Calpi is a parish town in the canton of Riobamba in Chimborazo Province. Rich in culture and brimming with attractions both historical and natural, this Ecuadorian destination is well worth the detour. It promises compelling cultural and tourist activities thanks to its many deeply conservative indigenous communities, historic monuments, and exceptional natural landscapes.

Calpi Today

Calpi is located 160 km south of Quito, the capital. It comprises 19 indigenous villages, most nestled at the foot of Ecuador's highest volcano. According to the last national census in 2010, Calpi's population numbers approximately 6,469 inhabitants, the majority between 0 and 14 years old. Women represent roughly 54.21% of the total population. The town thus boasts a very young and female-majority population.

For both locals and foreign visitors to Calpi, tourist activities abound. Festivities honoring the patron saint Santiago, celebrated in November, along with its various monuments and sheep wool craftsmanship, form the backbone of the town's tourism reputation. Gentle walks off the beaten path, the ascent of Mount Tungurahua, and hikes deep into wild forests make Calpi a dream destination for nature lovers. These outdoor activities allow you to discover the local flora and fauna. The region's flora consists of cypress, capuli, eucalyptus, cabuyas, and chilcas. The region is also home to numerous bird species. Doves, blackbirds, hummingbirds, and vicuñas are the most prominent.

Discovering Andean Cultures

To immerse yourself in local culture, particularly Andean culture, meeting the local community of Calpi constitutes one of the most beautiful experiences in the region. Quechua indigenous peoples live at the foot of the highest mountain peaks of the Ecuadorian Andes and are deeply committed to their heritage and roots. The town is characterized by its community tourism centers, including the Palacio Real, San Francisco de Cunuguachay, Moya, and Jatari Compesino.

By developing tourism projects and supported by the Ahuana association, these local communities strive to foster a form of tourism that improves living conditions and preserves local culture. To this end, each community has established restaurants showcasing local gastronomy, museums reflecting the cultural value of their traditions and heritage, and shops selling locally crafted products. They also organize various outdoor activities allowing travelers to discover the landscape and historic monuments.

Visiting the small museums on the slopes of Chimborazo is an opportunity to connect with these local communities. These museums display ancestral Andean elements such as agricultural and domestic utensils, clothing, and artwork. After discovering local customs and traditions, you can take a stroll through the village and experience the daily life of its inhabitants.

Discovering the Beautiful Basilica of Calpi

Just opposite the main square and the parish GAD offices stands the Basilica of Calpi, an incomparable monument especially for Catholic believers. This magnificent structure from the 1950s features Gothic and neo-Gothic architectural style, reflecting the town's history, which is deeply intertwined with Catholicism.

Its magnificent architecture is highlighted by a frontal plan, ending at the two upper extremities with two octagonal towers, crowned above its doors by Gothic arches.

Climate

Reaching elevations above 3,049 meters, the Calpi region experiences a warm oceanic climate with no dry season. Throughout the year, average temperatures hover around 14.2°C with annual precipitation reaching 322.3 mm. With just 6.4 mm of rainfall, July is the driest and coldest month of the year. The rainy season peaks in February with precipitation of 48.3 mm.

The journey between Calpi and Riobamba, the provincial capital, takes only 15 minutes by car. It sits midway between Cuenca and Quito.

• Air

Calpi is relatively well-served, with no fewer than 8 airports in its vicinity, the closest being Chachoan, 32 km to the north.

• Bus

From Riobamba, you can take line 16. The journey between the two towns typically costs just $0.30.