Patate offers a range of ways to approach a trip: cultural traditions, local food culture, and an interest in landscapes and hiking. The geographical scale matters when planning. The Basílica del Señor del Terremoto and Parque Infantil are specific places in Patate; several references to nature and trails concern the canton as a whole. This lets you distinguish between focusing on the town and exploring themes across the wider area.

Culture and orientation in Patate

The image of the Señor del Terremoto is on the main altar of the Basílica del Señor del Terremoto. Various stories surround its appearance. As part of Patate’s cultural context, a specific religious image is linked here with a storytelling tradition concerning the image’s appearance.

Parque Infantil is in La Matriz, Patate, at the entrance to the canton, behind the municipal Coliseum. This precise location links the neighborhood to two landmarks and describes the park’s location more specifically than simply naming it.

Landscapes in Patate canton

In Patate canton, Laguna de Sudahua lies in the páramo of the parish of El Sucre at an elevation of 3,171 m. It offers panoramic views of Avenida de los Volcanes. Its location in the páramo, elevation, and views give this landscape a clearly defined character.

Lagunas de San Borja are considered an important water reserve for the region. Unlike Sudahua, whose defining features are its elevation and panoramic views, the emphasis here is on its importance as a regional water reserve. This distinguishes two different landscape perspectives: views and elevation on the one hand, and the regional importance of water on the other.

Activities and hiking trails

For Patate, Ruta Kuripishku lists trekking, camping, birdwatching, horseback riding, photography, plant observation, cultural exchange, food tastings, cycling, and sport fishing. The list therefore covers nature observation, physical activity, and cultural and culinary themes. Bird- and plant-watching offer a different focus from cycling and horseback riding, while cultural exchange and tastings appeal to other interests.

The hiking trails in Patate include Mundug, Platupamba, Manteles, Platuquiral–La Carbonería, El Triunfo, Río Muyo–Calzoncillo, and Plata; the old road to Vizcaya is also included. Unlike the activity-based overview of Ruta Kuripishku, these names provide specific trails as points of reference. When planning, you can therefore decide whether to start by looking for an activity or for a particular hiking trail.

Arepas and grape chicha

Many residents of Patate still prepare and sell arepas using traditional wood-fired ovens made of cangagua and brick. This ongoing practice therefore includes both preparing and selling the arepas. The oven materials and method of preparation are part of this culinary tradition, as is the dish itself.

Arepas and grape chicha are together considered a gastronomic attraction unique throughout Ecuador. These are two distinct culinary points of reference: the continuing tradition of preparing arepas and their combination with grape chicha.

Discover more destinations: Baños, Ambato, Salasaca, Pillaro, Río Negro

Go to the broader travel overview: Tungurahua.