Cotacachi City – A Destination for the Senses.
Located in the Imbabura province in northern Ecuador, Cotacachi sits at 2,418 meters (7,927 feet) above sea level. This Andean gem blends tradition, culture, and nature. Known as Ecuador’s Leather Capital, this charming city offers visitors a unique experience through its artisan workshops, local markets, and colonial streets. Surrounded by towering mountains and the impressive Mama Cotacachi volcano, which rises to 4,936 meters (16,194 feet), the city also boasts the region’s only volcanic lake nearby. Cotacachi is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility, adventure, and a connection with ancestral cultures. With its peaceful atmosphere, commitment to sustainability, and rich Kichwa heritage, Cotacachi has become a must-visit destination for conscious and experiential tourism.AQUI AGREGAR ENLACES EXTERNOS E INTERNOS
La Calera Community – Living Heritage of the Kichwa People
Just minutes from downtown Cotacachi, located at 2,485 meters (8,150 feet) above sea level on the city’s outskirts, La Calera Community welcomes you to a world of ancestral wisdom, hospitality, and connection with nature. Here, visitors can engage in authentic experiences such as Andean rituals, hands-on artisan workshops in embroidery and tagua jewelry, working with cabuya fibers, local spirituality demonstrations, guided nature walks, stays with Kichwa host family, and participatory cooking classes. La Calera is a shining example of well-organized community tourism, where every activity strengthens cultural identity and directly supports local families. Come and discover a harmonious way of life, guided by respect for Pachamama and community values.
San Martín Community – Tradition, Nature, and Human Warmth
San Martín is a Kichwa Indigenous community nestled on the slopes of the Cotacachi Volcano, at an altitude of 2,520 meters (8,270 feet), just 10 minutes southwest of downtown Cotacachi. This Andean haven has preserved its cultural roots intact and offers visitors the chance to experience tourism in an authentic way—through direct connection with the daily life and traditions of local families.The community stands out for its agricultural richness, local cuisine, and breathtaking natural landscapes that invite exploration. Visitors to San Martín can share in the daily life of Kichwa families, learn traditional farming techniques, and enjoy the profound peace that radiates from the surroundings.Here, every smile, every story, and every corner reflects the spirit of the Andean worldview—rooted in mutual respect, community values, and a deep connection to the land.
At Quichua Tours, we believe that travel is much more than visiting a place—it’s a deep encounter with the land, the culture, and oneself. We are a responsible, community-based rural tourism operator born in the heart of La Calera, with a mission to share the natural and cultural richness of our Kichwa community with the world. Our inspiration comes from the Kichwa spirit—an ancestral wisdom that honors respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth), solidarity among communities, and harmony with nature. Every experience we offer is designed to connect travelers with the living stories of our communities, the energy of our volcanoes, the authentic flavors of our cuisine, and the collective soul of the people who call these lands home. Quichua Tours doesn’t just take you to destinations—it leads you toward transformative experiences, where tourism becomes an act of learning, respect, and reciprocity. We walk alongside our communities, building sustainable opportunities and strengthening the identity of our territory.
Helpful things to know before you go:
Read the essential information and some fun facts about the communities of La Calera and San Martín in the city of Cotacachi. Here, you’ll find everything you should know before your visit.’’!
Santa Ana de Cotacachi
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