At the Santa Ana–La Florida archaeological site in the canton of Palanda, the history of cocoa stretches far back. In Zamora Chinchipe, archaeological evidence meets Shuar culture and landscapes ranging from páramos to tropical forests. This gives you many different ways to explore the province.

Cocoa and cultural history

Santa Ana–La Florida is associated with the Mayo-Chinchipe culture. Evidence there points to the domestication of a variety of Theobroma cacao and to the earliest social use of this fruit in the Americas. The dates range from 3500 to 3300 BC, or from 5500 to 5300 BP. The site itself is also remarkable: its complex archaeological architecture includes a circular plaza and ceremonial fire pits. Here, cocoa connects a specific fruit with a long history of communal use.

Yantzaza offers another cultural perspective. At the Centro de Interpretación Cultural Shuar-Nankais, exhibitions on the cultural expressions of the Nankais community are held in huts and traditional places. At Piedra de los Rituales, Ayahuasca, or Natem, from Shuar culture is prepared for later consumption; the ingredients are ground for this purpose. Approach this cultural practice with respect and observe the relevant protocols.

The Catedral de Zamora offers a distinctive feature of its own: this architectural landmark is neoclassical, was built by Franciscan friars and was rebuilt in 1997. Every year from April 26 to 28, Pachamama Raymi brings together cultural expressions of the peoples and nationalities living in the province. The event is organized by the Provincial Government of Zamora.

Landscapes and natural areas

The Parque Nacional Podocarpus encompasses ecosystems ranging from páramos to tropical forests. Hiking, birdwatching and nature exploration are among the activities available there. Twenty percent of the national park lies within the canton of Palanda. In Zamora, you can also cycle along various routes in the park.

Distinct from the park is the Podocarpus–El Cóndor Biosphere Reserve: it covers 1,140,080 hectares in the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe and extends across ten cantons and 48 parishes. Its ecological features include 4,191 plant species—nearly a quarter of Ecuador’s recorded flora, even though the reserve occupies only four percent of the country’s territory. It is also home to 629 bird species, including 55 species from one of Ecuador’s endemic zones. For the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the reserve is the largest continuous available habitat within its range in the Northern Andes Eco-Regional Complex (CEAN).

One specific place to take in this landscape is Cerro Cresta del Gallo, in the parish of Porvenir del Carmen. From there, you can see the Parque Nacional Podocarpus, the Reserva Tapichalaca and Porvenir del Carmen; there are also caves containing human remains from earlier times. The Reserva Tapichalaca lies on the eastern edge of the Cordillera de Sabanilla, along the Loja–Palanda road. It borders the Parque Nacional Podocarpus and the Bosque Protector Colambo–Yacuri, covers approximately 5,000 hectares and includes Cerro Tapichalaca. It is also home to the Jocotoco (Grallaria ridgelyi), a species endemic to Ecuador.

Waterfalls, trails and activities

The Ruta Tara Nunka, also known as the Ruta Los Guayacanes, is in the parish of Chicaña. It features waterfalls, natural pools, viewing balconies and lookouts, as well as caves, ecological trails and paths. Check trail conditions before setting out. The Salto del Inca offers a different kind of landscape: the Río Numbala rushes noisily through a narrow section about two meters wide, a natural formation in the river.

For the waterfalls, their measurements and access details help distinguish the options. Cascada Fátima is 20 meters high and forms a small lagoon two meters in diameter. The water is described as crystal clear, very clean and pleasantly temperate. From the town center of Palanda, the cantonal capital, Cascada Agua Dulce is a ten-minute drive away; from there, the route continues 200 meters on foot along the streambed. Distances may vary depending on route conditions. Cerro El Corazón can be reached from Palanda via a trail that leads to a lookout at an elevation of 2,200 meters and to 15 waterfalls.

Activities on the water also vary: at Laguna de Cisam, in the parish of Nuevo Quito in the canton of Paquisha, canoeing and sport fishing are possible. Rafting on the Río Bombuscaro means traveling downstream, usually in a boat or on a raft. Access to Cascada El Líbano begins along a riding trail, followed by a difficult path; the entire hike takes two to three hours. Check trail conditions before your trip.

More experiences in Zamora Chinchipe

Balneario Urahua is four kilometers from the parish of Palanda. It has a beach with granite stones and a natural pool where the growth of whitefish can be observed. Cascada la Poderosa lies about seven kilometers from Zamora, within the Parque Nacional Podocarpus. Those interested in broader landscape connections can also explore the Ruta de la Cascarilla: it is associated with the tree from which quinine is obtained and passes through Andean and Amazonian landscapes in the province.

In Zamora, the Colada Morada Festival and the competition for the largest Guagua de Pan are annual events. Chicha de yuca is a fermented cassava-based drink popular among Indigenous communities. Preparation and availability to visitors may vary.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Zamora, Palanda, Zamora, Yantzaza; Morona Santiago, Cotopaxi, Santo Domingo De Los Tsáchilas, Tungurahua.

Return to the main travel overview: Ecuador.