Top 5 Reasons For Visiting Saraguro’s Easter Celebration

Planning on being in Ecuador’s Sierra Mountains for spring break or Easter vacation? Looking for something off the beaten path to do during your stay? Seriously consider visiting Saraguro in the Loja province conveniently located between the Unesco World Heritage site of Cuenca and the City of Loja, one of Ecuador’s oldest colonial cities. Here are Life in Loja’s top five reasons to put this day trip on your itinerary, although there are many more reasons than this!

Number one: Authenticity. Saraguro, a majority Kichwa Canton, is one of the most original representations of indigenous culture in the entire South American Andes range. Every day of the year the people of Saraguro dress proudly in their heritage costumes and enact their history and rich cultural traditions which stretch all the way back to pre-columbian times. There is always something to see in Saraguro, however, Easter which often coincides with one of their four major ‘Raymi’s’ or festivals is one of the best occasions to visit because both Christian and ancient celebrations are in full swing at the same time.

Number two: Natural Beauty. The stunning Andes Mountains surround this Spanish colonial and indigenous adobe town where time stands still. Everywhere you turn, or point your camera, there is something amazing to see. Particularly at festival time, the people are decked out in their finest traditional clothing and jewelry as they come together to herald the resurrection of their adopted Christian God side-by-side with traditional costumed characters performing world famous Andean music and dance for the public.

Number three: Cuisine. Come to Saraguro for the colorful festival and stay for the food. The city is becoming a culinary destination with the production of artisanal cheeses, single origin coffee, and the reinterpretation of traditional Andean foods by world class chefs trained in Michelin star restaurants. This deceptively complex emerging cuisine features the best locally grown and freshest ingredients the Sierras have to offer.

Number four: Off the beaten path. This unique destination, designated as one of Ecuador’s “Magical Towns,’ is yet to be discovered by the global tourism industry. Unlike other Kichwa towns further north and closer to Quito, this special place is not crowded or over-visited. You will be welcomed by the people of the town and become immersed in their culture as they invite you to share in their pageants, foods, and traditional rituals. Saraguro is one of the ‘hidden gems’ of Ecuador waiting for you to explore.

Number five: Flying babies. Yes, you read that correctly. Flying babies. We assure you it is all quite safe. An infant child is given the honor of enacting the role of the angel heralding the appearance of the holy virgin mother at the time of her son’s return. In the climax of all the festive Easter activities which are a captivating blend of indigenous and Catholic rituals, the little ‘angel’ takes flight in front of the church at the culmination of the main public procession. This marks the beginning of shared feasting, music, and dancing. Easter in Saraguro is a once in a lifetime experience!

To arrange your visit to Saraguro accompanied by an English-Spanish translator during Easter celebrations or any time of the year - there is always something to see in this unique destination - contact Life in Loja by email, or phone/WhatsApp at 593-098-674-5994.

Life In Loja is registered under Ecuador’s department of intellectual rights as of 2022.