Ruta Escondida - Secret Route. Part 1: Perucho
Dayana
An Escape to Discover the Hidden Destinations of Quito: Perucho
Hiding among the mountains, just an hour and 15 minutes from the capital and 55 kilometers away, is the oldest rural parish of Quito, called San Miguel de Perucho, in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. The locals also refer to it as the “Vilcabamba of Quito” because it is situated in a valley with a privileged warm climate at an altitude of 2,063 meters above sea level, embodying the magic of a paradise that has it all.
Historical architecture within beautiful landscape
Upon arriving at the main park, you will feel mesmerized by the trees and plants, as well as the chirping of many birds that warmly welcome you. Besides the natural environment of the park, the parish church stands out, built from wood sourced from the surrounding forests and founded in 1542. Inside, Baroque and Rococo styles converge, creating an exquisite combination of ornamentation, soft colors, and themes that celebrate nature, love, and everyday life, infused with emotionality and spectacular effects, hence its historical and architectural significance. It has been categorized as a “unique heritage in Ecuador.” Its sculptures, representative of the Quito School, are known for their magical realism and were created by the artist Caspicara.
History tells us that Perucho was a prosperous community due to the richness of its soil. The first settlement was an ancient Caranqui village, whose main chieftain was Muenango, who defended and maintained resistance against the Incas, being the last leader before the Spanish conquest. During the struggle for independence, Marshal Antonio José de Sucre elevated it to the status of a canton, but in 1868 a strong earthquake struck, and it was almost destroyed.
A place for history and archeology lovers
In pre-Inca times, the area was populated by the Pirucho ethnicity, rooted in Quitu-Cara, one of the oldest groups in the region, giving rise to the name “Perucho.” Numerous mounds have been found in the area that testify to the presence of this group. Important evidence that allows for a better understanding of the history of the Peruchanos can be found in the Perucho Museum, which houses archaeological evidence dating from the Preceramic Period (900 years) to the Integration Period (500 years).
For those who enjoy archaeology, Perucho and its surrounding parishes boast an archaeological route that can be explored in a day. The journey starts early in the morning with a visit to the museum, followed by a trip to the Pucará de la Cruz located in the parish of Puéllaro, which was a fortress built by Inca Huayna-Cápac to subdue the Caranquis. The route continues to the temple of Pilgarán in Chavezpamba, a site modified by the Caranquis, where its particular shape suggests it was used for rituals in reverence to the gods of the mountains, such as Fuya Fuya, Cotacachi, Imbabura, and Cayambe. Next, you will find the battlefields where the Caranquis and Incas fought at a site known as Mojanda Chico in the parish of Atahualpa, where weapons such as boleadoras, sling stones, axes, and star maces have been recorded.
A must-stop during the visit to Perucho is Cerro Piltaqui, located 15 minutes away by car and a 10-minute walk, where you can find the ancient dwelling of Chief Muenango.
Paradise of Mandarins
Perucho is also known for its productivity, with the agricultural sector representing 59% of its productive activities. Thanks to its strategic geographical location at 2,063 meters above sea level with a dry temperate climate, it is undoubtedly a very fertile land, particularly renowned for its production of mandarins. The people of Perucho create mandarin ice cream, juice, cakes, bread, slushies, and cookies, making mandarin the emblematic fruit of Perucho, which must not be missed as a sauce for exquisite dishes.
Other noteworthy products include sweet potatoes, passion fruit, sugarcane, avocados, blackberries, and high-altitude coffee, with Finca El Guarangal being known for its organic gourmet coffee. Due to its growing production, agroecotourism is emerging in the area, where visitors can tour farms, pick mandarins—an absolute delight—and harvest avocados, lemons, and beets. Both children and adults connect with nature and the wonderful energy of trees laden with fruit and farm animals, discovering the essence of rural life.
Perucho is also recognized for successful enterprises such as mandarin jam, mandarin wine, mandarin vinegar, and craft beer, which comply with health regulations.
Perucho delights with its exquisite gastronomy. The most representative traditional dish is “sancocho Peruchano,” made from the green plantain this beautiful land produces, accompanied by beans, corn, potatoes, rice, and pork. With mandarin as the emblematic fruit of Perucho, it must feature prominently as a sauce in delectable dishes like pork medallions in mandarin sauce. Vegetarians can enjoy genuine dishes like bean ceviche. This charming paradise boasts the best mandarins in Ecuador. The culinary preparation dazzles with creativity, where mandarins are an essential element in various recipes, maintaining ancestral techniques in cooking over fire and in underground pits, especially for chicken and pork.
Sustainable coffee production
For coffee lovers, nestled in the lush mountains of Perucho, lies the organic coffee farm “El Guarangal,” a true paradise for those who enjoy coffee and nature. This location is distinguished not only by the quality of its coffee but also by its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and respect for the environment.
At “El Guarangal,” high-quality coffee varieties are cultivated, thriving in an ideal environment due to the region’s altitude and temperate climate. The coffee plantations are carefully tended using organic techniques that preserve biodiversity and promote soil health. This not only guarantees delicious coffee but also contributes to the well-being of the local community and the ecosystem. Each cup of coffee from “El Guarangal” tells a story of dedication, passion, and respect for the land.
The farm offers guided tours where visitors can learn about coffee cultivation and production, as well as enjoy the stunning natural beauty surrounding the farm.
Without a doubt, Perucho is the ideal spot to disconnect from the bustling routine of the city and enjoy its tourist attractions. It has comfortable accommodations, some located on viewpoints with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, camping areas, and delicious food.
Perucho features a welcoming landscape and nature; there are places where bromeliad plants form a living ecosystem that shelters species such as spiders, hummingbirds, birds, and worms.
Cycling through panoramic landscape
Perucho is also one of the key destinations for cycling enthusiasts, with a route that begins in Puéllaro and traverses fascinating landscapes while passing through Perucho, continuing towards Chavezpamba and culminating in Atahualpa. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy unparalleled panoramic views, the songs of birds, and the charm of picturesque towns with pre-Hispanic roots. Each place invites visitors to discover its customs, majestic churches, and the myths and legends that envelop its history, all accompanied by the warmth of its people, always ready to welcome visitors with a smile and hospitality.
Have you become curious to discover the hidden route near Quito? We will be happy to plan for you an excursion to this worth seeing area.
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