Volcanoes & Communities

Day 1:Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the Andean highlands, stopping at Balbanera Church, Ecuador’s oldest, built in 1534. Nestled by Colta Lake, this historic site reflects Ecuador’s colonial past.

At Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, your guide introduces the region’s unique ecosystem, home to high-altitude species like vicuñas. A trek to Whymper Refuge at 5,000 metres (16,400 feet) offers stunning views and insights into the legendary Taita (Father) Chimborazo and his connection to Mama Tungurahua. Learn why this peak is considered the closest to the stars from Earth’s centre and its role in Andean folklore.

Day 2: Your day begins at Inti Sisa, a local education centre offering sewing, computer, and recreation programmes to Indigenous youth. Continue to Batalla de Tiocajas Educational Unit, where students lead an agrotourism initiative, showcasing traditional farming and medicinal plant use.

In Chanchan, you’ll meet the Zuña family, artisans crafting traditional ponchos from sheep and alpaca wool. Finally, you’ll visit the Chacaza community, where the Tambo family welcomes you into their thatched choza to try your hand at grinding machica flour using a stone mill. This journey offers hands-on cultural exchanges and a deeper appreciation of Ecuador’s Indigenous way of life.