Zaruma

Zaruma is a hillside city in El Oro Province with wooden buildings constructed on steep slopes and connected by narrow cobblestone streets and staircases throughout. The entire settlement rises vertically in this distinctive arrangement across hundreds of meters.

Spanish settlers founded the city in 1595 as a mining center for gold extraction, which gave it economic importance during colonial times. Mining operations shaped the settlement's structure and appearance that continues today.

The townspeople celebrate year-round festivals featuring religious processions and local music that shape daily community life. These events reflect customs that have been passed down through generations and remain central to local identity.

The city sits at 1200 meters elevation with mild temperatures year-round, making it accessible to visitors at any time. The narrow and steep walkways require good footwear and reasonable fitness to explore comfortably throughout the city.

An extensive network of old mining tunnels runs beneath the city, affecting its structures and requiring constant monitoring. This underground history remains unseen by most visitors but shapes the daily challenges residents face.

Location: Zaruma Canton

Inception: December 8, 1595

Elevation above the sea: 1,200 m

Website: http://zaruma.gob.ec

GPS coordinates: -3.68333,-79.60000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 11:06