Galapagos Islands information

Every island in the Galapagos is different one from the other and all this is due to how they were formed. If the 4,600 million years of Earth´s history will be simulated in 24 hours, the Galapagos Islands had been formed in the last two minutes of that day. The 19 islands and 219 islets were created by successive volcanic eruptions over a hot spot located on the seafloor of the Nazca Plate. The first of them emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean about 5 million years ago. The islands are settled on the Nazca Plate and move about 5 centimeters a year eastward. That is why the oldest islands of the archipelago are far about 200 kilometers east from the youngest islands that are still above the hot spot.

Explore the Enchanted Islands

1) Isabela Island. 2) North Seymour Island. 3) South Plaza Island. 4) Santa Fe Island. 5) Santa cruz Island. 6) Bartolome Island. 7) Mosquera Island. 8) Santiago Island. 9) Rabida Island. 10) Floreana Island. 11) Genovesa Island. 12) Española Island. 13) San Cristobal Island. 14) Fernandina Island.

Community

KARANKI MAGDALENA

Karanki Magdalena is an Indigenous Community on the Imbabura Volcano slopes near Otavalo. These families welcome tourists into their homes, providing an immersive experience to learn about the culture. One of the final resting places of Atahualpa, the last Inca Emperor, Karanki Magdalena, is situated approximately 9,842 feet (3 km) above sea level. This historic site is beautifully surrounded by stunning valleys and serene lagoons, offering a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and natural beauty.

TOUCH

Geraniums House

Capacity for 5 guest

1 matrimonial
1 triple

TOUCH

Girasoles House

Capacity for 6 guest

1 matrimonial
2 twins beds

TOUCH

Alisos house

Capacity for 6 guest

2 triple

TOUCH

Cipreses House

Capacity for 5 guest

1 triple room
1 matrimonial

TOUCH

Rosas House

Capacity for 6 guest

2 twins bed

TOUCH

Mirtos House

Capacity for 7 guests

1 triple room
1 twin beds
1 sigle

Roasted Corn: Ancestral Flavors
* Duration: 15 minutes
Canelazo: A Typical cinnamon spirit beverage, cheers!
* Duration: 15 minutes
Animal feeding: Cows, chicken, pork
* Duration: 15 minutes
Agricultural Techniques: Harvesting and Planting – Organic Orchards.
* Duration: 1 Hour
Knead and bake: Traditional cornbread.
* Duration: 1 hour
Milking: Milk the family cow.
* Duration: 30 minutes
Learn Hand Embroidery: Create your Masterpiece.
* Duration: 1 hour

Karanki Magdalena: Short activities in Karanki -Embroidery

Gastronomy lessons: Prepare a meal with your indigenous family.
Bonfire: Enjoy the starry night
* Duration: Until desired by the guests.
Shepherding in the Andean Paramo " Tundra": In a close hill with local shepherds.
* Duration: 2 hours
Horseback riding: See crater formation, abandoned mines, flora, and fauna (Max 8 people).
* Duration: 2 hours

Karanki Magdalena: Extended activities like hourseback riding

What to do nearby?

The Otavalo Indigenous market, Peguche looms, Cuicocha & San Pablo lagoons, as well as the Cotacachi leather workshops and the San Antonio de Ibarra handcrafts market.

How can I get to the community?

From Quito, take the “Panamericana Norte E35” towards the San Pablo Lake (56 miles (90.12 km)); before reaching this lake, take the Ugsha – Zuleta road (9 miles (14.48 km)). From the population of Zuleta, take the main Avenue towards the Magdalena bridge, which is the entrance to this Community (2 miles (3.22 km)). From Quito, take the “Panamericana Norte E35” towards the city of Ibarra (85 miles (136.79 km)), and you’ll reach “Av. Atahualpa”; continue towards the population of Esperanza. Pass by the Atahualpa Museum and continue this road towards the bridge of Magdalena, where this Community begins (6 miles (9.66 km)).

What kind of weather can I expect in Magdalena?

The average temperature is 57 ºF (14 ºC) during the morning and 47 ºF (8 ºC) at night. The rainy season goes from September to May, and summer from June to September.

Do the people of the community speak English?

No, they don’t, but the guide will be with you, and there are radios in the houses to communicate with each other.

Is there a hospital or medical assistance nearby?

There are clinics and a hospital in Ibarra 16 km (9.94 mi) away (30 min) working 24 hours.

KARANKI MAGDALENA

Enjoy an overnight in 6-family homes

Total capacity to stay overnight in the community: 33

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC LOCAL LIFE

Optimal activities and cultural connections

A SOCIAL PROGRAM

What to bring?

Essentials:

What to Wear?