Cultural Landscapes in Bolivar and Chimborazo Province

Home , Battle of Pichincha, Chimborazo Province

NATIONAL TOUR GUIDE

CULTURAL LANDSCAPES IN BOLIVAR AND CHIMBORAZO PROVINCE

PROPONENT

MONICA JUDITH PUERTAS DONOSO

QUITO – ECUADOR OCTOBER 2016

CULTURAL LANDSCAPES IN BOLIVAR AND CHIMBORAZO PROVINCES

PROPONENT

MONICA JUDITH PUERTAS DONOSO

APPROVED BY:

MGTR. DAVID CHONTASI ING. PATRICIO RAZA Tutor Career Coordinator

LCDO. PEDRO PASTOR MGTR. DIANA QUINTERO Tribunal Professional Guide Tribunal English Professor

To God, for His love.

To David, Emilia and David Benjamín for their love and because they are my reason for living.

To my parents, my sister and my brother for their support and patience.

III

CONTENTS

CULTURAL LANDSCAPES IN BOLIVAR AND CHIMBORAZO PROVINCES ...... 1 THEME ...... 1 CHAPTER I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 CHAPTER II INTRODUCTION ...... 1 CHAPTER II JUSTIFICATION ...... 3 CHAPTER III OBJECTIVES ...... 4 3.1 General ...... 4 3.2 Specific ...... 4 CHAPTER IV METHODOLOGY ...... 4 4.1 Deductive Method...... 4 4.2 Inductive Method ...... 5 4.3 Descriptive Method ...... 5 1. Data compilation of attractions on the route ...... 5 2. Selection of attractions, providers and activities that will allow the design of three route options ...... 6 2.1 PROVIDERS ...... 6 2.2 ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES ...... 7 2.3 DESIGN OF THREE ROUTE OPTIONS ...... 8 3. Technical evaluation of the most optimal route ...... 13 4. Operative itinerary ...... 13 Day One ...... 13 Day Two ...... 21 5. Field trip ...... 25 6. Operative itinerary adjustments ...... 27 BROCHURE ...... 28 CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 31 5.1 Conclusions ...... 31 5.2 Recommendations...... 32 CHAPTER VI BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 34

CULTURAL LANDSCAPES IN BOLIVAR AND CHIMBORAZO PROVINCES

THEME

The elaboration of a project to promote cultural landscape tourism in the areas of Bolivar and Chimborazo provinces that are currently not acknowledged by the tourism industry.

CHAPTER I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In its effort to foment investigation and to promote the development of Tourism, UDET requires from their students in order to graduate, the elaboration of a project consisting on the development of a touristic route and to carry it on an actual guided field trip.

The purpose of the present work originated on one hand, to fulfill this requirement, being the assignment about Cultural Landscapes in Bolivar and Chimborazo provinces, and on the other hand, to accomplish a personal interest to visit, explore, and have an encounter with the local people. All in order to determine potential touristic attractions in these provinces, and to eventually incorporate them within the category of National Cultural Landscapes.

Finally, to assume the personal duty to do the best so that Ecuador gets to be known as a country fully committed in environmental preservation, sure of the tremendous diversity of interactions between humans and their environment and a strong candidate to be inscribed in the World Heritage Cultural Landscape List.

CHAPTER II INTRODUCTION

The definition of Cultural Landscapes may lead anyone to consider the terms by separate, Culture and Nature only, but the concept is much greater, it goes beyond the study of people, geography or history, it gathers humans relation with their environment along with the tangible (such as national parks) and the intangible (spoken heritage and cultural manifestations) in it.

The 1972 World Heritage Convention meeting recognized for the first time the cultural and natural heritage with an exceptional and universal value. In 1992 the Committee became the first legal tool adopting guidelines for their inclusion of Cultural Landscapes in the World Heritage list as a new category (Unesco, 2016; Rössler, 2006).

As Unesco (2016) mentions: “cultural landscapes represent the combined works of nature and of man, they express a long and intimate relationship between peoples and their natural environment”.

The Republic of Ecuador, at latitude 0°0´0¨, with an area of 257,217 km2, four natural regions, and 14.5 million people, is a country of countless richness. Its value lies not only on its biodiversity, geology, and landscapes but also on its people, history and tradition. For this reason, it is recognized worldwide as a country committed with the environment, and the people.

Article 379 in the Ecuador´s National Constitution states the protection of tangible or intangible landscapes that are relevant for the memory and identity of the people.

Such landscapes should have historic, artistic, ethnographic, archaeological or paleontological value like languages, oral traditions, cultural manifestations, creations, monuments, natural sites, creations, and others, within the figure of Cultural Landscapes as part of the national cultural heritage that shall be unalienable, immune from seizure and not subject to limitations, having the State priority right over the acquisition of cultural heritage assets (Political Database of the Americas, 2011).

Ecuador has eight sites that have been declared as world heritage by Unesco but none under the category of cultural landscape (Unesco, 2016).

As a result of the present investigation three touristic itineraries within Bolivar and Chimborazo provinces are proposed, these include visits to historic and natural sites and approaches with people of the local communities. The itineraries proposed are not part of the travel agencies usual programs.

CHAPTER II JUSTIFICATION

Worldwide, tourism is one of the fastest growing and important industries in the economic, environmental and socio-cultural scopes. Tourism produces economic gains and it is an employment generator. Ecuador has received more than 50 awards in the last two years. In 2015 the income generated from tourism reached USD 1.691 million (Senplades, 2016); the internal tourism in Ecuador produces USD 4 million daily and USD 900 million per year (Ministerio de Turismo). In 2015 the Tourism Ministry launched the country's national campaign "Ecuador touristic power” with the goal for 2018 to turn Ecuador´s tourism into the first source of non-oil income (Andes, 2016).

Tourism is increasing constantly and travelers are seeking a closer encounter with people, culture and nature. The concept of Cultural Landscapes constitutes a new approach of recognition of the interaction between man and the environment.

During this study, it was noticed that several rural areas in the provinces of Chimborazo and Bolivar have been developing communitarian projects since the last decade. Such actions represent a social, cultural, environmental and economic progress, however, these projects and communities need a bigger promotion so that tourists visit them more often and get a better appreciation of our culture and diversity.

Due to the increase of tourism in Ecuador, and its importance for the economic growth and development, it is very important to find and strengthen zones with potential attractions, different than the already well known and visited.

International Tourism is a key piece for these communities’ growth and development, it helps strengthen the economy and acquire better appreciation of Ecuador as a country of great culture and diversity that will translate into further promotion and income.

Positioning Ecuador into the World´s frame of Cultural Landscape Treasures means Ecuadorians should start appropriating of their places, peoples, traditions, landscapes, languages, nature, and history, to grow their self-esteem, feel proud and reinforce their territoriality.

CHAPTER III OBJECTIVES

3.1 General

To establish the attractions related with cultural landscapes in the provinces of Bolivar and Chimborazo in order to appeal to national and foreign tourists.

3.2 Specific

To search new tourism projects that would fit into the typology of cultural landscape as a contribution for the tourism development of Ecuador

To propose three non-exploited tourist routes that include nature, historic and community related attractions in these two provinces.

To contribute with new opportunities to value and create awareness on the local, indigenous and traditional cultures.

CHAPTER IV METHODOLOGY

The following methods were used in this investigation:

4.1 Deductive Method

The work started with an exploration on the generalities of Cultural Landscapes as a recent concept and as a new Unesco category of World Heritage. Later it was found that Ecuador has progressive policies about Cultural Landscape in the country, to the point that it is included in the National Constitution. However, despite the efforts, Ecuador has not yet hadany item registered at Unesco´s list.

Some information was gathered from the records related to the theme on Internet. Papers and books from experts in the subject were also analyzed. From

4 the information obtained and organized came the criteria to define the three routes to present, to finally end up choosing one.

4.2 Inductive Method

Collecting information about Cultural Landscapes and other subjects related to the area of interest in Salinas and Colta gave a much wider view of the assets in Chimborazo and Bolivar.

This lead to the understanding of the importance of Cultural Landscapes consolidation for countries and for the entire World.

4.3 Descriptive Method

Descriptive investigation was also used since situations and events are important part of the present work.

An exploratory field trip was done in order to determine times, condition of roads, technical stops and to see the quality of services given by providers. During these visits, contact and talks with people of the communities were held. New ideas came out that were considered for the elaboration of the itinerary.

A meeting with Dr. Rosa Campillo, expert in the matter and with vast knowledge in community and solidarity action, was important to deepen on the subject.

These activities were carried on from September 14th to October 12th 2016 and the written manuscript from September 28th to October 12th, 2016.

1. Data compilation of attractions on the route

 Simon Bolivar freeway, with view point of the city of Quito  The “Avenue of the Volcanoes”

 Panamerican Highway, famous road linking the Americas  Machachi, chagra rodeos, Sunday market  Cotopaxi volcano and National Park  La Ciénega, 17th century hacienda  Latacunga Saturday market  La Finca Café, fresh nice breakfast  Ambato, Monday markets  Pilahuin, indigenous people  Salinas de Tomabelas communitary factories, cooperative development  El Refugio hotel and restaurant  Guaranda, capital of Bolivar province  Mt. Chimborazo, highest peak of Ecuador and National Reserve  El Arenal, vicunas, llamas and alpacas  La Moya, communitary Project  Pulingui communitary Project  Urbina paramo  Hosteria La Andaluza  Riobamba, capital of the province  Hotel Abraspungo, on the way to Guano  Hotel Libertador, center of Riobamba  Colmitur, Empresa pública Municipal de Turismo  Cajabamba market on Sunday  Colta lagoon, community projects  Sicalpa, old town and churches  Guamote, Inti Sisa community Project

2. Selection of attractions, providers and activities that will allow the design of three route options

2.1 PROVIDERS

Transportation

A van from a tourist transportation company that has been long time in the travel business fulfills all the requirements for tourist safe transport. Driver is polite and does a good job.

Accommodation

First it was considered to do the overnight in Riobamba so several hotels were contacted. Hotel Libertador was suggested by the Empresa de Ferrocarriles people but it was not what clients were looking for.

Second option was Abraspungo hotel but it was full. Estrella del Chimborazo was full as well. Finally, Hostería La Andaluza was the right option.

Food

Hostería La Ciénega, good place for breakfast on the right time after departure from Quito in a very important history location. Other places were not an option since they are closed at the time we pass through their area. La Finca is also a good place, their sandwiches are delicious and fresh same as coffee.

Lunch possibility at Pulingui, La Moya or Salinas.

2.2 ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Simon Bolivar free way´s view point at Lomas de Puengasí chosen instead of Sangolquí drive to optimize time.

The “Avenue of the Volcanoes” on Pan-American Highway, spectacular and the only way to get to destination desired.

Cotopaxi volcano will be seen from the road, park not visited since it is not in the route assigned.

Other cities on the way not chosen because their main attractions take place on other days than Saturday.

Salinas is a good option because it is one excellent example of solidarity- cooperative development; it´s location in the middle of cliffs, fields, and pastures is different from valleys seen before. Possibility to do some souvenir shopping and visit to the community factories.

La Moya is a good place since it is a well known community project to visit their museum and their solidarity shops.

Cuatro Esquinas and Pulingui because they have very good attractions, like Baltazar Ushca´s home (Baltazar is the last “iceman” of Chimborazo), or the organized communities of Pulingui.

Guaranda has experienced a growth in the last years and should be promoted. There are tourist hotels and a very nice location in the mountains.

El Arenal, a must to see and is on the way.

Riobamba, it is the center of the province and a very attractive city with plenty of history.

Colta community is very organized and needs promotion. It reunites culture, people, traditions, nature, and landscape.

2.3 DESIGN OF THREE ROUTE OPTIONS

Ecuadorean Andes, Landscape and Culture

2.3.1 FIRST ROUTE

DAY 1 Saturday October 15th

06h30 Pick up from UDET at Machala Ave.

06h30 to 8h00 Drive to Lasso 08h00 to 9h00 Breakfast at Hacienda La Ciénega in Lasso 09h00 to 12h00 Drive to Salinas de Tomabela 12h00 to 13h45 Visit to community factories 13h45 to 14h45 Lunch at local restaurant in Salinas 14h45 to 15h40 Drive to indigenous community Project La Moya 15h40 to 17h45 Drive to Riobamba 17h45 Check in at hotel 17h45 to 19h00 Time to relax and enjoy the place 19h00 Dinner

DAY 2 October 16th

07h30 Wake up call 08h00 to 08h45 Breakfast and check out the hotel 08h45 to 09h30 Panoramic tour of Riobamba 09h30 to 10h00 Drive to Colta 10h00 to 13h15 Tour of Colta, Sicalpa and surroundings 13h15 to 14h15 Lunch in Colta 14h15 to 18h30 Drive back to Quito 18h30 Arrival to UDET

END OF SERVICES

The tour includes:

• Accommodation for the night of the 15th October • Private transportation • English speaking guide • Meals: two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner, one soft drink at the meals • One bottle of water per person per day

Not Included:

• Anything not specified • Personal expenses

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes • Camera • Sunscreen lotion • Clothing for temperate and cold climate (layered dressing recommended) • Raincoat • Cap or hat

This is the route selected because of the different elements in it that include history, nature, people, traditions, and community projects.

2.3.2 SECOND ROUTE

DAY 1 Saturday

06h30 Pick up from UDET at Machala Ave. 06h30 to 8h00 Drive to Lasso 08h00 to 9h00 Breakfast at La Finca 09h00 to 12h00 Drive to Guaranda 12h00 to 12h30 Sightseeing of the city 12h30 to 13h30 Lunch 13h30 to 14h45 Drive to Pulingui indigenous community 14h45 to 16h30 Visit of museum and community 16h30 to 17h30 Drive to hotel in Guaranda 17h30 Arrival to hotel and check in 17h40 to 19h00 Time to relax and explore the surroundings 19h00 to 20h30 Dinner

DAY 2 Sunday

07h30 Wake up call 08h00 to 08h45 Breakfast and Check out the hotel 08h45 to 10h00 Drive to Riobamba 10h00 to 11h30 Riobamba sightseeing tour 11h30 to 12h15 Drive to Guamote 12h15 to 13h30 Activities with the community at Inti Sisa 13h30 to 14h30 Lunch in Guamote

14h30 to 18h30 Drive back to Quito 18h30 Drop off at UDET

END OF SERVICES

The tour includes:

• Accommodation for Saturday night • Private transportation • English speaking guide • Meals: two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner, one soft drink at the meals • One bottle of water per person per day

Not Included:

• Anything not specified • Personal expenses

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes • Camera • Sunscreen lotion • Clothing for temperate and cold climate ( layered dressing reccomended) • Raincoat • Cap or hat

Attractive tour but some elements on the second option were kind of weak and others got apart from the essence of the theme.

2.3.3 THIRD ROUTE

DAY 1 Saturday

06h30 Pick up from UDET at Machala Ave. 06h30 to 08h40 Drive to Latacunga

08h40 to 09h15 Breakfast at La Finca 09h15 to 12h45 Drive to Salinas 12h45 Arrival to Salinas and check in at hotel 13h00 to 14h20 Lunch 14h20 to 16h20 Visit to cheese and chocolate Factory 16h20 to 18h00 Time to explore the town 19h00 to 20h30 Dinner

DAY 2 Sunday

07h30 Wake up call 07h30 to 08h30 Breakfast and check out 08h45 to 10h00 Drive to Cuatro Esquinas 10h00 to 10h30 Visit the “Last Iceman” of Chimborazo 10h30 to 11h30 Drive to Riobamba 11h30 to 12h30 Riobamba sightseeing 12h30 to 13h00 Drive to Urbina 13h00 to 14h30 Lunch at Hostería La Andaluza in Urbina 14h30 to 18h30 Drive back to Quito 18h30 Drop off at UDET

END OF SERVICES The tour includes

Not Included:

• Anything not specified • Personal expenses

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes

• Camera • Sunscreen lotion • Clothing for temperate and cold climate ( layered dressing reccomended) • Raincoat • Cap or hat

This tour was interesting but not selected because Baltazar Ushca (Baltazar is the last “iceman” of Chimborazo) was difficult to contact since he is working at the Guano Council. A risk to include this visit on the tour and then not have the key person.

3. Technical evaluation of the most optimal route

With the three designed routes a matrix was elaborated using five indicators, each route was evaluated on each one of these indicators which were then added to give a final percentage (Table 1).

Table 1. Evaluation and weighting matrix for optimal route

Indicators Weighting % Route 1 Route 2 Route 3 1 Tourist attractions 20 90/100 18% 90/100 18% 90/100 18% 2 Natural 20 85/100 17% 80/100 16% 75/100 15% 3 Cultural 20 85/100 17% 70/100 14% 80/100 16% 4 Etnographic 20 80/100 16% 60/100 12% 70/100 14% 5 Community project 20 85/100 17% 70/100 14% 80/100 16% 100 85% 74% 79% Fuente: Elaborado por: Puertas, Mónica. 2016

According to the results obtained from the matrix, the first route is the chosen one because it has the highest overall percentage.

4. Operative itinerary

Day One

Quito – Hacienda La Ciénega – Eco ruta Ambato – El Arenal - Salinas de Tomabelas - Riobamba

Quito

The adventure starts early at UDET headquarters at Machala Ave. at the northwest of Quito to then take the Mariscal Sucre freeway going south.

Driving across this amazing city that nests at the foothills of Pichincha volcano, the visitor will have the chance to appreciate its intricate terrain, architecture and development.

Quito, capital of Ecuador and capital of the Pichincha province, at 2.840m. above sea level, was declared by Unesco as the first World Heritage Site in 1978. This amazing city spreads for about 50 km in a longitudinal way above Mt. Pichincha plateau.

Quito was the center of the Quitu-Cara nation, then one of the main headquarters of the Incas, and after that was conquered by the Spanish conquers in 1534. The first successful Independence Declaration in South America was done in this city in 1809.

In 1822 Simon Bolivar´s troops leaded by Marshall Antonio José de Sucre fought the “Battle of Pichincha” at the slopes of the volcano to set Quito free from the Spanish domination (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Pichincha Volcano. Source Puertas Mónica (2016)

Taking the Simon Bolivar freeway, stop at Lomas de Puengasí view point to observe the city´s southern sector and to spot at “cara de Sucre” a natural rock formation that looks like Antonio Jose de Sucre´s profile.

For long time Quito has remained “unknown” for travelers but now it is becoming a tourist destination after winning several world awards for its beauty in the last years.

Drive to the south along the Pan-American highway, admiring the spectacular scenery of the famous “Avenue of the volcanoes”, title given by the famous scientist Alexander Von Humboldt during his voyage in South America in the 19th century (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Avenue of the volcanoes. Source http://turismoyrutas.blogspot.com/2014/07/por-la-avenida-de-los-volcanes.html

Pan-American Highway

It is a network of roads that links almost all of the main countries in the American Continent in a length of 30.000 kilometers. It is the longest road in the whole world.

The idea of a route that would go from tip to tip in the Americas was exposed at the First Pan-American Conference in 1889 as a railroad but this idea was not followed. At the Fifth International Conference of American States in 1923 the idea of a highway was more viable and construction starts in the different participant countries after the signature of an Agreement. In 1937 Mexico was the first Latin American country to complete its portion of the highway.

Volcano Cotopaxi

After 1 ½ hour drive the next province in the journey is reached: Cotopaxi, with its impressive volcano of the same name and its 5.897 meters elevation, nowadays considered one of the highest active volcanoes in the world since its reactivation in August 2015.

Some unproved sources claim that Cotopaxi means “Neck of the Moon”, locals believe that it is the provider of rain and in its summit the gods live.

Cotopaxi has registered about 87 known eruptions, being the first recorded one in 1534, and the last in 2015.

Hacienda La Ciénega

Soon comes Hacienda La Ciénega in the town of Lasso where breakfast will be served next to the gardens and where visitors can enjoy watching various birds like the sparkling violet eared hummingbird.

La Ciénega is a 17th century estate, originally owned by Don Matheo de la Escalera y Velasco, a noble spanish colonizer. Later, some of his descendants were heroes of the Independence of the country (Hacienda La Cienega).

The property is not only beautiful but has a lot of history. A number of important visitors, relevant political, historical and scientific events have taken place at this hacienda.

Among the personalities who have visited the place are the french scientists Charles Marie de la Condamine, Louis Godin and Pierre Bouguer who came to the Real Audiencia de Quito in 1736 commissioned to measure one arc of the Earth’s curvature on the Equator to prove its real shape. Coincidentally, they witnessed two eruptions of the volcano Cotopaxi in 1743 and 1744 (Hacienda La Cienega).

During Independence wars, some of the Ascazubi family properties, were confiscated by the spanish authorities and then returned to the Ascazubi by Marshall Antonio José de Sucre, hero of Pichincha. This motivated Sucre´s visit to La Ciénega.

Another remarkable visitor of La Ciénega was the German scientist, naturalist and explorer Alexander Von Humboldt in 1802 who after visiting the place in company of Aime Bonpland and Carlos Montufar wrote that looking that close to Cotopaxi, Illinizas and Quilindaña, he thought they were the most majestic and important views he had seen in both hemispheres (Hacienda La Cienega).

The trip continues to the south through beautiful valleys and mountains for about one hour to then leave the Pan-American highway to take the road to Salinas de Tomabela for another hour. From here, the route is uphill reaching elevations around 3.600m. and getting incredible views to Mt. Chimborazo on the way. The road is of first order and in great condition.

Excellent photo opportunities of the local people and their traditional different outfits, the almost vertical crops on the slopes, and the native animals like llamas and alpacas.

Volcano Chimborazo

With its 6.268m. above sea level, Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador, the closest point to the Sun from Earth and the highest point on Earth, measured from its center.

It last erupted over 10.000 years ago and it is one of the popular mountains to practice mountain climbing, rock climbing, mountain biking and trekking

It has always been important to the local people and government, it is in the country´s Coat of Arms and it has been declared a National Reserve called “Reserva de Producción de Fauna de Chimborazo” in 1986. It extends through 58.560 hectares in the provinces of Bolivar, Chimborazo and Tungurahua, and it is one of the main water sources for the area (Ministerio del Ambiente).

Some of the main aims of the Reserve are: protect the paramo ecosystems; improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of the area; and, preserve the habitat of the vicunas, alpacas and llamas, local camelids linked with the local life since before the incas.

The most representative animals of the Chimborazo reserve are the llama (Lama glama), the alpaca (Vicugna pacos) and the vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). The vicunas are wild species of the Andes that were almost extinguished from the paramos after the spanish conquest (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Vicunas at the foothills of Chimborazo. Source Goran Oberg (2014)

Ecuador brought them back from Peru, Chile and Bolivia and reintroduced them in 1988. At the moment there are 5989 vicunas in the Reserve according to the ecuadorian Ministry of Environment and after the vicuna census in 2014 (Ministerio del Ambiente).

Among other animals found in the area are the rabbit, Andean wolf, white tailed deer, and some rodents. Among the birds are the Andean condor and the Chimborazo starlet hummingbird. There are 145 endemic species of flora; some are representative like straw moor, chuquiragua or Andean flower, paper tree, among others (Ministerio del Ambiente).

The access to the Chimborazo Reserve is along the way. If needed, this can be a stop for restroom and feel the high altitude thin air.

Different scenarios appear in the eyes of visitors, changing constantly as trip continues, from valleys to mountains, from colorful crops to arid puna.

El Arenal

“El Arenal” is a large area within the Chimborazo Reserve of dry, barren plains, unique in Ecuador and considered a “Puna”, (deserted or semi-deserted dry, barren plains) where vegetation is mostly xerophytic (Ministerio del Ambiente).

Salinas

Arriving in Salinas, there is a visit to the cheese and chocolate factories managed by the community cooperatives. Here visitors can learn about sustainability in a mountain environment.

Salinas de Tomabelas is known as Salinas de Guaranda to distinguish it from other places with the same name. It takes its name after the salt mines exploited in the area since the Puruhá and inca period.

The town is at an altitude of 3.550m. above sea level, on an incredible location surrounded by mountains and beautiful cliffs, result of thousands of years of eruption processes. The estimated population is about 10.000 people (La Minga, 2016).

Until the decade of the 70´s, mining salt and an incipient agriculture was the main activity. Thanks to the help of the Salesians congregation, cooperativism was developed and now the economy is diversified on the production of cheese, sweets, mushrooms, wool articles, tourism and others.

Salt mining has been viewed negatively up to the present since the activity did not represent a profitable work for the people. However, nowadays, mineral salt might be considered as a precious gourmet item for high cuisine.

Some given time will be allowed to explore the town, mingle with the locals at main square, watch them play ecua-volley, a national variation of volleyball, get into the church and, with some luck, talk to Padre Antonio Polo, the impeller of the cooperative development in Salinas.

Solidarity shops offer a variety of locally produced items such as chocolate, different cheese types, alpaca and sheep wool garments, hand woven clothes, dried mushrooms, llama ham, quinoa, grains, eucalyptus balm and even the famous local rum pájaro azul (blue bird).

Lunch will be served at a local community restaurant and in the afternoon, drive continues for about one hour descending to la Moya, a parrish where local indigenous women elaborate alpaca wool objects, have a lodging house and conduct several activities for the visitors. Visit the site museum and an approach to the local women who will tell stories and legends of the place. Learn about an ancient practice still carried out by few men who made up a living out of collecting ice blocks from the Chimborazo glaciers.

Drive continues on to Riobamba for about 30 km. until reaching the Hosteria La Andaluza for dinner and lodging. After dinner, briefing regarding next day activities.

Hosteria La Andaluza

Originally known as Chuquipoguio, the estate has been a hacienda since 1555. It has hosted important people such as Simon Bolivar who was honored in the place before entering Riobamba.

At present, this is a unique hotel in a spectacular setting, right at the foothills of Chimborazo at an altitude of 3.200. It has 34 comfortable rooms distributed in four sections, all connected to the main old house; all of them count with a modern nonpolluting heating system, beautiful gardens surround the property (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Hosteria La Andaluza. Source http://www.ecuadorboutiquehotels.com/hosterialaandaluza

Day One Concepts

• Hacienda La Ciénega History

• Avenue of the volcanoes Nature

• Salinas de Tomabela Experiential

• Chimborazo, El Arenal drive Nature

• La Moya visit Experiential

• Overnight Hosteria La Andaluza + MAP

Day Two

La Andaluza – Riobamba – Cajabamba – Colta – Sicalpa – Colta Lagoon - Quito

After breakfast, drive south on the Pan-American highway. On clear days the magnificent snow-capped top of Chimborazo can be seen from the road. Get

21 to Riobamba and learn about the importance of this city, capital of Chimborazo province and ancient center of the Puruhá people.

Puruhá

Ancient inhabitants of the area before the incas and the spanish, and whose descendants are still found in the provinces of Chimborazo and part of Bolivar and Tungurahua (Figure 5).

In the 18th century due to the influence of quichua, the Puruhá language almost disappeared.

In 1871 indigenous Puruhá Fernando Daquilema led a rebellion over taxation and labor drafts. The Riobamba Canton started the first fighting causing the expelling of whites and mestizos from the Punín area. Despite this success, the uprising was crashed. Many of the Puruhá rebels received amnesty from Gabriel García Moreno government but Daquilema and other leaders were executed.

With the years, the rebellion gave the area the reputation of strength and resistance.

Figure 5: Puruhá descendants in Colta. Source Puertas Mónica (2016)

Riobamba

At an altitude of 2743m. Riobamba rests in a valley at the foothills of Chimborazo volcano and is surrounded by beautiful peaks and snow-capped mountains like Altar, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo and Sangay.

The city was founded by Diego de Almagro August 15th, 1534 under the name of Santiago de Quito at the plain of Liribamba where at present are Sicalpa and Colta, gathered under the name of Villa la Unión. It was the very first spanish foundation in the country.

Later on, it was honored by King of Spain Felipe II as the Noble and Loyal City of San Pedro de Riobamba. A devastating earthquake in 1797 destroyed the entire city; two years later it was relocated where it is now. This makes Riobamba the first city to be a pre- planned construction in Ecuador.

With its 225.741 inhabitants (2010 census) is the tenth most populated city in the country (INEC).

The city has been the scenario of very important historical facts such as the First Spanish Foundation in the country and the Signature of the First Constituent of Ecuador.

Drive by Riobamba´s main square and see the Cathedral rebuilt with the stones from the old city ruins, the monument to Pedro Vicente Maldonado and beautiful fountains that ornate the central square.

Riobamba´s main productive activity is agriculture and that is why the city has various produce markets during the week, especially Saturday at markets La Merced, San Alfonso, La Condamine, Oriental, Santa Rosa, Mayorista, San Francisco and Dávalos.

On the other hand, since 2007, it takes place the “Citizenship Fair Macaji” where social and solidarity economy is practiced in a direct producer-consumer relation.

Continue to Cajabamba and Colta, passing by different produce markets.

Colta

Arriving to Colta after 20 kilometers from Riobamba be welcomed by Colmitur City Hall agency guides. Full morning visits of Balvanera , the first catholic temple built by the conquistadors in Ecuador with its beautiful stone barroque facade. Inside is the carved statue of Balvanera Lady, symbol of faith for the locals.

After, go to Sicalpa birthplace of several important people like the scientist and geographer Pedro Vicente Maldonado, who contributed and participated at the Geodesic Mission in 1736; Friar Juan de Velasco, author of the first history of the “Kingdom or Quito”; Isabel de Godin, Geodesic Academy member Godin´s wife, explored the Amazon and left memoires about her journeys; and Magdalena Dávalos, scholar and literary figure in the colony, the only woman belonging to the literary society La Concordia.

Colta lagoon

It is a 2.800 meter long and 1.000 meter width lagoon, located at 3.200 m. above sea level, and one of the main attractions in the area (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Colta lagoon. Source Puertas Mónica (2016)

Witness the pass of time on the ruins of old Riobamba before the 1797 earthquake at Sicalpa. It was the main center of the ancient Puruhá kingdom and in old Sicalpa there are still the remains of the city built by the spanish in the 16th century.

Relax on a boat ride on Colta lagoon observing the many coots and other birds.

Lunch will be taken at Cunucpoguio neighborhood and after, start the return to Quito on a four hour drive.

Around 18h30 drop off at UDET

Day Two Concepts

• Hostería La Andaluza History

• Riobamba Culture – History

• Cajabamba Etnography

• Sicalpa History

• Colta Lagoon Nature

5. Field trip

The field trip for the chosen route was carried out from Saturday October 15th to Sunday October 16th 2016.

Figure 7: Hacienda La Ciénega. Source Puertas Mónica (2016)

Figure 8: Virgen de las Nieves Church in Sicalpa. Source Puertas Mónica (2016)

Figure 9: La Moya. Source Puertas Mónica (2016)

Figure 10: Volcano Chimborazo from La Moya. Source Puertas Mónica (2016)

6. Operative itinerary adjustments

After the field trip there were no adjustments recommended.

BROCHURE

CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions

Once completed the present Project and after visiting the area under investigation, an analysis of the attractions in the provinces of Bolivar and Chimborazo was made in order to determine how important the contribution of these sites would be for the expansion of Tourism.

This analysis allowed to confirm that the evaluated zones have multiple possibilities for the development of new tourist routes, besides the three presented in this work.

Regarding the theme of Cultural Landscapes, Ecuador has conducted through the years several actions addressed to safeguard its patrimony and is more than prepared to present Unesco with more sites.

The elaboration of this Project may constitute a tool to enable people, related or not to the touristic sector, to acknowledge the idea of potential Cultural Landscapes within the country, and to realize the many benefits that will derivate from preserving and eventually having sites inscribed on the List of Cultural Landscapes at Unesco.

Among some of the benefits, it could be mentioned:

The participation of local community members, who are becoming more important actors, and who are already playing a determinant role in cultural landscape conservation as well as patrimony conservation.

Sense of belonging and commitment with community, country and world environment and cultural preservation.

Development of a framework that engages local indigenous people in the management and planning of protected areas.

In summary, the concept of Cultural Landscapes is wider than one might think. Landscapes and Culture are all over our small but immensely varied country.

5.2 Recommendations

Considering the importance of the theme Cultural Landscape as it is closely related to environment and people wellness, it is imperative to take some actions like:

That the Ecuadorian Government, in coordination with the pertinent Ministries, and in agreement with the Environmental Management Law, supervise in a closer way the productive activities that involve nature preservation and landscapes.

It should be a requirement to have in every Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) reported to the Ministry of Environment, a more objective and deeper analysis of the impacts on the cultural landscapes instead of subjective, brief observations.

The Ministries of Culture and Heritage, Tourism, and Environment should have an especial department to investigate, define, determine, preserve and protect the cultural landscapes in the country. This should be respected and abided by all sectors.

In the near future, Government shall call the attention of international safeguarding agencies, like the World Heritage Committee, to take action on areas that could be on risk such as country borders.

Bring the matter to discussion in a forum where different actors, private and public, debate and open paths for inclusive participation of all the sectors.

Propagate the concept of Cultural Landscape in the educational field like part of the curriculum at school level.

All citizenship should find the right strategies to focus on the preservation and sustainability for the near and long term future.

CHAPTER VI BIBLIOGRAPHY

Andes Agencia Pública de Noticias del Ecuador y Suramérica. (2016). Ecuador Potencia Turística. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://www.andes.info.ec/es/etiquetas/ecuador-potencia-turistica

Ecuador Boutique Hotels. Hostería Andaluza. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://www.ecuadorboutiquehotels.com/hosterialaandaluza

Hacienda La Cienega. Historia. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://www.haciendalacienega.com/historia/

INEC. Censo de población y vivienda. Reviewed: October 9th 2016, in: http://190.152.152.74/censo-de-poblacion-y-vivienda/

La Minga. (2016). La experiencia de desarrollo de Salinas de Bolívar. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://www.laminga.ec/index.php/salinas/122-la- experiencia-de-desarrollo-de-salinas-de-bolivar

Ministerio de Turismo. Arranca en el país la campaña nacional “Ecuador Potencia Turística”. Reviewed: October 7th 2016, in: http://www.turismo.gob.ec/arranca-en-el-pais-la-campana-nacional-ecuador- potencia-turistica/

Ministerio del Ambiente. (2015). Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://areasprotegidas.ambiente.gob.ec/es/areasprotegidas/reserva-de-producci%C3%B3n-faun%C3%ADstica-chimborazo

Ministerio del Ambiente. (2015). Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo, 26 años de protección. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/reserva-de-produccion-de-fauna-chimborazo-26- anos-de-proteccion/

Ministerio del Ambiente. 5 989 vicuñas se registraron en el censo poblacional realizado en la Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/5-989-vicunas-se-registraron-

34 en-el-censo-poblacional-realizado-en-la-reserva-de-produccion-de-fauna- chimborazo/

Political Database of the Americas. (2011). Republic of Ecuador Constitution of 2008. Reviewed: October 10th 2016, in: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Ecuador/english08.html

Rössler, M. (2006). Los paisajes culturales y la convención del patrimonio mundial cultural y natural: resultados de reuniones temáticas previas. Reviewed: October 10th 2016, in: http://www.condesan.org/unesco/Cap%2006%20metchild%20rossler.pdf

Secretaría Nacional de Planificación y Desarrollo Senplades. (2016). Vive La Patria. Reviewed: October 8th 2016, in: http://www.planificacion.gob.ec/wp- content/uploads/downloads/2016/01/9RC.pdf

Turismo y rutas. (2014). Por la avenida de los volcanes. Reviewed: October 3rd 2016, in: http://turismoyrutas.blogspot.com/2014/07/por-la-avenida-de-los- volcanes.html

Unesco. (2016). Cultural Landscapes. Reviewed: October 6th 2016, in: http://whc.unesco.org/en/culturallandscape/