LOCAL VISITS

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Local visits can be organised by the community group for you to experience the culture, traditions and practices of the local area.  They are all fascinating experiences! 

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Panela factory ($3/person; 15 minutes away)

Organic sugar cane is naturally processed into bricks (called panela) in this fascinating traditional process.  The sugar canes are crushed and the resultant liquid is then heated in vats, before being cooled using a paddle.  Panela is used in traditional Ecuador cuisine and drinks, as well as a type of traditional liquor (trago puro).  Visit the local factory where panela is made on-site!

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Coffee process experience ($3/person; 15 minutes away)

Coffee is grown in the fields and areas around Las Tolas.  Take this opportunity to see the plants that give you that amazing cup of goodness...and at the right time of year, see the process of picking the beans and getting them to the way that we recognise them...it might surprise you!

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Museum visit to Tulipe ($4/person; 20 minutes away)

The Yumbo history is very important in Las Tolas and the local area - you can explore this history further and see the remnants of their ancestors at the beautiful museum in Tulipe (just at the bottom of the track up to Las Tolas).  With interesting Yumbo features retained both inside and outside, you could take in this visit to the museum one morning or afternoon during your stay.  The entry fee is $4/person and there is more information available here: http://www.ecuador.com/blog/explore-the-tulipe/archaeological-site-museum.

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NEARBY AND WEEKEND VISITS

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With regular bus services, there are many easy day and weekend trips near Las Tolas.  These all offer fantastic experiences and are a great way of exploring the area and getting to know Ecuador.

 

Quito (2.5 hours)

The international travel hub of Ecuador, Quito is brimming with museums, parks, cultural sites, and has all the products and services you would expect of an internationally traveled city.

 

Equator, Mitad del Mundo (2 hours)

No trip to Ecuador is complete without a visit to the equator!

 

Tulipe (20 minutes)

Tulipe Yumbo Cultural Museum and ancient Yumbo ruins of ceremonial swimming pools

 

Pacto (45 minutes)

Sunday afternoon community gathering spot, river with hiking trails, waterfall and ancient Yumbo petroglyphs, Internet access, discoteca

 

Mindo (1.5 hours)

World famous for bird watching, rafting, canopy tours, zip lines, tubing, butterfly farms, biking, hiking

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Baños (3.5 hours)

Famous for its naturally heated thermal baths and it's adventure sports...and the popular 'Swing at the end of the world'

 

Otavalo (4 hours)

Ecuador´s (and arguably South America´s) largest and most important market

 

Cotopaxi (4 hours)

A huge wildlife refuge, Cotopaxi is one of the best places in Ecuador for backpacking

 

Papallacta (4.5 hours)

Ecuador´s best hot springs