Walk and stroll through the La Moya community

A 3.7 km, three-to-four hour circular walk, led by a local guide, to the top of a hill at 3607 metres above sea level. From here we will admire 360-degree views of rolling patchwork fields, with the city of Riobamba in the distance. On a clear day, we will be able to see the peaks of Chimborazo, El Altar and Sangay (the country’s most active volcano, known by the Puruhás as Mama Isabela). On our way back down to the community, we will walk part of the Inka Ñan (Inca Trail). During the hike, we will see the campesinos going about their daily lives, watching over their sheep, harvesting beans and melloco, their ponchos bright dots of colour against the fields.

A visit to La Moya’s impressive museum, which has fascinating displays on the Puruhá legends of the volcanoes. Did you know, for example, that Carihuairazo is said to be the son of Tayta Chimborazo and Mama Tungurahua? In a replica choza (adobe hut), we can try our hand at grinding máchica (barley) between two stones, which is the traditional test of a woman’s suitability for marriage! Watching a short film, we’ll learn about the first ice merchants from La Moya, who used to hike to 5100m above sea level on the flanks of Chimborazo to mine ice by hand, bringing it down by mule wrapped in paja (paramo grass) and selling it at the market.

After the museum, we'll stop at the handicrafts shop, which has some beautiful and innovative ponchos made by the local women, alongside shigras (woven bags), painted wooden spoons and bead jewellery. Lastly, we will pay a visit to the village church, which is home to the patron saint of La Moya, St Agustin, a small religious icon made of adobe, who sits behind the altar surrounded by all the doll-sized clothes that people have brought as offerings. The community of La Moya holds an annual celebration in his honour during the third week of August.

After lunch, we will set out on a circular stroll around the footpaths of the charming community of La Moya, accompanied by a local guide and a delightful llama by the name of Agustina! As we stop en route to learn about medicinal plants, Agustina will chomp happily on the flowers that she carries on her back. We will be welcomed back to our accommodations by an elder and his young apprentice playing the bocina, a traditional Andean instrument made of cow horn.