We would like to invite you to join us on a cultural tour to a part of Ecuador that is overlooked by most tourists to Baños. Salasaka and Patate.
Salasaka is a small indigenous community located in the Andean Highlands, between Baños and Ambato. Patate is a small city located in the fertile Patate Valley.
The Salasakans have a very colorful past and the history is portrayed in a unique museum in the center of town. The work on this museum took many years and opened its doors to the public in 2013. It is housed in the tallest building in Salasaka and is open every day from 9:00 to 5:00
You are welcome to visit this unique museum on your own, however to enhance your experience we have put together this Cultural Tour with the museum as its centrepiece.
We would also like to acquaint you with the Katitawa Projects, which includes a school, library and plant nursery.....And now a Cultural Tour.
The Katitawa Project began in 2006 and is not part of any government program. It is also independent of any special interest group. It is an unique organization with only three people who are paid....And that money comes from voluntary donations. The rest of the work is done by volunteers from all over the world....And that includes the head volunteer who is a resident of Ecuador.
The Katitawa motto is, Sumak Kawsay Yachay. A Kichwa phrase meaning....Beautiful, Life, Education. The logo is SKY....The acronym in Kichwa or Spanish doesn't mean much but it does work well in English.
Itinerary
08:30...Orientation breakfast at the Posada del Abuelo.
09:15...Depart for Salasaka. This 45 minute trip will take us through Pelileo and on up to the home of the Indigenous people called the Salasakans. The elevation is 2900 meters. This town is a parochial of Pelileo, but is autonomous in almost everything.
Our first stop will be the Museum.
After spending as much time as desired in the museum, you are free to visit the artisan market which is located across the street from the museum.
A short distance up the street you will find the Katitawa Nursery. This is part of the Katitawa Project that includes the Katitawa School and the Rosa Maria Library.
11:30....Depart for the Katitawa School which is located on a hill just three Km from the center of town. On school days, you will have lunch with the children.
12:45....Say goodbye to your new friends and depart for Patate, a picturesque town where they are famous for their arapes and chicha de uva.
14:30.....Depart for Baños.
15:30....Arrival....Mas o Menos.
THE OPERATOR FOR THIS TOUR IS "WONDERFUL ECUADOR TOUR OPERATOR",
LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF MALDANALDO AND ORIENTE, Just a block from the bus station. Reservations can be made at most Hostels or Travel Agencies.
Or contact Wonderful Ecuador Tour Operator
Oriente & Maldonado
Baños - Ecuador
Email: info@wonderfulecuador.org
