Salinas de Guaranda Tour: Salt Mines, Factories, Hiking, Sunset & Pizza Making!
About this experience
As one of Ecuador's landmarks for the Popular and Solidarity Economy, Salinas de Guaranda is a must-see if you're interested in learning Community Tourism & Development. This experience will not only provide you with fantastic hiking, food and historical attractions, you will also get an inside look into the people and culture that has made this small village so famous.
In 1970, Salinas was small collection of thatched dwellings that hosted a population facing 45% child mortality, 85% illiteracy, no running water or electricity, and a 6 hour horse ride to Guaranda (now just 40 minutes by car). Along came a priest - Padre Antonio Polo (who you might still bump into on his daily walks) - who inspired the community to develop micro-businesses as a way of bringing them out of poverty. For over half a decade, they have been developing the community to create some of the best cheese, chocolate, cured meats and handicrafts in the country, much of which is exported, transforming the local economy.
During this experience, you'll experience the best of Salinas: tasting some of the exquisite foods made from local ingredients (even making your own pizza!), visiting the local factories and learning from locals on the history of the village's transformation, hiking through stunning scenery and taking in one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life (weather dependent).
You'll come away with a full belly, an enlivened body, open heart and an inspiration of how grass-roots projects can channge the world!
How Are You Helping
Aside from the micro-businesses, the village relies on tourism which provides an income to local hoteliers, guides and restaurant owners. You will be helping people to earn a dignified income - through a hand up not a hand out. So come and support the local businesses in Salinas, we are sure you'll experience in return!
What to bring
Warm Clothes
It gets pretty cold at 3,500m!
Hiking Boots
For the outdoor activities
Spending Money
There are several shops to buy great souvenirs for friends and family!
What's included
Accommodation
Charming Hostal in the Main Square
Food
All Meals Included, Using a Variety of Salinas' Locally-Made, High-Quality Produce
Guides
To the Factories, Sunset and Local Hikes
Transport
Private Car to the Sunset
Pizza Making Workshop
All Ingredients, Chef and Use of the Kitchen
Your itinerary
Arrival
Arrive from 4-5pm and get settled into your comfortable room directly in Salinas' central plaza, if you have time, pop out for a cup of tea made from medicinal andean plants.
Sunset Above the Clouds
If the weather works in your favour, take a truck ride to the viewpoint and watch the sun go down over a carpet of clouds - no doubt one of the most memorable sunsets of your life!
Tapas of Local Cheese, Wine and Cured Meats
The best way to introduce you to all Salinas has to offer is through a tasting. Try a wide variety of sweet and savoury foods, all introduced by your local guide.
Night in the Locally-Owned Hostal
Lenin was born in Salinas and has dedicated a lot of time to Salinas' development - including setting up the Community Tourism Office, working as President of the Cooperative Bank and running his own hostal since 2012. This charming hostal with comfortable rooms, great location, hot showers and WiFi is the best place to stay in Salinas.
Early-Morning Visit to the Cheese Factory
Salinas makes some of Ecuador's best cheese, while putting money into the pocket of local people. See them arrive in cars, motorbikes, on horseback or even with llamas with freshly collected milk and deliver it to the factory - see how community development works in the flesh!
Breakfast
Enjoy a typical continental breakfast before preparing for your day's activities
Salinas Factory & Salt Mine Tour*
With a local guide, you'll visit several micro-businesses to see how this small village has transformed their economy, creating employment and other opportunities. You'll also visit the salt mines and local museum, to hear about the history of the town and the techniques of how the salt is produced. *Note: Factory Tours only available mid-week
Lunch
Choose from a variety of cuisine using local ingredients from the factories you've just visited, as well as a drink and warming cup of coffee. Make your pizza dough for later, so it has time to rise while you go out.
Hike: Secluded pond, cave and viewpoint
Experience the stunning nature Salinas also has to offer, by visiting the 'Laguna de los Sueños' ('the lake of dreams'), the Cueva de Dos Pisos ('the two-floored cave') and the Mirador de la Cruz ('viewpoint of the cross) - which overlooks the entire valley. This hike is of medium difficulty but can be taken slowly with your local guide.
Pizza-Making Workshop!
After a short break from your hike, it's time to get kneading! You'll make a traditional pizza from scratch using local ingredients in a local restaurant. Accompanied with your favourite tipple, you'll spend the cold evening in front of the oven while making friends with the local staff. Stick around into the evening for you final night.
Night in the Locally-Owned Hostal
Spend your second night in the hostal with a fully belly and and even fuller heart!
Breakfast & Departure
Give yourself a lie-in before another continental breakfast, check out and the chance to buy some souvenirs for the road. Thank you Salinas for such an enriching experience!