Saraguro home of indigenous pride

Nestled in the Pugila foothills, 64 km from Loja, Saraguro is home to the Saraguro Indians. The Saraguro are a very traditional group who have kept their customs alive by maintaining their traditional forms of dance and music and by continuing to dress in the same distinctive clothing - the black poncho they wear is a sign of the mourning oath they swore when the Spanish killed Atahualpa. The region is one of incredible beauty and Catacocha, Celica, or Gonzanamá, are definitely worth a visit.