ACTIVITIES IN SAN FRANCISCO

- Walks on the crests (exceptional view over the volcanoes). Short routes (about 3 hours) and long routes (about 6 hours). Possibility to have a guide of the Women Organisation to accompany you for more exchanges (visit of the community, information on the agriculture, the fauna and flora, the way of life of the community, etc.)
The fee charged by the guides

- Moreover, numerous walks can be done on your initiative. Beauty of the landscape and fortuitous encounters guaranteed!

- Mountain bikes rent - The fee charged to rent mountain bikes

- Viewing of a short documentary dealing with the native culture, followed by a discussion with one of the guides of the Women Organisation - Free

- Visit of the micro-firms of economy of solidarity ( jam factory, cheese dairy, delicatessen) - Free

- Spontaneous participation to the life of the community : mingas (communitarian work), farm work, cooking with Juliana, etc..

IN THE AREA

- In Riobamba: train Riobamba- Alausi - Nariz del diablo. Small picturesque train, which often leaves the rails and takes you in magnificent mountainous landscapes.
- Excursion in the 2nd refuge of the Chimborazo situated at a height of 5000 metres. For the sportsmen, the ascension of the Chimborazo is possible (6310 metres high). A cab from the community can take you to the 1st refuge for 32 $.
- Possibility to trek for 3 days to the Chimborazo autonomously (going there and back). Food provided.
- Native market in Guamote: one of the most beautiful market in Ecuador. On Tuesdays
- Laguna de Colta: 19 km southeast from Riobamba. Fauna and flora very lush.
- Guano: 8 km north from Riobamba; craftsmen village (carpet weaving).

For more information, refer to the website of the "Guide du routard" or your guide book.

COMMUNITARIAN TOURISM NETWORK

For those hooked on communitarian tourism, here are some native Ecuadorian organisations which renown in this matter.

- Path of the Inca: 2-3 days hike on the track of the Incas. Beautiful and wild landscapes, Incas ruins, arrival in Ingapirca. The native organisation Inga Ña, in Achupallas, now offers to welcome the tourists at the departure of the Path of the Inca. Please contact us first.

- AGIG : Asociación de Guías Indígenas Guarguallá
Juan Rafael Ushca, cordinador de guías naturistas 1
Telf : (593 3) 2 949 552 – e-mail : agig_ec@yahoo.com

- FOCIFCH : Federación de Organizaciones Campesinas e Indígenas de Chimborazo
Telf : (593 3) 2 949 510

- Asociación de turismo comunitario Kushiwaira – Cuenca
Contact : Cultural Centre Mama Kinua – Jaramillo 635 y Hermano Miguel

The list is not exhaustive. Communitarian tourism or ecotourism grow very rapidly nowadays, the coming of new organisations is frequent. You can take contact with the Ministry of Tourism.