Sisid Runa Kawsay

Arrival at the Sisid Anejo community. Discover its history and culture, and visit the church built in 1634

Depart via local bus to the remains of Ingapirca, passing through traditional farms. Observe the rich Andean agriculture or try to understand some Quichua conversation of your neighbours.

Tour of the ancient ruins and museum. Learn about the history, hear the myths and legends, and see Andean ceremonies. Then, we'll have some refreshments.

We continue our walk through the Quebrada de Inti Huayco to see archeological and geographical features, as well a beautiful landscape filled with colourful birds. Along the way we visit orchards with medicinal plants such as the Rambran, fruit trees such as the capuli, cymbals and shulala trees and ornamentals. We will stop at a sustainable farm to have lunch on the banks of the San Pedro River.

Upon arrival at the community of Sisid Anejo, refreshment are already waiting for us. During the course of the afternoon, we will play traditional games with the local children. In the evening, a meal prepared by the local women awats us, along with music and dance. You will have the change to try on the typical cañari costumes and join in a dance or two!

After a typical breakfast, we take a 4x4 vehicle to the Culebrillas Refuge. On our way there, we can observei eagles, deer, rabbits, and alpacas. Upon arrival, we request permission from the pachamama (Mother earth) for the tour and to visit to the Culebrillas mountains.

"We start the tour at the Labrashka Rumi ""stone workshop"" where you can see remains of carved stones used in Inca buildings. Our hike to the Culebrillas Lagoon leads us along amazing natural rock formations and the diverse local flora and fauna. Our local guide will teach us ancient legends about the Lagoon; After approx. 3h of hiking we arrive at the Tambo Real Paredones, ancient Inca buildings over 4000 meters above sea level. These were used by the Chaskis as a rest area or temporary accommodation. Refreshments are waiting for us. Then we continue along the Inca trail “Qhapaq Ñan”, enjoying the wide variety of bird life. Later we will have a traditional outdoor lunch. Taste 3 types of meat, mote, chicha, potatoes, mellocos, and beans. Afterwards we return to the community via 4x4."

After dinner you will have some Quichua class, to help you to greet the the people of the community and you will get a basic understanding of how this language is structured.