Delighted by the Town and People of Saraguro, Ecuador!!

December 16, 2012 at 1:30 am 1 comment

Saraguro landscape

Saraguro, Ecuador is a town of almost 30,000, located in the southern highlands about 2 1/2 to 3 hours by car or bus from Cuenca. The scenery along the winding Pan American highway is enchanting, and varies according to the elevation of the area – 3,500 to 5,000 feet. Part of the area is considered desert, another, tropical rain forest and cloud forest. Flora and fauna await you – colorful flowers and plants, as well as birds, butterflies, and deer galore.

The elevation of the town is about 5,000 feet; (the elevation in Cuenca is around 8,400). I’m told that June and August are quite cold and wet, and that is is best to avoid visiting at that time – especially if you are a hiker or camper – too many cases of slipping and falling, hypothermia, etc.

notice the sheep 😉

Saraguro, southern highlands of Ecuador

According to info found by “Googling”, most inhabitants are descendants of the Inca who came directly from Machu Picchu along the Inca trail almost 700 years ago, others descendants of the Inca, via Bolivia. Many of these beautiful indigenous people speak both Spanish and Quechua.

The “Saraguerenses” are easily recognizable and distinguished from other indigenous groups of Ecuador for their hand spun, hand woven black wool clothing, and their hair worn in long braids or pony tails (men included). Women wear long black wrap around skirts that are plain or with colorful one inch borders. Men wear black pants that hit just below the knees. Both men and women favor black ponchos and black hats. Women adorn themselves with beautiful gold and/or beaded jewelry. Most smile at you easily, and they seem proud of their cultural heritage. They work to keep their traditions intact.

I’d like to return on a Sunday, market day. I love the friendliness and the feeling of the people here. And I’m imagining the Saraguro market, albeit much smaller, might be more interesting and possibly more authentic in many ways than the famous Otavalo market north of Quito, also known for its display of arts,crafts, and textiles. For more information I recommend http://www.saraguro.org, a site hosted by an American couple who lived in the area for five years.