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Karanki Magdalena - Go Galapagos
Community

KARANKI MAGDALENA

Karanki Magdalena is an Indigenous Community located 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 rich heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Enjoy an overnight in 6-family homes

Karanki Magdalena: Geraniums House
TOUCH

Geraniums House

Geraniums House

Capacity for 5 guest

  • 1 matrimonial
  • 1 triple
Karanki Magdalena: Sunflower House
TOUCH

Girasoles House

Girasoles House

Capacity for 6 guest

  • 1 matrimonial 
  • 2 twins beds
Karanki Magdalena: Alisos House
TOUCH

Alisos house

Alisos house

Capacity for 6 guest

  • 2 triple
Karanki Magdalena: Cipreses House
TOUCH

Cipreses House

Cipreses House

Capacity for 5 guest

  • 1 triple room
  • 1 matrimonial
Karanki Magdalena: Rosas House
TOUCH

Rosas House

Rosas House

Capacity for 6 guest

  • 2 twins bed
Karanki Magdalena: Mirtos House
TOUCH

Mirtos House

Mirtos House

Capacity for 7 guests

  • 1 triple room
  • 1 twin beds
  • 1 sigle
*Total capacity to stay overnight in the community: 33*

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC LOCAL LIFE

These families have been trained in hospitality, cooking, hygiene & health and accounting. Tourists can participate in daily local activities such as animal feeding, gardening, and harvesting products such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, and more.
Karanki Magdalena: Experience authentic local life

Optimal activities and cultural connections

Participate in activities such as gastronomy lessons (learn how to cook typical local dishes), milking, shepherding, biking, hiking and horseback riding in nearby mountains and hidden treasures such as the Cubilche mount. By night, enjoy a traditional folklore dance, performed by the young members of the community.
Short activities
Extended activities
  • 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 own 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

A SOCIAL PROGRAM

This is a Go Galapagos social program that promotes cross-cultural experiences with travelers from around the globe; guests may participate in local everyday activities and outdoor excursions or stay overnight in family homes.

What to bring?

Karanki Magdalena: Essentials things to bring

Essentials:

  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Small waterproof backpack
  • Camera
  • Plastic bags for garbage
  • Umbrella
Karanki Magdalena: What to wear to Karanki Magdalena

What to Wear?

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
  • Rubber boots and rain ponchos.
    Waterproof pants.
  • Windbreakers, warm evening clothes.
    Cap or hat
Live a complete experience with our package:

Karanki Magdalena & Galapagos cruise

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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.