Yantzaza - Zamora Chinchipe - Ecuador

It is a canton of the Province of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador. It is considered as the commercial capital of the province of Zamora Chinchipe.
The name of the canton Yantzaza is of Shuar origin, composed of two Shuar terms or words that means “Valley of the Fireflies”. Yantzaza constitutes for Zamora Chinchipe, the Amazon region and the country an inexhaustible heritage of natural and tourist wonders many of them not yet known.

With the construction of the Amazonian trunk for Yantzaza the doors to national and international tourism are opened, its characteristics of modern city, the quality of its people, its waterfalls, rivers (natural spas) forest, flora and exotic fauna make this town Be very welcoming.

The indigenous Saraguro ethnic groups and the Shuar people are the components of the interculturality of this region, who together with the Hispanic population forge the development of this national corner.

Flora Canton Yantzaza

The canton presents a wide range of species in terms of flora and fauna. Wood species of high commercial value such as the guayacán, pituca, yumbingue, almond, laurel, romerillo, cedar, bellamaria, etc., used in joinery and construction can be found within the cantonal constituency. It is also common the presence of fruit tree species, mainly in the wild such as guaba, quince, granadilla, peanuts, grapes, among others. It also highlights the variety of flowers, in which the orchids of various kinds stand out. family members

Fauna Canton Yantzaza

Among the most representative animal species include the tiger, the danta, deer, armadillos, wild boars, bears, monkeys, yamalas, guatusas among others. Activities related to commercial aquaculture have caused tilapia and carp species to reproduce in their rivers in the Zamora and Nangaritza rivers, due to the lack of preventive measures from the fish ponds.

Yantzaza Canton Hydrography

The two main hydrographic channels are the Zamora and Nangaritza rivers, navigable by low draft vessels in the vicinity of the canton. Infrastructure works have been developed parallel to their margins, clearing roads and neighborhood roads. The aforementioned rivers run independently to the Los Encuentros parish, where they converge, forming the Zamora river itself, which will in turn join with the Santiago river that is constituted as a tributary of the Amazon river.

The flow of the Zamora river to the right bank increases the ravines of; Centza, Pindal, Numbaime and the Machinatza and Quimi rivers. On the left bank the gorges of Piedra Liza, Yantzaza, Pita, Chimbutza, La Yona, Muchimi, El Pincho, Pachicutza, and the Chicaña, Cayamaza and Chuchumbletza rivers. The Nangaritza river does not have tributaries of continuous importance during its tour of the cantonal territory.

Tourist Attractions Canton Yantzaza

Waterfall El Tobogán Cantón Yantzaza

The name of the waterfall originates in the way the rock has by the course of the water. It is located in the parish Chicaña sector El Salado, 24 kilometers from the city of Yantzaza, has an approximate height of 15 meters. Here you can take a bath, practice photography and enjoy the observation of the existing flora.

Yantzaza Canton bear cave

This cave is located in the Chicaña parish, El Salado sector, is approximately 50 meters long. The tour of the cave lasts about an hour, in which you can observe stalactites and stalagmites, natural formations that have been strengthened over time. In addition, bats, reptiles and other forest animals that enter to provide mineral salts for food are visualized.

“El Zarza” Wilderness Yantzaza Canton

The Wildlife Refuge, which has an area of ​​3643 hectares, was created on June 28, 2006. It is located in the Yantzaza canton, in Los Encuentros parish, El Zarza neighborhood.

Yantzaza Canton silk thread crafts

This artisanal attraction is located in the Quiringue neighborhood of the Chicaña parish, 14 kilometers from the city of Yantzaza. Silk is a highly appreciated textile fiber obtained from the secretion with which the worm makes its cocoon, in this activity different stages are involved: spinning, dyeing, weaving and finally a raw material ready to be used in development is obtained business. The Thread is used to make purses, scarves, shawls, necklaces and earrings.

Shuar Canton Yantzaza ethnic group

The Shuar, integrate an ethnic group that is based in the canton Yantzaza, in its three parishes that integrate it. The residents of the San Juan Kayap neighborhood are committed to rescuing their customs and traditions, the same that for years have been forgotten.

Typical foods Canton Yantzaza

Frog legs: Traditional legs are breaded, fried, grilled or garlic. They are served with rice, patacones, french fries and salad. Some make, even, ceviche, sancocho or frog noodle

Fried Tilapia: Served with rice, tilapia, patacones and a good salad. Tilapia is a low-fat meat in addition to containing protein, vitamin B, calcium and phosphorus.

Ayampaco: Made with chicken meat, beef, pork, fish or pork or beef visors that are sewn a little and then wrapped in bijao leaves and grilled. It is served with cassava, banana, papachina and salad.