Local Homestay and Pachamanka Traditional Experience

🌿 Local Homestay and Pachamanka Traditional Experience in La Calera, Ecuador 🇪🇨

Day 1 – Local Homestay and Pachamanka

At 9:00 AM, we begin an ancestral journey with the sacred Pachamanka ritual. This traditional Andean cooking technique uses red-hot volcanic stones buried in the earth to steam potatoes, meats, corn, and fruits slowly. More than just a culinary experience, the Pachamanka is a spiritual tribute to Pachamama, Mother Earth. The word comes from Kichwa: pacha (universe) and manka (pot), meaning «the pot of the universe.»

At 1:30 PM, we reach the most anticipated moment: opening the earthen oven and unveiling the meal. Sharing this food is a collective act of gratitude, unity, and deep respect for our roots. It’s a powerful way to connect with the land, the community, and the spirit of thankfulness. By 3:30 PM, we return to the cozy homes of our host families. This part of the Local Homestay and Pachamanka experience invites you to share in daily life, traditions, and warmth that make La Calera truly unforgettable.

Day 2 – Outdoor activites

At 8:00 AM, the day starts with traditional plowing using oxen, guided by local farmers. This is a hands-on chance to reconnect with the soil and understand ancestral agricultural cycles. At 9:00 AM, we visit the Alli Maki women’s artisan workshop, where traditional embroidery tells the story of identity and heritage. Here, you’ll learn how to stitch your own story.

By 10:00 AM, we explore the artisanal process of working with cabuya, a natural agave fiber. Watch it transform into ropes, bags, and handmade treasures—a fusion of creativity and culture. At 11:00 AM, we enter the Dream Garden, a local botanical paradise with medicinal plants, vegetables, fruit trees, and traditional animals. A place to breathe, learn, and feel harmony.

At 12:20 PM, we enjoy a typical lunch at “Rupay Mikuna,” with fresh ingredients from the gardens. As a final touch, each guest receives a hand-embroidered bracelet with their name—a symbol of welcome and belonging.

This Local Homestay and Pachamanka experience will connect you deeply with Calera’s land, people, and traditions. Finally, at 12h20, we enjoy a traditional lunch at Rupay Mikuna, prepared with organic ingredients from local gardens. As a farewell, each guest receives a personalized embroidered bracelet—a symbol of welcome and belonging.

This Local Homestay and Pachamanka experience is a adventure—authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to live this unique cultural journey through Local Homestay and Pachamanka.

📌 For groups of fewer than 15 people, the guide and driver must pay for their own meals and accommodation.
📌 For groups of 16 people or more, the guide and driver will receive complimentary meals and accommodation.