Eco Tourism
Tourism is a double-edged sword which, if not properly managed, can bring troubles for the host communities along with the potential benefits. Pulingui San Pablo and Chorrera Mirador Alto, at 3900 meters are two of the highest communities in Ecuador located in the spectacular Totorillas Valley at the foot of the Colossal of the Andes, 6300 meter Mt. Chimborazo. Our two communities have created a joint tourist commission to welcome tourists and to develop the industry in the 4100 hectares of Park land that we own.
Among the many definitions of eco-tourism we believe that the following one brings together a number of important ideas guiding the services we offer:
"A form of tourism oriented towards an area with exceptional cultural and natural values, that over a base of recreational and educational activities promotes and contributes to the conservation of the place, encouraging the direct and beneficial participation of the local population and committing all those involved to take the necessary precautions so as to minimize both the cultural and ecological impacts of this activity".
Eco-tourism as a productive activity is consistent with the principle of sustainable development defined as "development which satisfies the needs of the present without compromising the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own needs". We, the Puruhae people who inhabit Mt. Chimborazo National Park have for centuries survived as pastors and small farmers, however today while working to improve these two basic activities we are encouraging our young people to invest in eco-tourism as a viable source of employment. We are offering the following services:
- Andinismo – Mountain Climbing including to the summit of Mt. Chimborazo. Climbers spend the night in "El Condor" before departing at midnight for the summit.
- Rental of mountain climbing equipment (complete or partial gear available).
- Lodging in the community hostal at reasonable prices (use of kitchen and hot showers).
- Camping on community grounds at the base of Mt. Chimborazo. (Tent Rentals)
- Rental of mountain bikes and use of biking trails (in construction)
- Interpretation Trails to historic sites on Mt. Chimborazo (under construction), including historic Machay Temple at 5000 meters; Von Humboldt's Survey Markers left over 200 years ago when he measured Mt. Chimborazo; Icefields where blocks of ice are cut from Chimborazo's glaciers for the markets of Riobamba.
- Trekking on the paramo of Mt. Chimborazo
- Birdwatching
- Horse back riding.
If acquiring knowledge of an exotic ecosystem such as the paramo with its rare bird and plant life or experiencing the manifestations of another culture such as the Puruhae appeals to you please get in contact with us to plan your visit to the area. It will be our pleasure to attend to your interests.
Contact may be made using any of the following means:
twalsh@ch.pro.ecFAX: 593-3-940955
Tel: 593-3-941481
Mail: Apartado 01-06-883, Riobamba, Ecuador
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