Runa Tupari means “encounter with indigenous people” in Kichua language.  The organization with this name is working on community tourism, with the vision of a human encounter with the culture and traditions of indigenous communities of Otavalo.

Besides the possibility to share every-day life and activities with families of the community, Runa Tupari offer visits to imposing natural sites such as the Mojanda, Cuicocha and Piñán lakes, hikes through the Intag cloud forest, the Cotacachi Volcano or the Fuya-Fuya Mountains.  Horseback riding and mountain bikes are also available for visitors.

For more information: www.runatupari.com

COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM
Experience Ecuador from Within

Community-based tourism offers the opportunity to live a full intercultural relationship while contributing to the conservation of cultural traditions.  Moreover, it should represent an important tool for the sustainable development of communities.

Ecuador is home to more than 20 native cultures. This variety is strongly tied to the natural diversity of the country. Most native communities maintain a close relation with their natural surroundings, in ecosystems as intricate as the rainforest and other tropical forests, unique wetlands and mangroves. In the Andes, several native cultures have preserved their cultural values and lifestyles for centuries, which are strongly tied to Mother Earth.

Communities become hosts, and 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!
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.

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