Zaruma Canton

Zaruma Canton is an administrative region in El Oro Province that spans mountainous terrain with several towns and parishes. The area sits at high elevation in the Andes and comprises multiple settlements connected by valleys and hillsides.

Spanish settlers arrived in the 16th century attracted by gold deposits and established mining operations that lasted for centuries. This wealth shaped the growth of the towns and their communities throughout the colonial and later periods.

The area maintains traditions rooted in its mining past, visible in local crafts and the architecture of its towns and villages. Visitors notice stone buildings and public squares that reflect this heritage and continue to shape how the place looks today.

The region is best explored by car since the towns are spread across mountain roads with steep sections. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and wear comfortable shoes, as many routes are best done on foot.

The region was added to Ecuador's Magical Villages program in 2019, a recognition given to only a few areas across the country. This designation honors the special character and appearance of the towns without fundamentally changing how they function.

Location: El Oro Province

Elevation above the sea: 1,279 m

GPS coordinates: -3.43333,-79.60000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:47