Chilla - El Oro - Ecuador

Chilla is a canton in the province of El Oro in Ecuador, was initially located in what is now known as Pueblo Viejo, near the current town of Chilla.

According to historical data, they assure that the image of the Virgin of Chilla was found by some peasants of Pueblo Viejo, on a swamp or swampy area (area where the Municipal Government building is currently built).

The image of the Virgin was transferred to Pueblo Viejo, but inexplicably, it returned to the place of origin, a fact that happened on several occasions, so the villagers understood that the place of sighting was where they should stay and build the temple. Here is the origin of the name of Chilla comes from the Quichua language "Chaylla" which means there is referring to the Virgin.

Religious Festivities

Religious Celebration of the Blessed Virgin of Chilla

It has been characterized for hosting year after year more than 50 thousand pilgrims who every September 8 come in pilgrimage from different parts of Ecuador to this sanctuary, in which, the image of the Virgin is venerated as the patron saint of the province of El Oro. (Iñaguazo, William, Tourist Information 2010. Tourism Unit, Decentralized Autonomous Government of the Chilla canton).

These festivities in honor of the Virgin of Chilla start from the last days of August, welcoming the pilgrims who visit already from these dates, with the proclamation of parties. The day of celebration begins with the recitation of the holy rosary of the dawn, at dawn, the novena to the virgin for each neighborhood of the canton.

Festival of Interculturality

From June 2010, in order to increase domestic tourism and promote the different tourist attractions of the canton, the current administration of the canton undertook this celebration of the Election of the Queen of Interculturality, one of the festivities in which candidates participate of the 14 cantons, with their characteristics of their locality whom they represent with their clothing, race, music; among them Afro Ecuadorians, montubias, indigenous and more.

Tourist Attractions in the Chilla Canton

Marian Shrine Our Lady of the Nativity of Chilla.

The Marian Shrine, one of the greatest attractions of the canton, considered as a sacred temple, center of veneration to the Virgin of the Nativity of Chilla Patroness of the Province of El Oro, by thousands of Oregonians, Ecuadorians and foreigners. This temple is the result of a great effort, joint work based on mingas organized by Father Juan Lecuona, with the support of inhabitants of the Chillano people and other volunteers who came from the surrounding parishes. (Miranda, 10) In 1941, work began on the construction of the first wooden and adobe temple, located in the area that currently corresponds to the municipal establishment, in Simón Bolívar streets and March 26, it remained with its facilities until 1969.

Pueblo Viejo or Nueva Fátima

It is the place of settlement of the first Chillan settlers, the area of ​​Pueblo Viejo known today as Nueva Fátima sector, full of history on which this mound of land is based, or also called pyramidal hill, contains constructions similar to terraces, around you we observe abundant vegetation, it is an appropriate place to take walks, photographs, rest. The recommended season to visit this town is in summer time preferably at the beginning of July, to be part of the popular party as is the Festival of Interculturality, where tourists can recreate with cultural events such as music, folk groups, local gastronomy.

Pyramid of Pueblo Viejo

In the pyramid we observe terraces from the skirt until reaching the top, on the edges of the terraces you can see the stone structures. Whose natural attraction is in the process of deterioration because it has been affected by soil erosion, is surrounded by hills dedicated to agriculture and livestock, the surrounding vegetation are low and pajonales bushes; In the direction of La Pirámide there is a stone wall that leads to it and on its sides there is a small esplanade. Located in the Pueblo Viejo sector, former cantonal capital of Chilla. It is believed that it belongs to the Cañari - Puca culture of the Integration period (800 AD)

Balneario de Pejeyacu

A natural site, preferred by tourists for the carnival season, meetings on weekends, due to its warm climate because it is in the lower area of ​​the canton, where we will also enjoy natural attractions flora, fauna, the Pejeyacu River that it crosses this same sector. From the cantonal head we will move along the second order road that leads to Quera, preferably in a 4x4 vehicle, which will take us approximately two hours of travel. Although it does not have a basic infrastructure for tourism, it has characteristics that make it a unique and privileged attraction of the canton, for the production of its tropical fruits, easy access to the spa and the warmth of its local inhabitants.

Waterfall of Río Lecher

Lecher waterfall considered one of the natural attractions, located near the road that leads from Chilla to the parish of Guanazán, at a height of approximately 2,500 m. The name of the site is due to its crystalline waters, a place suitable for descents or climbs. Its approximate height is 100 meters. To get to the place indicated, we drive in a vehicle on the second-order road from Chilla to Guanazán, until we reach a certain place where we will observe the waterfall from the road, then we make a stop and climb a path, we walk twenty minutes from the road to the waterfall. On the way we will observe flora typical of the area such as the salapa plant (edible fruit, similar to the uvilla). When we arrived at the site we noticed that it is composed of two rocky layers where the cold water slides.

Gardens of the Pivir River

A natural pool formed on the Pivir River; located 5 minutes from the cantonal capital via Guanazán. It contains crystal clear cold water from the hills. This attraction is located within a complex of municipal property, around there are cabins, green areas, similar to a large natural garden, which contains endemic and planted flowers.

Cerro Ventanas

Natural site located at 2808 meters above sea level, from the cantonal head we advance riding along the second-order ballast road to the entrance of the Shiquil sector, where we continue along the bridle path towards Cerro Ventanas, finally we arrive at the hill to take a rest , we take the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the landscape, if we advance half an hour later we will arrive at the hill Yayurco. When observing the construction of the hill, it is composed of giant rocks that resemble windows between the stones from which its name originates.

Cerro Yayurco

This natural attraction is located at 2800 meters. To get to this place, as described above we travel the same road to Ventanas, then we arrive at the hill to take a break, half an hour later Yayurco is located. This area is suitable for those who like Ecotourism or Adventure Tourism, where they can enjoy the nature offered by the site. When observing the place you will be fascinated, because it is full of charms, as diversity of flora, fauna. So we will also observe close to the site just 30 minutes, a space of petroglyphs carved into two giant rocks, according to research done to Sgt. Vicente Rivadeneira and archaeologist MagnerTunner, point out that these figures are expressions of our ancient settlers, through which they manifested their situations, states of mind, adoration, thanks to the Sun God, to the Moon god, among other beliefs that they kept at that time.

Cerro de Portete

This hill can be part of the route within a tourist route due to the physical characteristics that constitute it and therefore those that surround it, according to the visits made we can point as a favorable place to carry out activities such as photography, hiking, ascents, pleasant for who like ecotourism It is also important to note that when ascending to the top of the hill, if we have a clear day, we can see in the distance the corners of Machala, Passage.