HERITAGE
THREE MORE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
All across the country, Ecuadorians are working to preserve traditions
Agua Blanca Community The Manteño people lived in Manabí from the years 800-1500; now, a group of descendants tell their stories at a settlement in Machalilla National Park. There’s an archaeological site, a museum and a market selling souvenirs, plus a modest spa. Visit for a sulphurous full-body wrap using Agua Blanca lagoon mud or a massage with oils from the palo santo ‘holy tree’, once used during Manteño ceremonial rites.
comunidadaguablanca.com
Amupakin Community The Asociación de Mujeres (Midwives’ Association) in Archidona, a town in Napo Province, works to preserve Indigenous Kichwa culture and teach women life skills such as cooking and weaving, as well as providing shelter to victims of domestic violence. You’ll have to be an early riser to witness their fireside ‘energising’ ceremony, where they share guayusa tea and chicha beer.
amupakin.org
Otavalo Cemetery Located in the town of Otavalo in Imbabura province, this hillside cemetery is divided into two parts. There are the sombre, stacked graves of the mestizos and the basic — but more festive — white crosses in the Indigenous burial site. Mondays and Thursdays are the official commemoration days, when Otavaleños gather to share meals and songs with the departed and vendors sell flowers. On the Day of the Dead, these celebrations become a full-on party.
ECUADOR 2023
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