Route of the Gardens and Embroidery

The day begins early, with crisp morning air and the anticipation of discovering aromas, flavors, and traditions kept alive by the people of Llano Grande. At the morning the journey to the parish begins—more than a trip to a new place, it’s a path that connects you with the history and culture of its communities.

Upon arrival,  the community welcomes you with a simple, warm reception—the kind that makes you feel you’re entering a home rather than a destination.

Kitu Samay Wasi: living memory: Visit the Kitu Samay Wasi site museum. Memory here isn’t kept behind glass: it’s heard in stories, felt in workshops, and expressed through dance and song in every gathering. Kitu Kara culture can be sensed in every detail—like a heartbeat that remains strong.

Art born from the land: The route reaches the ArtEucalipto craft workshop, where artisans rescue ethnic characters and turn them into unique pieces. These aren’t simple souvenirs: each figure is lovingly handmade. Visitors don’t just observe—they join in, chat with the artisans, and discover a shop scented with tradition and creativity.

Alli Allpa: where heritage flourishes: It’s time to visit the Alli Allpa agroecological garden. Women from the community prepare authentic chicha de jora, preserving knowledge passed down through generations. Tasting it feels like traveling through time: every sip holds a piece of history, and every explanation opens the door to secrets shared from grandmothers to granddaughters.

Cosmetics as ritual: The next stop, is Nari Natural Cosmetics and Sacha Loma. It’s not just about creams and balms—it’s a wellness ritual crafted with medicinal herbs and artisanal formulas that blend ancestral practices with the contemporary. Watching the plants being grown and transformed into products creates a direct connection with nature.

Sara Sisa: stitches that tell stories: The route arrives at the Algarrobo farm, where the Sara Sisa women’s embroidery group keeps hand embroidery alive. Every stitch reflects feeling, identity, and a legacy they refuse to let fade. Visitors can watch, learn, and even embroider alongside them, sharing a unique moment of art and culture.

A country-style lunch: After so many experiences, a well-deserved lunch awaits at  the Allpa Misky Garden. The table fills with homemade dishes prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients—bringing the experience full circle with the truest flavor of all: the taste of the land.

Heading back with a full heart: Finally it’s time to return to Quito. But it isn’t just going back—it’s carrying with you the colors of the gardens, the echo of laughter, the scent of herbs, and the warmth of the people. More than a trip, it’s a memory that stays with you.