Ecological
tourism is
the area’s
speciality
allowing the
visitor to
really feel
at one with
nature. Volcano
Chiles accommodates
paramos
covered
in frailejones
and
there are
several lakes,
in particular
El Voladero,
El Salado,
La Encanada
and Lagunas
Verde.
Rumichaca
de la Paz
Cave (La gruta
de Rumichaca
de la Paz
)
This
cave is one
of the province’s
principle
attractions.
It is located
at 26 km towards
the the south
east of the
town of San
Gabriel and
6 km towards
the west of
the community
of La Paz
. Access to
the cave is
possible from
a narrow cobbled
path descending
from River
Apaqui. The
river has
created a
tunnel some
150 metres
deep. The
walls present
numerous stalactites
which, along
with the stalagmites
provide the
visitor with
an impressive
sight. Inside
the cave there
is a chapel
and a sculpture
of the Virgin
Mary crafted
by artist
Daniel Reyes.
Arrival at
the hot springs
, which apparently
have healing
properties,
is possible
via picturesque
pathways.
The water
has an average
temperature
of 40 degrees
centigrade.
Arrayan
Forest (El
bosque de
los arrayanes)
Another ecotourism
hotspot is
this forest
which extends
for approximately
10 hectares
. These arrayan
trees
have red trucks
and thick
leaves, moss
and several
species of
orchids grow
on its branches.
It is believed
that the forest
is hundreds
of years old.
Forests similar
to this one
are hard to
find in Latin
America ;
therefore
it is popular
among tourists.
Some scientists
have stayed
in the forest
for several
days at a
time to research
the behaviour
of bird life
and of certain
animals that
inhabit the
forest. It
is recommended
to take water
along with
you because
there is no
water fountain
in the area.
Arrival at
the forest
is possible
from San Gabriel
some 11 km
eastbound.
The forest
was donated
to the town
of San Gabriel
for public
use by its
owner Del
Campo to convert
the site into
a tourist
attraction.
Tulcan
Cemetery (El
cementerio
de Tulcan)
The Tulcan
Cemetary is
worth visiting
as it is a
curious work
of art which
has been given
the nickname
‘the green
sculpture’.
The cypress
trees have
been pruned
and formed
into interesting
and weird
shapes by
Jose Maria
Azael Franco
Guerrero,
who has won
several prizes
for his work.
Tufino
Hot Springs
(Los banos
de Tufino)
The
hot springs
here are famous
for their
healing properties
and can be
found 45 km
from Tulcan
towards Maldonado.
These thermal
baths are
known for
their slightly
unpleasant
smell due
to their high
sulphur content.
Lush vegetation
surrounds
the area which
is frequented
by the locals.
Lagunas
Verdes ( Green
Lakes )
Along
the Tufino
Maldonado
route among
the beautiful
landscape,
five striking
lakes can
be observed,
which when
looked at
from a distance
appear to
have a green-turquoise
colour due
to the reflection
of the surrounding
paramos
. These
lakes are
situated among
the southern
foothills
of Volcano
Chiles at
an altitude
of 3850 metres
.
Forest
Reserve
Towards
the west of
the province,
continuing
along the
route which
joins Maldonado
and Chical
and arrives
at the province’s
most isolated
community
Tobar Donoso
( 145 km from
Tulcan) is
the origin
of the pathway
leading to
the heart
of the forest
reserve. The
area constitutes
natural forest
with a variety
of flora and
fauna species.
The area has
been considered
a reserve
with measures
to conserve
its biodiversity.
The Awa community
inhabits the
reserve and
have managed
to maintain
their culture
and identity
in the sector.
The government
has allocated
thousands
of hectares
to the community
and has commited
itself to
the conservation
and replenishment
of the existing
natural resources.
Los
tres chorros
(The Three
Streams)
Within
the urban
parameter
of Tulcan
and the road
which leads
to Tufino
the "Tres
Chorros"
spa and recreational
area can be
located. Throughout
the day people
come here
to bathe in
the waters
which apparently
have healing
properties,
being especially
beneficial
for the kidneys.
Food
and Drink
Guinea
pig served
with potatoes
is the province’s
speciality
and a favourite
amongst the
inhabitants.
Potato tortilla,
oven roasted
pork and chicken
soup are also
favourites.
‘ Tardon’
, a mix
of aguardiente
with
naranjilla
and
an additional
secret ingredient
is a speciality
alcoholic
drink of the
province.
Be careful
with tardon
, if
you drink
too much you
may have to
go to the
cold waters
of ‘Tres Chorros’
to alleviate
your hangover!
