Casa Cóndor - Chimborazo Province

The Pulinguí San Pablo community has created a Community Tourism Center called CASA CONDOR, located a 45- minute drive from the city of Riobamba on the way to Guaranda.    The community belongs to the Kichwa culture, and is mainly dedicated to cattle and agriculture.  People from Pulinguí San Pablo are willing to share their daily lives, food, music, dance, handicrafts and legends with tourists.

The main attractions in the surroundings are the snow-capped Chimborazo, the highest summit of Ecuador (6.310 m); the Machay temple, sacred site where local people make offerings; the thermal waters “Cunucyacu”; and a nearby Polylepis forest.

Casa Condor can host up to 35 people in shared rooms. Besides sharing with the community, horseback riding, hiking and climbing tours are offered. All these activities accompanied by a native guide. To visit Casa Condor you need warm clothes, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, a flashlight, sunglasses, and appropriate gear if you plan to climb the Chimborazo.

For more information contact the Ecuador Plurinational Federation of Community-Based Tourism (FEPTCE): Quito (02) 2509 907, Otavalo (06) 2926 814, Cuenca (07) 2844 538, Tena (06) 2888 479, Riobamba (03) 2951 996.

Information and photos courtesy of FEPTCE

This section is a contribution of the Ministry of Tourism to the development of community-based tourism

Community-based tourism offers the opportunity to live a full intercultural relationship while contributing to community development and the conservation of natural resources and cultural traditions. The Ministry of Tourism has committed with the development of this kind of tourism, which should represent a sound development tool for communities and allow for them to improve their living conditions.

Communities become hosts, and display their traditions, cultural expressions, art, gastronomy and natural environments. Many are open to share their local festivities, traditional handcrafting, their knowledge of medicinal plants, amongst other cultural manifestations. Moreover, they have developed additional activities for tourists to enjoy, such as hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, and fishing. Step off the beaten path and allow the native communities to be your hosts!.

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