Zamora - Zamora Chinchipe - Ecuador

It is a canton in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador. The origin of its name is due to the presence of the city and cantonal head of Zamora.

The canton is known for being one of the first cantons and one with the largest territorial extension in the province. The Zamora canton is the entrance of the Sierra region from the city of Loja to the rest of the province through the Loja-Zamora highway on a 57 km RVE E50 kilometer stretch.

In the decades of the 80s and 90s, product of the gold exploitation in the Nambija and Chinapintza deposits, the city has experienced great growth; in addition to a remarkable economic growth due to the immigration of its inhabitants and the remittances received mainly from European countries. A large part of its inhabitants are originally from the province of Loja. It is called "Capital of Paradise" given the constant presence of various birds and waterfalls that stand out from the ravines that surround the city. It is one of the main settlements in the south of the Amazon region. One of the most important administrative, economic, financial and commercial centers of the Amazon. The main activities of the city are commerce and agriculture.

Climate Canton Zamora

Zamora has a tropical rainy climate of 20 ° C on average.

Flora Canton Zamora

In its forests you can find an Edenic biodiversity in which fine wood trees in danger of extinction and of importance for the wood industry stand out, such as: romerillo, guayacán, laurel, pituca, camphor, aguacatillo, yumbingue, almond tree, among others.

Native fruit plants some little known, and countless unknown species: quince, tree peanut, cocoa sacha, caimarona grape, iñaco, bejuco peanut, among others.

Among the epiphytes mostly of ornamental value, we have: orchids, araceae, bromeliads, among others. Several species crawlers, vines, climbers. Some aquatic plants in its ravines, lakes and lagoons.

Medicinal, aromatic and hallucinogenic plants: guayusa, natema, guabiduca, blood grade, carqueja, horsetail, among others.

On the forest floor and undergrowth are found, a variety of ferns such as tree ferns, Cyclaceae and mosses. On the slopes of the ericáceas and heliconiáceas roads of ornamental value.

Orchids Canton Zamora

Catasetum stevensonii
Cyclopogon sprucei
Masdevallia dalessandroi
Masdevallia figueroae
Masdevallia manchinazae
Masdevallia panguiensis
Masdevallia zumbae
Paphinia zamorae
Psygmorchis zamorensis
Warmingia Zamorana

Fauna Canton Zamora

Mammals are found such as: pumas, jaguars, tigrillos, spectacled bears, dantas, white-tailed deer, Andean wolves, river wolves, capybaras, bales, agoutis, armadillos, coatis, peccaries and a variety of monkeys, among others.

An infinite number of birds such as: cocks of the rock, jocotocos, guataracos, orioles, guácharos, hummingbirds, parrots, mount pavas, toucans, chickens, hawks, owls, eagles, woodpeckers, kingfishers, herons, grouse, partridges, pigeons , among others.

An infinity of amphibians and reptiles, which include frogs and snakes such as: boa, anaconda, coral, x, macanche, rotten leaf, yamunga, among others.

An infinity of fish in its rivers such as: catfish, zumba, eel, corroncho, tilapia, trout, bocachico, white, guancha, old, sabina, among others.

An infinity of insects such as: butterflies, wasps, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, praying mantises, in which the bees stand out as: euglossas, eulaemas, xylocopas, ninbuches, pichirros, vermilion, catanas, morojas and cushions; and ants like: culona or arriera ant, conga ant, bone head ants, Russian male ants, among others.

Economic development Canton Zamora

Zamora is a city of wide commercial activity. The city is the largest economic and commercial center of the province of Zamora Chinchipe and one of the main ones in the south of the Amazon region. It houses large financial and commercial organizations in the country. Its economy is based on commerce, tourism and agriculture. The largest extraction industries in the city are made up of timber and agriculture (fish farming, poultry farming, etc.). The main income of the Zamoranos is formal and informal commerce, business, agriculture and aquaculture; The commerce of the great majority of the population consists of SMEs and micro enterprises, adding in an important way the informal economy that employs thousands of people.

The commercial activity and the benefits they provide are also seen at the corporate level, the opportunities of the private sector to develop business models that generate economic, environmental and social value, are reflected in the development of new structures, private investment has been part of The process of the city's growth, real estate projects, private developments, and offices have been increasing, making the city a strategic and attractive point for doing business in the Amazon.

Zamora Canton cultures and traditions

Pachamama is the party of the chonta who lives the Shuar nationality, also collects the parties that make the saraguros, called the “supalata”, which consists of thanking Mother Earth for the products she offers.

In Zamora the Carnival parade is famous, because the neighborhoods of the city and special guests participate; Allegorical cars and comparsas are prepared, combining with the election of the queen of "Birds and Waterfalls" where representatives of the Amazonian cantons and the Ecuadorian Austro participate.

Zamora is one of the best places to enjoy the carnival because of its climate, its people, and its tourist places. On November 3 the Zamora Chinchipe provincialization festivities begin. It begins with the parade of floats by García Moreno, José Luís Tamayo, Diego de Vaca, May 24, Amazonas, Av. Del Maestro, arriving at the Terrestrial Terminal.

The participating cantons Yanzatza, Nangaritza, El Pangui, Paquisha, Sentinel of the Condor, Palanda, Chinchipe and Zamora. The parade is adorned by candidates for queen of the province of the ethnic groups. Colonists: Hispana, Saraguros: Inti Ñusta and Shuaras: Shiram Nua of the different cantons, who are transported by their respective floats.

Zamora Canton Typical Meals

Zamora Chinchipe, besides being a province rich in natural resources, is also known for its gastronomic richness. Below are some of the dishes you can taste when visiting this paradisiacal sector.

AYAMPACO

The Ayampacos are a traditional preparation of the Amazon, they are part of one of the most important cultural experiences for those who want to know Zamora Chinchipe and its customs; This dish can be acquired mainly in the cantons of Zamora, Sentinel of the Condor, El Pangui, Yacuambi, Nangaritza, Paquisha and Yantzaza.

CORK CORK

This dish is identified by being prepared with products and ingredients typical of the area such as the corroncho (variety of fish existing in the ravines and rivers of the province), herbs and natural condiments typical of the place. The high nutritional value and the exquisite flavor of the corroncho, make this dish very appealing to visitors. It is prepared by the three ethnic groups, Shuar, Saraguro and Mestizo, you can taste it in the cantons of Zamora, Yantzaza, El Pangui and Nangaritza.

YUCA GIRL

Traditional drink of the Shuar ethnic group. The main ingredient for processing is cassava, it is grown in their own gardens. This drink can be found in the Shuar communities of the different cantons of the province.

CHONHA CHICHA

It is a drink that has been consumed since centuries past by the Shuar ethnic group, according to the tradition of this culture, it can be found in Shuar communities throughout the province. This preparation is done in gratitude to Mother Earth for the generosity of her fruits. The chonta's production time includes the months from May to August.

FROG LEGS

Traditional dish very desired by own and strangers. You can taste in the cantons of Zamora and Yantzaza.

TILAPIA

It is a representative dish, it is found in the 9 cantons of the province of Zamora Chinchipe, prepared mainly by the mestizo or colonna ethnic group, but tasted and appreciated by the three existing ethnic groups. Likewise, it is important to mention that it has great acceptance by the people who visit the province. Its production is maintained throughout the year, by breeding fans.

GALLINA CRIOLLA SOIL

Mainly mestizo tradition, this dish can be purchased in all the cantons of the province.

GROUND GREEN BANANA

This dish is consumed at the level of the province, at the time of production of this fruit.

GUAYUSA LEAF WATER

The Guayusa plant is found throughout the Chinchipe canton, it is a drink that contains vitamins, in addition to having an exquisite flavor.

7 PINGAS LIQUOR

This is a traditional liquor from Canton Zamora, it is prepared with guarapo, bull's nerve, leg and beef tongue accompanied by tropical fruits.

TIGER MILK

It is a very simple drink to prepare, traditional in all the cantons of the province, it can be consumed in cantonal, parochial parties, educational events and other events.

ARAZÁ LIQUOR

It is a traditional drink of the canton Yantzaza, prepared with the fruit arazá or quince, is consumed mainly in social, cultural celebrations, religious holidays, among others.

MELCOCHAS

This delicacy is prepared based on panela and peanut, this sweet taste for young and old, you can enjoy it in the Zamora canton in the parish of Timbara.

HONEY WITH CHEESE

It is a dessert introduced from the mountains, adapted to the customs of the Amazon. It can be acquired at the provincial level.

CULON ANTS

It is a typical dish of the Chinchipe canton, you can taste it in the months of November and December, season of abundance. The culona ants are brown in color, penetrate the earth forming large holes, have a maximum development of 2.5 to 3 cm long and usually fly. They are prepared toasted, in cake and in broth.

MUKINDES

This dish is typical of the Amazon that for years has served as a nutrient for the inhabitants of the Shuar ethnic group. Mukindes are edible worms that can be consumed fried or raw, the characteristic of these is because of its abundant fat.

PINCHIMICUNA

It is a tradition of the Saraguros, they prepare their food with products from their crops to share and eat all together. This dish is made in gratitude to Mother Earth for blessing her products and making them occur. Among the foods that are made are: cheeses, bread, mote, chicken, guinea pig, Chinese potatoes, molo, cassava, plantain, beans, cheese, among others.

Tourist places in Zamora

Zamora waterfalls

From the Sabanilla parish on the Loja-Zamora road, there are many waterfalls of the different tributary streams of the Zamora River, the most striking are: La Gentil Waterfall, Manto de Novia Waterfall, La Rapida Waterfall and Chorrillos Waterfall. The Chorrillos Waterfall in the El Limón parish, the largest of all, will be part of a project for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant as in San Ramón.

There is also another waterfall with no name, on the road to Genairo leaving through the Yaguarzongo neighborhood.

The Biggest Clock in the World in Zamora

It is built in the urban area of ​​the city of Zamora, a place conducive to develop cultural activities such as: exhibitions, etc. The hands were constructed with selected metals according to their properties through the exclusive software for this purpose. The stainless steel used in the machines contains chromium, nickel and other alloy elements, that is, it is a stainless steel resistant to the climate of the environment.

Although nature is the symbol of the province of Zamora, it is located on the hill "el tejar" and occupies an area of ​​1600 m2 of adequate slope adequate with a geogrid to prevent surface erosion, the length of the minute hand It is 14.67m and has a weight of 375 kg, while the horero has a length of 11.07m and a weight of 325 kg.

´Rio Bombuscaro in Zamora

Its name comes from the Wampushkar shuar which means “clear waters”, it is known because in the forests that surround it there is a diversity of endemic birds.

Suitable place for recreation, environmental education and hiking; because it has suspension bridges and trails. According to legend, who bathes in the crystalline waters of Bombuscaro, can never forget Zamora and will stay or return to this beautiful land.

PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK (PNP) in Zamora

Located between the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja, its name comes from Romerillo or Podocarpus, the only conifer native to Ecuador, a species of trees that form small forests in the foothills of the mountain range. The temperature in the high zone ranges between 8 and 15 ° C and in the low zone it is 20 ° or more temperate and permanently humid

As for its birdlife, this area stands out as one of the richest in the world, there have been more than 630 species, which represent about 40% of the birds that exist in Ecuador, species such as the umbrella bird are found , the cock of the rock, parrots, hummingbirds, toucans and thongs.

ZAMORA LINEAR PARK

Located in the urban area of ​​the city of Zamora, on the right bank of the Zamora river. Site conducive to develop cultural activities such as: exhibitions, plays, music concerts.

CASCADA VELO DE NOVIA in Zamora

Only 20 km from the city of Zamora on the road to Loja, is the waterfall "Velo de Novia", named in this way because its falls and water color generate a similarity with a wedding veil; It is also known as "The Fast", for the speed of the fall of its waters that arise from the foothills of the Podocarpus National Park.

This waterfall, due to the breadth it has and the space it occupies on the road, is considered a stage and a mandatory stop for all who pass through the place.