Less than two hours northwest from Quito, on kilometre 26 of the Calacalí – La Indepen­dencia Road, the Yunguilla Community works implementing communitarian development alternatives. They have formed small enterprises that work in the production of jellies and jams, cheese, postcards recycling paper, flower, fruit and vegetable growing. This mestizo community, made up of 50 families, has been working on this project for over ten years.  The revenues are reinvested in a project for tourism, community development and micro credits.

The Yungilla community offer tours from one to five days, in which the visitors can participate in multiple activities such as treks through the cloud forest, tours through the organic vegetable gardens, horseback riding, bird watching,  participation in local festivities and traditions, amongst others.

Services and Facilities:

• Boarding in family homes
• Hostals with accommodation for 16 pax
• Camping area for 30 people
• Organic food
• Local guides

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.

Community-based Tourism
Experience Ecuador from within
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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