Depart from Quito and cross over one of the most commercial and cow-farm towns of Ecuador. This inter-Andean valley known as Machachi houses more than one economic activity. Machachi is surrounding by rose plantations, natural water factories and dairy shops. In July, an indigenous festival is celebrated each year. The festival is called “El Paseo del Chagra” or the Andean Cowboy Festival which was considered by the government an intangible cultural heritage of Ecuador. On the road, there is a view point to observe the mountains and some volcanoes which are part of the Andes mountain range.

On specific days of the week, you can see how vendors and buyers coming down to the market from different villages. The market starts its activity early in the morning and is filled with colors either by the variety of products or by the typical dress of their natives who work in the market. The bargaining is part of the everyday of local people and makes you in a few seconds a good businessman. Indigenous markets can be visited Wednesday, Saturday (Zumbahua) and Sunday.

Tigua community is one hour far away from Latacunga city, on the Pujili-La Mana road, in the Province of Cotopaxi. This community for several years has combined farming and craftsmanship labors. In this place, we make an stop to observe a large part of the artistry work carried out by its natives. In a small gallery paintings in acrylic or watercolor are displayed where the main scenes about the “Pachamama” (Mother earth) and local characters of the old Spanish haciendas are reflected. A guinea pig can be seen while it is circling in the roasting.

Quilotoa is a water-fill caldera that tops out at 12467 feet above sea level. The lagoon shows up different colors, it depends if the day is sunny or cloudy. You can be as active or relaxed as you like in the lagoon. Quilotoa offers a wide range of activities which to choose from: hiking, kayaking, photography or just enjoy this peaceful place from the look-out point. The activity that travelers enjoy the most is to walk down at the bottom of the crater to look at the lagoon and return. if your physical condition is not the best one, the return could be assisted by a local man who rent mules to come back to the viewpoint. Afterwards a long walk a pause is necessary to taste typical food in one of the community restaurants of Quilotoa. After a wonderful day is time to come back to Quito.