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Photo: Arabsalam · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Saraguro: Indigenous Market and Living Culture

Saraguro’s Sunday market, the black-and-white dress of the Kichwa Saraguro people and their handicrafts.

  • 1 day (Sunday recommended)
  • Easy; the waterfall visit includes a short walk.
  • El Cardenal Hotel, Loja
Ask for availability and price View photos (2)

Some 64 km north of Loja, just over an hour’s drive, Saraguro is the heart of the Kichwa Saraguro people, recognisable by their black and white woollen dress. On Sundays the square fills with the market: textiles, food, household goods and the animal market, best seen early.

The tour includes the church of San Pedro, built between 1943 and 1963, time to shop for handicrafts and, if the group wishes, the Baño del Inca waterfall, over 60 metres high, in Ñamarín.

Saraguro's central square with gardens, a fountain and trees, under a cloudy sky
Saraguro's central square with gardens, a fountain and trees, under a cloudy sky
Photo: Arabsalam · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Saraguro's stone church facing the square, with its tower and rose window
Saraguro's stone church facing the square, with its tower and rose window
Photo: Arabsalam · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Itinerary

  1. 07:00 · Early start

    Breakfast and departure to Saraguro on the Pan-American Highway.

  2. 08:30 · Animal market and fair

    A walk through the animal market and the Sunday fair.

  3. 10:30 · San Pedro church and handicrafts

    Visit to the church and the craft stalls and workshops: textiles, embroidery and beadwork.

  4. 13:00 · Traditional lunch

    Lunch in Saraguro.

  5. 14:30 · Baño del Inca waterfall (optional)

    Visit to the waterfall in Ñamarín and return to Loja.

Includes

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transport from and to the hotel
  • Guide
  • Traditional lunch

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Dinners
  • Entrance fees to museums, zoos and other sites
  • Handicraft purchases
  • Anything not listed in the programme

What to bring

  • Layered clothing and a warm jacket
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and a cap
  • Water bottle
  • ID document
  • Cash for handicrafts

Saraguro: Indigenous Market and Living Culture

Ask for availability and price

We quote it according to the date and the size of the group. Tell us when and how many are travelling and we will reply with availability and price.

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