{"id":73,"date":"2026-04-11T20:11:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T20:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/?page_id=73"},"modified":"2026-04-20T00:08:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T00:08:50","slug":"zunac","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/?page_id=73","title":{"rendered":"Zu\u00f1ac"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Zu\u00f1ac Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Down the southeastern slopes of Mt. Chimborazo, the Zu\u00f1ac parish is home to vibrant creatures and experiences unique to the flanks of the Andes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This area has been focusing recently on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ethnotourism.org\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>ethnotourism<\/strong><\/a>, a kind of education-based, indigenous-led tourism rooted in cultural appreciation and exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the interactive map below to explore some key ecological and cultural assets of the southeastern Andes, as well as further indigenous-run ethnotourism resources.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"81\" height=\"76\" src=\"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Llamas_Blue.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.2392254840724548;width:312px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"383\" height=\"18\" src=\"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/underline_YRB.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-137\" style=\"aspect-ratio:20.689655172413794;width:1178px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"eco-map\" style=\"height: 550px; border-radius:12px;\"><\/div>\n\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/unpkg.com\/leaflet\/dist\/leaflet.css\"\/>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/unpkg.com\/leaflet\/dist\/leaflet.js\"><\/script>\n\n<script>\nvar map = L.map('eco-map').setView([-1.45, -78.05], 8.5);\n\nL.tileLayer('https:\/\/{s}.basemaps.cartocdn.com\/light_all\/{z}\/{x}\/{y}{r}.png', {\n  attribution: '&copy; OpenStreetMap & Carto'\n}).addTo(map);\n\n\/\/ eco icon\nvar ecoIcon = L.divIcon({\n  html: `\n    <div style=\"\n      background:#8caa28;\n      width:34px;\n      height:34px;\n      border-radius:50%;\n      display:flex;\n      align-items:center;\n      justify-content:center;\n      box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);\n    \">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/White.svg\">\n    <\/div>\n  `,\n  className: '',\n  iconSize: [34, 34],\n  iconAnchor: [17, 34]\n});\n\n\/\/ culture icon\nvar culturalIcon = L.divIcon({\n  html: `\n    <div style=\"\n      background:#f06b04;\n      width:34px;\n      height:34px;\n      border-radius:50%;\n      display:flex;\n      align-items:center;\n      justify-content:center;\n      box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.25);\n    \">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/White.svg\">\n    <\/div>\n  `,\n  className: '',\n  iconSize: [34, 34],\n  iconAnchor: [17, 34]\n});\n\nvar ecuadorBounds = [\n  [-5.2, -81.1],\n  [1.8, -75.2]\n];\n\n\/\/ scale svg\nfunction scaleBounds(bounds, factor) {\n  var sw = bounds[0];\n  var ne = bounds[1];\n\n  var centerLat = (sw[0] + ne[0]) \/ 2;\n  var centerLng = (sw[1] + ne[1]) \/ 2;\n\n  var latSpan = (ne[0] - sw[0]) * factor \/ 2;\n  var lngSpan = (ne[1] - sw[1]) * factor \/ 2;\n\n  return [\n    [centerLat - latSpan, centerLng - lngSpan],\n    [centerLat + latSpan, centerLng + lngSpan]\n  ];\n}\n\n\/\/ set scale factor\nvar adjustedBounds = scaleBounds(ecuadorBounds, 1.3);\n\nvar svgUrl = \"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/leaflet-svg-oberley.svg\";\n\nfetch(svgUrl)\n  .then(res => res.text())\n  .then(svgText => {\n    var parser = new DOMParser();\n    var svgEl = parser.parseFromString(svgText, \"image\/svg+xml\").documentElement;\n\n    L.svgOverlay(svgEl, adjustedBounds, {\n      opacity: 0.5,\n      interactive: true\n    }).addTo(map);\n  })\n  .catch(err => console.error(\"SVG load error:\", err));\n\n\/\/ add marker\nfunction addMarker(lat, lng, title, desc, img, link, iconType) {\n  L.marker([lat, lng], {icon: iconType}).addTo(map)\n    .bindPopup(`\n      <div style=\"max-width:240px; color:#471406;\">\n        <h3 style=\"margin:0 0 6px 0;\">${title}<\/h3>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"${img}\" style=\"width:100%; border-radius:8px; margin:6px 0;\">\n        <p style=\"font-size:16px; line-height:1.4;\">${desc}<\/p>\n        <a href=\"${link}\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#e01b25;\">Explore more<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    `, {\n      autoPan: true,\n      autoPanPaddingTopLeft: [50, 100],\n      autoPanPaddingBottomRight: [50, 50]\n    });\n}\n\n\/\/ eco markers\naddMarker(-1.45, -78.0, \"R\u00edo Zu\u00f1ac Reserve\",\n\"A dense cloud forest reserve known for new species discoveries and critical biodiversity corridors. This reserve is often studied due to its rich biodiversity and high numbers of endemic species- those which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.\",\n\"https:\/\/ecomingafoundation.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/1100120.jpg\",\n\"https:\/\/ecominga.org\/\",\necoIcon);\n\naddMarker(-2.0, -78.3, \"Sangay National Park\",\n\"A dramatic wilderness of volcanoes, p\u00e1ramo, and rainforest ecosystems. Photo courtesy of Jhony Cruz.\",\n\"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC06306-scaled.jpg\",\n\"https:\/\/www.roughguides.com\/ecuador\/central-sierra\/parque-nacional-sangay\/\",\necoIcon);\n\naddMarker(-1.2, -78.2, \"Llanganates National Park\",\n\"Remote highlands filled with cloud forests and hidden lagoons. Once rumored to have held the treasure of El Dorado, this park is home to 800 different plant species as well as almost 200 bird species.\",\n\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1611460413978-0105f45f6f40?q=80&w=1170&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ecuador.com\/attractions\/protected-areas\/llanganates-national-park\/\",\necoIcon);\n\naddMarker(-1.6, -78.1, \"Caverns El Toglo\",\n\"Accessible cave system within the cloud forest. This 500m system boasts unique rockforms, bats, and invertebrates.\",\n\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1610814726858-4811ecfe850e?q=80&w=1332&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/evendo.com\/locations\/ecuador\/tena\/attraction\/cavernas-del-toglo\",\necoIcon);\n\naddMarker(-2.17, -78.5, \"Laguna de Atillo\",\n\"A striking high-altitude lake complex surrounded by misty p\u00e1ramo. These 14 frigid lagoons were said to be used by ancient Puruh\u00e1 as a 'natural prison' with abundant cultural history.\",\n\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1642711374977-1ecf92c2370c?q=80&w=1176&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/thecuencadispatch.com\/atillo-a-complex-of-lagoons-rich-in-history-and-natural-beauty\/\",\necoIcon);\n\naddMarker(-1.3, -78.25, \"Llanganates Lagoon Systems\",\n\"Fragile alpine wetlands regulating Amazonian water systems. Over 200 lagoons reside in Llanganates National Park over 4,000m above sea level, creating one of the largest wetlands in the world.\",\n\"https:\/\/plus.unsplash.com\/premium_photo-1673448760492-69e314fd5ab4?q=80&w=1170&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/raftamazonia.com\/waterfalls-and-lagoon-in-the-llanganates-national-park\/\",\necoIcon);\n\n\/\/ culture markers\naddMarker(-1.9, -78.4, \"Early Cacao Use Site\",\n\"One of the earliest known regions of cacao consumption on Earth. The Upano pottery shards containing cacao traces predate Mayan and Incan societies, previously thought to be some of the oldest complex human civilizations on Earth.\",\n\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1585155113167-54ac21bebb09?q=80&w=687&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/envoyexcellency.com\/discover-ecuador-birthplace-of-cacao\/\",\nculturalIcon);\n\naddMarker(-1.47, -78.82, \"Chimborazo Volcano\",\n\"Sacred mountain in Andean cosmology. With its highest peak sitting over 6,000m above the Equator, this is also the closest point to the Sun on Earth.\",\n\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1619015206638-a55773b6b8b8?q=80&w=1332&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/amigosinternational.org\/la_carta\/chimborazo-ecuador\/\",\nculturalIcon);\n\naddMarker(-1.05, -77.67, \"Misahuall\u00ed\",\n\"Gateway town to Amazonian Kichwa culture. Known as an accessible town near the Amazon rainforest and Napo River.\",\n\"https:\/\/floratheexplorer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/46951774384_16931fc379_k.jpg\",\n\"https:\/\/floratheexplorer.com\/misahualli-ecuador-travel-guide\/\",\nculturalIcon);\n\naddMarker(-0.99, -77.81, \"Tena\",\n\"A cultural hub blending rainforest and indigenous traditions. This town is a popular tourist destination because of its nearby ecologic attractions and abundant hospitality.\",\n\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1727500780027-840ea8b84828?q=80&w=1170&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/impactful.travel\/blog\/travel-guide-to-the-tena-amazon-in-ecuador\/\",\nculturalIcon);\n\naddMarker(-1.5, -78.1, \"Upano Valley River Sites\",\n\"A region shaped by ancient settlements and land use systems. Researchers have found earthen mounds, road networks, and farming terraces in this complex landscape.\",\n\"https:\/\/static.scientificamerican.com\/sciam\/cache\/file\/2A599242-BE44-43E7-B15B78CD0110E49F_source.png?w=1350\",\n\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/ancient-amazon-civilization-developed-unique-form-of-garden-urbanism\/\",\nculturalIcon);\n\naddMarker(-1.670, -78.650, \"ESPOCH \u2013 Riobamba Campus\",\n\"Public polytechnic school in Riobamba conducting crucial research in the area.\",\n\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1617096000801-bd71df8d6d8f?q=80&w=687&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D\",\n\"https:\/\/www.espoch.edu.ec\/\",\nculturalIcon);\n\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Local Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"opacity: 0;\" superb-addons-animation=\"slideInUp\" class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shiripuno.weebly.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/taylorryan-tryin.com\/capstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mountains_Green.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-248\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.2392254840724548;width:259px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shiripuno.weebly.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shiripuno Tourism Community<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/shiripuno.weebly.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indigenous Kichwa-run lodge near Tena on the edge of the Amazon offering experiences in medicine walks, indigenous forest ecology, and food preparation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gadtarqui.gob.ec\/2025\/08\/kotococha\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/taylorryan-tryin.com\/capstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jaguar_Orange.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-245\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.0436227669297882;width:217px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gadtarqui.gob.ec\/2025\/08\/kotococha\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kotococha Tourism Community<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gadtarqui.gob.ec\/2025\/08\/kotococha\/\">Indigenous Kichwa cultural immersion experience with craft-making and agroecology workshops<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jatunsachafoundation.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/taylorryan-tryin.com\/capstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Corn_Yellow.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-244\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.889074576979319;width:189px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jatunsachafoundation.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cuya Cocha Tourism Community<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/linktr.ee\/cuya_cocha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazonian community life immersive experience<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"opacity: 0;\" superb-addons-animation=\"slideInUp\" class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/planeterra.org\/shandia-lodge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/taylorryan-tryin.com\/capstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Llamas_Red.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-247\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.2392254840724548;width:259px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/planeterra.org\/shandia-lodge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shandia EcoLodge<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/planeterra.org\/shandia-lodge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kichwa owned ecovillage offering culturally immersive experiences and lodging<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goraymi.com\/en-ec\/napo\/tena\/gestores-comunitarios\/sinchi-warmi-community-tourism-center-avkpji1fz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/taylorryan-tryin.com\/capstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Waterful_Blue.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-294\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.0436227669297882;width:217px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goraymi.com\/en-ec\/napo\/tena\/gestores-comunitarios\/sinchi-warmi-community-tourism-center-avkpji1fz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sinchi Warmi Community Tourism Center<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goraymi.com\/en-ec\/napo\/tena\/gestores-comunitarios\/sinchi-warmi-community-tourism-center-avkpji1fz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kichwa-woman run community resort offering accommodations, cultural experiences, food, and educational activities<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/akangau.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/taylorryan-tryin.com\/capstone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Orchid_Green.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-292\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.889074576979319;width:189px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/akangau.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Akangau Expeditions<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/akangau.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kichwa run tour operator offering a variety of travel experiences<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Zu\u00f1ac Valley Down the southeastern slopes of Mt. Chimborazo, the Zu\u00f1ac parish is home to vibrant creatures and experiences unique to the flanks of the Andes. This area has been focusing recently on ethnotourism, a kind of education-based, indigenous-led tourism rooted in cultural appreciation and exchange. Check out the interactive map below to explore&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-73","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=73"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":226,"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/73\/revisions\/226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ayasacha.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=73"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}