Travel Options
Black Sheep Inn is located at 10,400 feet in elevation in the town of Chugchilán,
County of Sigchos, Province of Cotopaxi, ECUADOR about 6 kilometers north of Laguna Quilotoa.
Enter: "Chucchilan Cotopaxi Ecuador" in a
GoogleMap.
We highly recommend you spend four to five nights+ at Black Sheep Inn. Getting here is an adventure
and once you arrive, it is so beautiful, you will not want to leave. There are enough activities to
spend a week filled with day-hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or just relaxing in the Yoga Studio or Sauna.
The roads have been greatly improved over the last few years and now the entire driving loop
is paved with asphalt.
The "Latacunga Loop" OR "Quilotoa Circuit"
is a name given to a large loop
of spectacular winding roads that connect Laguna Quilotoa to Latacunga and the Pan-American Highway.
It is recommended to travel in one way and leave on the other part of the loop, thus completing the circuit.
We are located on the western side of the Quilotoa Loop, well off the beaten track, about three and a half hours
from Quito and two and half hours from the Pan-American Highway.
Road Work on the Northern Loop - through SIGCHOS
The local government is repaving the road and there will be periodic closures.
Check with Edmundo at 03-270-8077 for the most current information.
Map of Quilotoa Loop
Map of Wider Area
Bus Schedules -- getting to Black Sheep Inn
For bus travel to Black Sheep Inn, the first step is to get to the bus terminal in Latacunga.
This is a straight forward morning bus ride from Quito. If you're travelling
from farther away,
you may need to spend the night in Latacunga. We have some recommendations for
staying in Latacunga.
It can take 6-8 hours to travel to the Black Sheep Inn from Quito by public transportation
because of connections etc., but it will only cost about $5-$7 per person.
Buses depart for Chugchilan from Latacunga at 7am, 11:30am, 11:45am and 3pm.
Quito to Latacunga
Buses leave every 30 minutes (or less) from
Terminal Quitumbe, the terminal on the south side of
Quito. The bus to Latacunga takes just over an hour and costs about $1.50.
You can reach Terminal Quitumbe via the Trolebus, taking it all the way to the
last stop, going South. The Trolebus is an electric bus line that runs all the way through Quito,
from the north, to the Terminal Quitumbe in the south. You can check out a
trolebus map,
and an extensive trolebus website in
English.
If you start out from Quito by 8:30 AM, you should have enough time to 1.
take the trolebus to Terminal Quitumbe, and 2. take the next bus to
Latacunga, arriving before 11:00 AM to make your transfer.
A taxi from New Town Quito to the Quitumbe Bus Terminal costs $10 to $15 and takes about 45 minutes
depending on traffic.
Latacunga to Chugchilán
Look for Cooperativa Transportes La Iliniza for the bus all the way to Chugchilán.
A new busline called 14 de Octubre also goes all the to Chugchilán departing at 7 AM.
The bus from Latacunga to Chugchilán takes 2.5 to 3 hours and costs about US$2.50.
Terminal Terrestre is located on the west side of the Pan American Highway, just south of the 5 de Junio
Bridge.
Latacunga Bus Terminal | ||||
Every Day, All Week | 7:00 AM | Bus to Chugchilán, via Zumbahua | ||
Every Day, All Week | 11:30 AM | Bus to Chugchilán, via Sigchos | ||
Every Day, All Week | 11:45 AM | Bus to Chugchilán, via Zumbahua | ||
Every Day, All Week | 3:00 PM | Bus to Chugchilán, via Zumbahua |
The bus through Sigchos drops you off right at the Black Sheep Inn's
driveway. The other buses travel through Zumbahua and drop you in the Plaza of
Chugchilán, a five minute walk down to the Black Sheep Inn.
In general the journey takes 2.5 - 3 hours by bus, but times vary widely on these trips.
Bus Schedules -- departing Chugchilán
Most people traveling by bus need to first get back to Latacunga, which is on the Pan-American Highway.
There are now several daily buses from Chugchilán to Latacunga.
From Latacunga, you can get buses to most major destinations.
BUT you do NOT need to wake up at dawn to travel.
Remember that you are on vacation!
Private transportation
can be arranged to take you to Zumbahua, Latacunga, Quito, Baños and many other destinations
Buses leaving Chugchilán | ||||
day | time | destination | duration | notes |
Every Day | 4:00 AM | to Latacunga via Sigchos |
2.5-3 hours | daily bus |
Every Day | 5:00 AM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | daily bus |
Every Day | 6:00 AM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | daily bus |
Every Day | 1:00 PM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | daily bus |
Monday thru Friday | 6:00 AM & 10 AM |
to Sigchos |
40 minutes | Students' bus to Sigchos, transfer to another bus to Latacunga |
Friday | 2:00 PM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | Teachers' bus that leaves the area for the weekend after classes. |
day | time | destination | duration | notes |
Sunday | 9:00 AM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | 1st Sunday Bus |
Sunday | 10:00 AM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | 2nd Sunday Bus |
Sunday | 11:00 AM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | 3rd Sunday Bus |
Sunday | 1:30 PM | to Latacunga via Zumbahua |
2.5-3 hours | Last Sunday Bus |
|
|
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Simon Car Rental is an independently owned car rental company. Many of our guests have rented from them and they have good rates. Simon can deliver your car to your hotel within Quito or they can meet you at the Quito International Airport for a fee of $15. Rentals start at around US $40 per day. They offer a 15% discounts for SUV's and 4X4's if you are traveling to the Black Sheep Inn. SUV's start around $75 per day. Depending on where you are driving, the 100 km per day should be sufficient. |
We recommend that you download and print the PDF version of these directions. It's best to have a copy with you on the road.
General Notes
Black Sheep Inn is about 3-4 hours driving from Quito. It is best
to leave in the morning in order to ensure great views along the
way and to have enough time for photo breaks and stretching
your legs. You no longer need a four wheel drive to get here, even
the smallest rental cars make it. The entire driving loop is now paved.
All roads in Ecuador have been greatly improved over the last
few years. Many streets, roads, and intersections are only
recently being marked. Therefore these instructions will
describe clear landmarks to look for as you drive. When
referring to bridges in the city, these instructions ignore
pedestrian walkways that go over the road. It may be helpful if
someone can be your navigator, and read to you as you are
driving. Please be aware that landmarks are constantly
changing and sorry if some of the instructions are redundant.
WARNING: PICO Y PLACA
COVID-19 Restrictions are very different, please check with local autorities.
In order to reduce peak hour traffic congestion, Quito has implemented restricted
driving hours based on the last digit of the license plate on the vehicle you are driving.
This system is called "Pico y Placa" and you are not allowed to drive between the hours of
7:30-9:00 am or 4:00-7:30 pm within Quito.
Monday - License Plates ending in 1 or 2
Tuesday - License Plates ending in 3 or 4
Wednesday - License Plates ending in 5 or 6
Thursday - License Plates ending in 7 or 8
Friday - License Plates ending in 9 or 0 (zero)
Weekends and Holidays there is no Pico y Placa
If caught driving fines are HIGH. Your car can be parked in Quito during these hours, just not circulating.
Click for more info
From Quito -- New Town -- Mariscal --> via El Trebol
You have two options from the center of Quito. The first option is:
Via 'El Trebol' Cloverleaf Interchange
*This is now the quickest route.*
These directions start from the intersection of Naciones Unidas
and Rio Amazonas. Head south on Amazonas. This is a main
street that goes along a large park (La Carolina) on your left
and Malls. At the J.W. Marriott, a big beige building on your
left, turn left (east) on Francisco de Orellana.
Continue on Orellana up a hill until you get to a traffic circle,
turn right (south) on 12 de Octubre. Pass another traffic circle,
but continue on 12 de Octubre past the Swiss Hotel and
Radisson on the left. You will go under a bridge in the middle
lane, marked with a sign Oriental. This will curve under the
bridge and go to the left. Traffic will be merging in with you.
Stay straight with the main traffic flow past a large Military
Hospital on your right and Ruminahui Stadium on your left.
After the Hospital stay in the right lane. The road curves right
and leaves houses/apartments behind. You'll pass a Mobile
Gas Station on your right.
The traffic pattern has changed at 'El Trebol'; it is now a large
traffic circle combined with and a clover leaf. Go until a bridge
and clover leaf intersection, pass under the bridge and turn
right, which loops you around to the top of the same bridge,
merge and stay left following the road uphill. This is the first
step out of Quito on via General Ruminahui, also called E-35.
This is currently a 2 lane highway up and 3 lanes down, you will climb up.
Pass under a bridge and get in the right lane. Exit right before
the next bridge. Sign says to Chillogallo. You are now climbing
on the Nuevo Oriental heading south; also called Simon
Bolivar. This is a Quito bypass. It goes up high on the eastern
ridge above Quito. There is a pull out on the right with a great
view over the Southern part of the city.
Continue on the Nuevo Oriental/Simon Bolivar and follow a
sign for 'Tambillo - Aloag - SUR'. This is a fast road, El
Periferico/Simon Bolivar, that stays high. The Pan American
Highway merges in from the right and the road expands to 4
lanes each direction.
You are now on the way to Latacunga (see
Quilotoa Loop directions below).
From Quito -- New Town -- Mariscal --> via Tunnel
The second option is:
Via Interoceanica --> Guayasamin Tunnel --> Simon Bolivar
WARNING: Traffic through the Guayasamin Tunnel is one way
into Quito from 7-9:30 am; and it flows only out of Quito from 4-7:30 pm.
The rest of the time traffic is in both directions.
These directions start from the intersection of Naciones Unidas
and Rio Amazonas. Head south on Amazonas. This is a main
street that goes along a large park (La Carolina) on your left;
turn left on Republica and at the next intersection turn left
again onto Eloy Alfaro. At the next stop light turn right on Los
Shyris. At the next stop light veer right following the traffic
circle, but stay left and immediately take the first exit left going
down an underpass. This will put you into the Guayasamin
Tunnel via the Interoceanica E-28 going east towards
Cumbaya and Tumbaco.
When you come out of the tunnel there is a $0.40 toll booth.
Stay in the right lane to pay the toll with cash.
Take the first exit right and loop sharply around to the Nuevo
Oriental heading south; also called Simon Bolivar. This is a
Quito bypass and curves around behind the city. It will cross a
large bridge and climbs up the other side. The 'new' Ruta Viva
which goes to and from the 'new' Quito Airport in Tababela comes
in from the left. After crossing
another bridge over a large road (this connects to the 'El
Trebol') continue straight and climb up on the Nuevo Oriental/
Simon Bolivar heading south.
The Nuevo Oriental/Simon Bolivar goes up high on the eastern
ridge above Quito. There is a pull out on the right with a great
view over the Southern part of the city.
Continue on the Nuevo Oriental/Simon Bolivar and follow a
sign for 'Tambillo - Aloag - SUR'. This is a fast road, El
Periferico/Simon Bolivar, which stays high. The Pan American
Highway merges in from the right and the road expands to 4
lanes each direction.
You are now on the way to Latacunga (see further
Quilotoa Loop directions).
From the NEW Quito Airport 2013
Via Interoceanica --> La Ruta Viva --> Simon Bolivar
From the Airport head south to Pifo and then turn right (west)
on the Interoceanica E-28 towards Tumbaco, Cumbaya and Quito.
Make sure you stay on the Ruta Viva which is modern and fast
(although watch your speed: 90kph).
"La Ruta Viva" now connects the new Airport with the Simon Bolivar heading
either South (or North). After merging South on the Simon Bolivar you will cross
a bridge over a large road (this connects to the 'El
Trebol') continue straight and climb up on the Nuevo Oriental/
Simon Bolivar heading south.
The Nuevo Oriental/Simon Bolivar goes up high on the eastern
ridge above Quito. There is a pull out on the right with a great
view over the Southern part of the city.
Continue on the Nuevo Oriental/Simon Bolivar and follow a
sign for 'Tambillo - Aloag - SUR'. This is a fast road, El
Periferico/Simon Bolivar, which stays high. The Pan American
Highway merges in from the right and the road expands to 4
lanes each direction.
You are now on the way to Latacunga (see further
Quilotoa Loop directions).
Heading South towards Latacunga
Once out of Quito, you are on your way south to Latacunga.
The Black Sheep Inn is at the far end of the "Quilotoa Loop," so there
are two different ways you can go to get here. Both are beautiful and take
about four hours from Quito. You can choose the
Northern Route or the
Southern Route.
You should plan on driving in one way, and out the other. This way you can complete the
loop and enjoy the unique scenery in both directions. It is recommended coming in via the
Northern Route and Sigchos, then when you depart you can see Laguna Quilotoa in the morning
when the weather is the best and continue on the rest of the loop.
Quilotoa Loop -- Northern Route -- via Sigchos
The Northern Route goes near Saquisilí and then through Toacazo and Sigchos to
Chugchilán. This route is slightly harder to find your way. You may need to
ask directions once or twice. People are very friendly, and if you ask the name of
the next town, they usually point you in the correct direction. Remember that many people
do not own vehicles, so they may not have an accurate sense of how long it takes to get somewhere
driving. Also many people have not traveled through the back-country to locations
such as Chugchilán.
After leaving Quito you will go through Aloag. All traffic goes to the
right, follow signs to the south Latacunga, Ambato or Riobamba.
Aloag is the turn-off for traffic going down to Santo Domingo and the
coast. Make sure you continue south to Latacunga, not west towards
Santo Domingo.
Lasso is 33 kilometers south of Aloag. You will pass through
Machachi and there are a few gas stations. After
Café de la Vaca on
the left and Pizza El Hornero on the right there is a Panavial toll booth
(currently $1.00). Then you will
climb over a mountain pass. If it is clear, Cotopaxi is very close on your
left, the Ilinizas Twin Peaks on the right. Sometimes coming down this
pass you can see the Avenue of the Volcanoes: Tungurahua
(smoking), Las Altars, Sangay (also smoking, but further away) and
Chimborazo to the right.
Follow the Pan American Highway down past the entrance to Cotopaxi
National Park (large bridge over the highway after a long straight downhill).
This is about 1+ hour south of Quito. On the right will be
your last chance to buy high octane gasoline - "SUPER". Gasoline is
also available near Sigchos, but only "EXTRA" - which is REGULAR
unleaded gas. Continue on towards Lasso.
There is now a bypass
around Lasso. You want to look for a small green sign on the right that says
'Tanicuchi'. There is also a large sign with the image of Laguna Quilotoa,
an emerald colored crater lake, advertising Canton Sigchos. These signs are placed
just as you are approaching a large bridge over the highway with a stop
light under the bridge. The turn is on your right before you get to the bridge
and stop light. (If you miss the Tanicuchi exit, take a right at the next stop light.
This will bring you to the intersection with the Sigchos road. Go straight across.)
Stay right after the exit and traffic circle. Turn right at the first stop
light towards Toacazo and Sigchos. After a couple of speed bumps, you are
now on your way to Toacazo (toe-ah-CAH-so) on a paved road.
NOTE: If it is Thursday and you want to go to
Saquisilí (pronounced
sock-ee-see-LEE) for the market before coming up to Chugchilán, then
you will continue straight through the stop light, this takes you through Tanicuchi to
Saquisilí, otherwise skip ahead to Lasso to Toacazo.
You should be on a paved road. You will pass a gray sign with white
and yellow letters on your right that says "SANTUARIO DE CUICUNO"
and then go down a steep hill and over a river. There is a WELCOME
sign going over the road. The village is just a few
kilometers away. Lock your vehicle and have someone watch it while
you wander around the extensive market squares.
When leaving Saquisilí Market return the same way and turn left at the
"SANTUARIO DE CUICUNO" sign. The potholed road climbs steeply
up to a beautiful old church on your left and turns right. Visit the
Church if it is open and you have time. Many people have been cured
of sicknesses and disease there. The road is paved, but in poor shape.
In Toacazo they have changed the traffic pattern of the one square
village. You must turn right one block away from the main square on a
one way street, at the next block you are forced left, drive straight into
the main square. Keep going straight one block past the main square
and turn left. There will be a gas station on your left in about a km.
After merging at a stop light, you are on your way to Sigchos. You can
also ask in Toacazo for the road to Sigchos (SIG-choe-z).
LASSO TO TOACAZO
If you did not go to Saquisilí, Lasso to Toacazo takes about 15
minutes. You will pass a few flower plantations (plastic covered
greenhouses) and a hotel called La Quinta Colorada on your left.
Follow the road as it curves around; do not turn at any of the
intersections. At a stop light follow the bypass around the right side of
Toacazo that passes the cemetery.
TOACAZO TO SIGCHOS
Sigchos is about 1 hour+ away. Toacazo to Plancha Loma is very
fast now on a new road, about 10 minutes. (After Plancha Loma there
is a turn off to the left to go to Isinlivi on a bad dirt road; you do NOT go
to Isinlivi to get to Sigchos or Chugchilán). After Plancha Loma you
climb to a high pass and the road is good almost all the way to
Sigchos, watch your speed on narrow hairpin turns.
The road begins to drop into a beautiful canyon. Continue on the main
road staying left at a hairpin turn at a large painted white rock. You will
cross a small bridge over a nice clear stream. The next community is
called Las Manzanas with a small store on the right. You will drop
down into the Rio Toachi canyon and climb up the other side. About
half way up you go through Yalo (yah-
LOW). There is a gas station on your left in Yalo; last chance to fill your
gas tank. Keep going up to Sigchos.
Sigchos now has street signs and even a few stop lights! As you come
into Sigchos you will be on a road called '14 de Noviembre'. After
passing the Municipio parking lot with some road equipment and
paving stones, take the second left onto "Eloy Alfaro". Continue
straight through 2 stop lights and about 6-8 intersections. The road
is now unreasonably wide and newly paved and fast to
Chugchilán. OR ask in Sigchos for the road to
Chugchilán (choog-chee-LAHN). This road stays high above the
canyon, if you are dropping down on a dirt road right away, you are on your way to
Isinlivi, turn back. Black Sheep Inn is about 35 minutes from Sigchos
(24 kilometers). You'll see the sign on the right. The driveway is steep,
so drive it with a little bit of speed.
WELCOME!
Quilotoa Loop -- Southern Route -- Via Zumbahua
Driving in through Latacunga - Pujili - Tigua and Zumbahua
After leaving Quito southward, you will go through Aloag.
All traffic goes to the right, follow signs to the south Latacunga,
Ambato or Riobamba. Aloag is the turn-off for traffic
going down to Santo Domingo and the coast. Make sure
you continue south to Latacunga, not west towards
Santo Domingo.
You will pass through Machachi and there are a few gas
stations. After Café de la Vaca on the left and Pizza
El Hornero on the right there is a
Panavial toll booth (currently $1.00). Then you will climb
over a mountain pass. If it is clear, Cotopaxi is very close
on your left, the Ilinizas Twin Peaks on the right.
Sometimes coming down this pass you can see the
Avenue of the Volcanoes: Tungurahua (smoking), Las
Altars, Sangay (also smoking, but further away) and
Chimborazo to the right.
Lasso is 33 kilometers south of Aloag. Continue down
the Pan American Highway south around Lasso on the bypass to
Latacunga (lah-tah-COON-gah), about 20 minutes.
Just past a military installation there is a bypass around
Latacunga and Salcedo. This is a short cut to Pujili and the
turn-off for the Southern Route.
You will pass the NEW Quito Prison on the left (at the Latacunga/Saquisili turn off).
This road is a 3 and 4 lane highway around Latacunga, although there will be 2 stop
lights almost immediately. Look for an exit for Pujili, Zumbahua, La Mana, Quevedo etc.
Stay right after exiting. You are now on
the Latacunga - Quevedo road. At the next traffic circle stay right
on the bypass around Pujili. You will come to another small traffic circle;
take a right and climb on the road to Zumbahua.
If coming from the South of Ecuador
From Banos, Ambato, Riobamba, Chimborazo or even
Cuenca
When heading north on the Pan American, there is now a bypass that starts between Ambato and
Salcedo and easily gets you to the Pujili traffic circle
without ever seeing Latacunga.
Look for a sign to Pujili, Zumbahua, La Mana, Quevedo etc.
Exit on the right and drive around the traffic circle (above the highway)
to head west towards Pujili.
Just after the
turn off on the right for La Victoria, cross a bridge and at the
traffic circle, turn right on the Pujili by-pass.
When you come to another mini traffic circle turn right. The road you
are on has been completely rebuilt all the way to
Zumbahua and beyond.
The climb from Pujili
goes up and up and up on a winding good road.
Now you are heading towards Zumbahua (zoom-BAH-
wah) about 45 minutes from Pujilí (60 kilometers). Tigua is
about 10 km before Zumbahua and they have a small
gallery on the right featuring Naif Paintings. More
paintings are available at Laguna Quilotoa.
At the turn off into Zumbahua there are some small
stands selling drinks and food on the right. The turn off
to Zumbahua, Quilotoa and Chugchilán is just after
these stands on the right. If you pass a gas station, you
have gone too far and you are on your way to Quevedo,
turn back. You can fill your gas tank, if you haven't
already. The entrance road to Zumbahua is paved.
Continue through the village with the main
square on the right, going down and crossing a bridge
over a river.
ZUMBAHUA TO QUILOTOA (key-low-TOE-ah)
is 14 kilometers (about 20 minutes driving). After a few
kilometers along the paved road, you cross another
stream and pass through a small community. The road
follows along the canyon's edge with a posted look out for Rio Toachi Canyon
on the right. At the fork turn right
and then over another bridge. There is a painted sign
for Quilotoa at this junction. Follow the paved road. The
road climbs gradually to Quilopungo, a small school and
walled in playground.
Continue past the Ponce turnoff and a sign for Shalala on
the right, pass a sign for Nino Rumi and up to an archway indicating the entrance
to Quilotoa on the right and the road to Chugchilán
(choog-chee-LAHN) to the left. It is worth stopping to see
Laguna Quilotoa on the way in, even if only for a few
photos. Chugchilán is about 30 minutes away.
MAJOR ROAD WORK has been done on the road from
Quilotoa to Chugchilan. It used to be the worst part of
the road and the total distance was 22 kilometers. The
finished road is now only 16 km and paved.
Mountains were literally torn down, curves filled in and
valleys bridged... Go slow through the 'Canyon of Cement'.
Watch out for repairs and wash-outs. The road arrives all the way to Chugchilan. It used
to take an hour from Quilotoa to Chugchilan, now it is under a half hour.
Black Sheep Inn is about a 500 meters down the road
past the village of Chugchilán (a small plaza with a
church and some buildings). The driveway and sign will
be on your left. The driveway is steep so drive it with a
little bit of speed.
Welcome!