Saraguro Rikuy
Community Tourism Network in Saraguro, Ecuador
COMMUNITY TOURISM NETWORK "SARAGURO RIKUY"
The Saraguro Rikuy Community Tourism Network is a non-profit organization that creates transformative tourism experiences, connecting visitors with ancestral traditions, cultural identity, and the natural environment. Saguro Rikuy promotes comprehensive community development through the active participation of Saraguro’s Indigenous and rural communities, ensuring sustainability, social equity, and a positive impact. Responsible and self-sustaining tourism fosters meaningful learning experiences, celebrates cultural richness, and strengthens the connection between visitors and hosts for a more sustainable future.
Experiential and Rural Tourism
Living Communities of Saraguro
Saraguro’s Indigenous communities lie at the heart of their cultural, natural, and ancestral wealth. Each community offers unique activities where traditions, community work, and connection with nature intertwine to create meaningful experiences. You have the freedom to craft your visit: how many days, which activities, and where to go. After providing this information, we will send you a personalized quote. If you prefer, we can also design a specific tour that adapts to your needs and expectations.
Want to know more? Continue to read about Saraguro Rikuy’s communities and consider taking part in this living heritage.
Ñamarin
Gera
Las Lagunas
Oñacapac
Ilincho
A Corner of History and Tradition in Saraguro
Ñamarin
Located in the eastern sector of Saraguro canton, the Indigenous community of Ñamarín occupies a prominent place due to its antiquity and cultural richness. This picturesque community is one of the oldest in Saraguro. “Ñamarín” translates to “already leaving”, evoking the community’s proximity to a sacred site.
Traditional Architecture and Community Life
Ñamarín preserves an architecture that reflects its history and traditions. The wattle and daub, adobe, and wooden homes are surrounded by medicinal plant gardens, colorful flowers, and corn fields. These lands are worked collectively, either as a family or through the traditional mingas, an ancestral system of community work that symbolizes solidarity and unity. This agricultural and collaborative environment is the heart of the community’s daily life.
Ancestral Flavors
The food culture of Ñamarín is a tribute to its roots and traditions. Among the outstanding dishes are pinzhi, a comforting broth made with free-range chicken (caldo de gallina criolla) and corn tortillas (tortillas de maíz walo), full of flavor and culture. Additionally, guinea pig with potatoes served with pumpkin seed sauce is a delicacy that visitors should not miss. To complete the culinary experience, traditional drinks such as horchata, chicha, and the refreshing wahanku connect visitors with local flavors and customs.
Quality Crafts
Ñamarín is an ideal place for those wanting to take home a piece of Saraguro culture. Family workshops produce unique crafts made with sheep’s wool and adorned with mullos, small beads used in traditional ornamentation. These pieces reflect the art, dedication, and ancestral techniques of the community, passed down from generation to generation. Each creation is a testament to collective effort and love for their cultural identity.
Tourist Attractions and Unique Experiences of Ñamarin
Family Gardens: Immerse yourself in the daily life of local families, learning about traditional agricultural techniques while sharing meaningful moments of coexistence and learning.
Awana Wasi (The House of Weaving): In this space, Mama Rosa shares traditional weaving techniques, an art that has been passed down through generations, allowing visitors to connect with the cultural essence of the community.
Makana Workshop with Carmen Sarango: Discover an ancestral craft technique full of symbolism, where each makana tells a story that reflects the Saraguro identity.
Baños del Inka: This mystic location combines nature and history. Its waterfalls and caves offer a space for energizing, spiritual connection and are linked to the legacy of Inca Atahualpa.
El Vuelo del Gavilán: For adventure lovers, this unique experience allows you to explore the landscapes of Saraguro from an exciting perspective.
Living tradition and connection with nature
Gera
Visiting the community of Gera is a fascinating journey through time. Located in the east of Saraguro Cantón and surrounded by majestic mountains, green valleys, and impressive ravines, Gera preserves its traditional architecture, customs, Kichwa language, and dress. According to history, its name comes from an inhabitant named Gerardo, whom neighbors nicknamed “Gera”, giving rise to the name of this picturesque community.
A Landscape and Rural Life
Surrounded by majestic mountains, green valleys, and imposing ravines, Gera is a place where nature shines in all its splendor. Its fields are full of penco (agave) plantations, which form natural fences and add a unique character to the landscape. Among the wheat and corn fields that shine under the afternoon sun, there’s a tranquility that connects visitors with rural life and the community’s agricultural traditions.
Living Traditions and a Warm Welcome
In Gera, each visit begins with a warm welcome and guajango, an ancestral drink made from penco, a symbol of hospitality and pride in Kichwa culture. Local stories about the majestic Andean condor and the spiritual importance of wajanku enrich the experience. Current generations preserve artisan practices such as working clay into fine pottery.
Charming Accommodations
In Gera, visitors can choose to stay with local families, sharing traditions, stories, and authentic flavors in a cozy environment. For those who prefer an outdoor experience, Gera also has camping areas surrounded by mountains, native trees, and impressive landscapes, ideal for enjoying the tranquility of nature and starry nights. Both accommodations provide an authentic immersion in community life and the landscape of this charming town.
Tourist Attractions and Unique Experiences of Gera
Taski Pata Wasi: This cozy home, with its impressive viewpoint, invites you to contemplate the natural wonders of Gera. The warm hospitality of the community will make you feel at home.
Guajango: A traditional drink made from penco (agave) and offered as a symbol of welcome. Tasting guajango is like immersing yourself in the cultural essence of the community.
Archaeological Zone: Explore ancient archaeological sites and panoramic viewpoints that tell stories of the past. Every corner of this area is filled with mystery, history, and natural beauty.
Camping: Enjoy a unique experience camping among majestic mountains, native trees, cliffs, and wildflowers. This landscape will allow you to reconnect with nature in complete serenity.
An Enduring Incan Legacy
Las Lagunas
Discover the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Las Lagunas, a community where Andean traditions and communal life beat strongly. Originally known as Chukidel, this village is recognized for its vibrant celebration of Inti Raymi, a festivity that honors Taita Inti, the Sun God, and connects visitors with the profound spirituality of Inca culture.
Spirit of Collaboration
In Las Lagunas, the adobe and bahareque houses integrate perfectly with the Andean landscape, reflecting a lifestyle in harmony with nature. An emblematic example of their architecture is the Community House, collectively built through mingas, an ancestral practice that symbolizes solidarity and collaboration among community members. This space is a community meeting point and a place where cultural legacy is preserved and shared.
Living Culture and Deep Connection
Las Lagunas is much more than a destination; it’s a place where Saraguro culture is lived in every detail. From community customs to Andean rituals, each visit is an opportunity to experience daily life and the community’s spirituality. Deep-rooted traditions, such as homestays with Indigenous families, allow visitors to connect deeply with the values and principles that guide life in this village.
An Inspiring Landscape
In addition to its cultural richness, Las Lagunas offers an impressive natural environment. The Huashapamba Native Forest is a symbol of community pride and is treasured for its biodiversity and its vital role as a natural lung for the region. This Andean landscape invites visitors to reflect and reconnect with nature, appreciating the respectful relationship the community has with its surroundings.
Tourist Attractions and Unique Experiences of Las Lagunas
Family Tourist Accommodation: Experience the Saraguro lifestyle up close by staying with local families and share unique moments while learning their traditions.
Living with Saraguro Indigenous Families: Experience the community’s hospitality and discover the importance of community life in their daily routines.
Maki Awashka Quizhpe: Learn from this renowned expert on Saraguro culture, who offers an invaluable perspective thanks to over 40 years of experience.
The Community House: Visit this emblematic gathering place that symbolizes collective effort and the cultural heart of Las Lagunas.
Huashapamba Native Forest: Connect with biodiversity and nature in this protected reserve that the community proudly cares for.
Inti Raymi Community Education Center: Discover how education in Las Lagunas integrates the community’s ancestral values, traditions, and knowledge.
A Sanctuary of Faith and Nature
Oñacapac
Nestled among green landscapes and sacred waterfalls, the community of Oñacapac offers a unique experience that combines spirituality, tradition, and natural beauty. This special place attracts both faithful pilgrims and nature lovers, who feel inspired by the faith in the Virgin of Holy Water and the charm of its magical surroundings.
A Space of Faith and Community
The devotion to the Virgen de Agua Santa is reflected in the beautiful chapel that presides over the community. This place, built as a tribute to faith, has become a symbol of unity for the inhabitants and a point of spiritual interest for visitors. The chapel and its history enrich the experience of those who come to Oñacapac in search of connection and reflection.
A Journey of Renewing Energy
The heart of Oñacapac beats around the imposing Virgen de Agua Santa Waterfall, a sacred place that has been venerated for generations. Surrounded by lush landscape, this waterfall offers a spiritual experience and a deep connection with nature. Just a few minutes away is Cochapamba Lagoon, a mirror of water surrounded by greenery that invites visitors to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with the serenity of the landscape.
Flavors that Connect with Tradition
On weekends, Oñacapac comes alive with the aromas of its delicious food, prepared by local families. Each delicious dish is an example of the community’s culinary traditions and an invitation to share unique moments by the river, surrounded by nature. This sensory experience is a delight for the palate and soul.
Tourist Attractions and Unique Experiences of Oñacapac
Virgen de Agua Santa Waterfall: Admire the power of water and the serenity of the surroundings in this sacred place.
Chapel of the Virgen de Agua Santa: A space of faith that houses the venerated image of the Virgin, a symbol of devotion and community unity.
Cochapamba Lagoon: Just 5 minutes from the center of Oñacapac, this spot is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peace of the landscape.
Exquisite Cuisine: Savor the traditional dishes of the community, prepared with dedication and surrounded by natural beauty.
Where Mother Earth (la Pachamama) Embraces You
Ilincho
Ilincho Ayllullakta invites you to reconnect with the essentials: nature, people, and their traditions. Located in the highlands of Saraguro, this community offers spectacular views from Cerro Puglla, where the Andean landscape unfolds like a mosaic of native forests, pastures, and cultivated fields. Here, every step is an opportunity to feel part of something greater.
Harmony with Nature
The Native Forest of Wuashapamba is a sanctuary of biodiversity that contrasts with the open fields surrounding it. Walking through its paths, among century-old trees and native plants, is an act of connection with Pachamama. This space, full of life, symbolizes the balance between conservation and sustainable use of resources.
Rituals for the Soul
The energetic rituals led by wise Taitas offer visitors a deep connection with Pachamama. These ceremonies, full of symbolism, not only harmonize the spirit with nature, but also invite reflection and gratitude for the essential. Through these rituals, visitors become part of a living tradition that strengthens the bonds between the community, its environment, and its ancestral heritage.
Flavors that Transform
In Ilincho, flavors nourish both body and soul, telling stories of collective effort and tradition. The artisanal cheeses, made with techniques passed down through generations, are a reflection of the community’s commitment to its agricultural legacy and culinary creativity. On the other hand, local beers, a product of a growing brewing tradition in Saraguro, invite visitors to discover new facets of this region’s identity.
Tourist Attractions and Unique Experiences of Ilincho
Andean Rituals and Ceremonies: Experiences guided by Taitas that connect with spirituality and natural elements.
Wuashapamba Native Forest: Trails full of native life, ideal for reconnecting with nature.
Artisanal Beers and Cheeses: Local products that reflect the community’s effort and creativity.
Participation in Rural Life: Milking cows and collaborating in agricultural activities to experience the daily life of community members.
Why choose a community tourism experience?
A community tourism visit with the Saraguro Rikuy Community Tourism Network is much more than a trip; it’s a transformative experience that connects visitors with the essence of indigenous and rural communities. Founded in 2004 as part of an effort to promote community development, the Network works on conserving natural and cultural resources, while promoting sustainable alternatives that improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.
This tourism model not only seeks to generate income, but also to preserve ancestral traditions, the Saraguro worldview, and the values that have defined these communities over time. By participating, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic culture, live with local families, and learn about sustainable practices that strengthen the relationship with nature and people.
Furthermore, the Network aspires to be a powerful tool to foster mutual understanding and respect, creating bridges between cultures. With exceptional hosts and innovative experiences, community tourism in Saraguro not only enriches those who visit, but also the communities that make it possible, contributing to integral well-being and sustainable development.
Choose a community tourism visit and be part of an authentic, supportive, and enriching experience.
