about 4 hours.

Buses returning from Chugchilán to Latacunga leave early and pass through towns on their respective routes along the way. In general, buses headed to Latacunga via Sigchos leave around 3 am everyday, with several additional times later in the week. Buses taking the southern route from Chugchilán leave daily at 4 am, with several additional departures later in the week and on market day.

General bus transportation from Chugchilán is as follows:

Mon: Chugchílan to Latacunga via Sigchos 3 am

Chugchílan to Latacunga via Zimbahua 4 am

Tues: Chugchílan to Latacunga via Sigchos 3 am

Chugchílan to Latacunga via Zimbahua 4 am

Weds: Chugchílan to Latacunga via Sigchos 3 am

Chugchílan to Latacunga via Zimbahua 4 am

Chugchílan to Zimbahua / La Mana 5 am

Thurs: Chugchílan to Latacunga via Sigchos 3 am

Chugchílan to Latacunga via Zimbahua 4 am

Fri: Chugchílan to Latacunga via Sigchos 3 am

Chugchílan to Latacunga via Zimbahua 4 am

Chugchílan to Zimbahua / La Mana 6 am

Sat: Chugchílan to Latacunga via Sigchos 3 am

Chugchílan to Latacunga via Zimbahua 3 am

Chugchílan to Zimbahua / La Mana 4 am

Sun: Chugchílan to Latacunga via Sigchos 4 am, 4:30 am, 5:30 am, 12 pm Chugchílan to Latacunga via Zimbahua 6 am, 9 am, 10 am, 2 pm

*During the school year (Sept-June) there is a daily bus from Chugchilán to Sigchos departing at 5:30 am (you can change in Sigchos for the 7 am bus to Latacunga); note that the bus doesn’t run when there are no classes, so ask around.

*Buses leave from Zumbahua headed to Latacunga every 30 minutes during the day.

*Buses leave from Sigchos headed to Latacunga and Quito in the afternoon.

Monday through Saturday there is also a milk truck that makes the journey from Chugchilán to Sigchos, from where you can then take an afternoon bus to Latacunga. The truck usually passes through town around 9 am, though this can vary so ask the locals to be sure.

If you get stuck or aren’t eager to brave the early mornings, you can hire a private pickup from any of the towns with hostels. Private transport from Chugchilán to Quilotoa is $25 for up to five people; $30 to Zumbahua or Sigchos for up to five; and $60 all the way back to Latacunga.