Gualaceo - Azuay - Ecuador

Gualaceo is located in the central-eastern area of ​​the province of Azuay, in the sub-basin of the Santa Bárbara River, belonging to the Paute river basin.

The following map corresponds to Ecuador located in South America, the division of the country into Provinces is observed, in the orange color is the Province of Azuay where Gualaceo is located.

The Santa Bárbara River Valley is located in the foothills of the central mountain range in the Santa Bárbara River Sub-basin. Its altitude is 2,330 m. with an average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. It enjoys temperate and cold climates that are characterized by their average temperatures ranging from 6 degrees Celsius, in very cold periods and 25 degrees Celsius on sunny days. In the highlands where it surpasses 3,000 m.s.m. they have a cold climate, typical of the high areas of the mountain ranges where the ecosystems of the Cloud Forest and the Andean páramos settle. In terms of rainfall is between 800 and 1,100 mm per year in the rainy months that includes April, May, June and July, while the drought is August, September, October and November.

Flora of the Gualaceo Canton

There are a variety of epiphytes among them melastomatáceas, ericaceae, piperáceas, compound, lichens, ferns, meláceas, mirtáceas and lauráceas. Native Plants: There is also diversity of species such as duco, quinoa, pururug, pteridophytes, guavisay, gañal, sarar, broom, cabuya, capulí, luma, rose apple, myrtle, guava, alder, cedar and cascarilla. Gañal: It is one of the most characteristic shrubs of the Province of Azuay, it is very leafy and we find it very much in the area.

Fauna of the Gualaceo Canton

They inhabit many species of birds, reason why it has become a suitable place to realize bird sighting. It houses a wide variety of animal species, among which we can highlight the fox, the añas or zorrillo, rabbits, guinea pigs, the guagur or porcupine, deer, the woodpecker, tanagers, blackbirds and many amphibians indicators of an ecosystem cleansed.

Economic development of Canton Gualaceo

It is dedicated to the elaboration and commercialization of shoes, and to the sale of templates, appliques. The largest footwear factories in Gualaceo are Sherina, Litargmode and Fassioni. In total they give work to 300 people directly. The stores that sell shoes in this eastern canton are concentrated in the streets Gran Colombia, Dávila Chica and Luis Cordero.

Tourist places of the Gualaceo Canton

Aguarongo Protective Forest
Ikat Technique
Craft Activities
Historic Center Gualaceo
Maylas
San Juan
Fiesta of the Patrón Santiago
Rios Santa Bárbara and San Francisco
Community Museum of Gualaceo

Cultures and traditions

Carnival: 40 days before Lent.- the dances, the costumes, the music, the colorful allegorical cars and the beautiful girls with multicolored costumes.

Cantonization: June 25 .- is a civic expression that attracts locals and visitors, cultural, religious, artistic and sports events are held.

Religious Festival in honor of the patron Santiago: the whole month of July. - some religious and folkloric acts are performed, such as masses, dances, dramatic representations, etc.

Festival del Dulce and El Rosero: November 29

Declaration of Cultural Heritage: December 30 .- The Municipality develops several educational and cultural events that remember and enact the importance of the conservation of large houses and heritage assets.

Typical Gastronomy

Morocho drink: The morocho is cooked with water and spices such as cinnamon, anise, cloves and ishpingo, adding cornstarch and milk.

Tortillas: When the tortillas of Gualaceo are prepared, corn, wheat and corn can not be missing, these are accompanied by hot drinks such as dark chocolate, or cold like rosero.

Rosero: This drink is made with corn and fruits. The corn is subjected to a process of washing and finely ground and then cooked to take the consistency of a wash. It is complemented with spices.