Things To Do
in San Gabriel

A comforting chicken soup with potatoes and herbs; common in local comedores and a great option if you need a warming meal after a cold morning.

Must-Try!

Fried pork served with mote (hominy), plantain, and salad; often found at markets and neighborhood restaurants on weekends.

Light, air-filled cheese empanadas dusted with sugar—popular as a snack from street stalls and bakeries.

Cooler days with more sunshine and clearer views—excellent for hiking and photography. Nights can be quite cold; bring warm layers and sun protection for bright highland days.

More frequent rain showers and cloud cover, especially afternoons; trails can be muddy and some viewpoints obscured. Carry a rain jacket, waterproof footwear and plan outdoor activities for mornings.

Transitional periods with variable weather—good balance of lower tourist numbers and reasonable conditions. Expect a mix of clear and rainy days; flexible planning pays off.

A high-altitude páramo reserve famous for frailejones, wind-sculpted landscapes and unique flora; trails range from short walks to longer treks—best visited with warm clothing and sun protection.

Numerous unmarked and locally guided routes lead from surrounding villages into páramo and highland meadows—ideal for birdwatching and landscape photography.

Small highland lagoons and wetlands near the canton offer easy to moderate hikes with opportunities to spot waterfowl and enjoy reflective mountain views.

The primary international gateway for most travelers; expect a 3–4 hour drive to San Gabriel depending on traffic and route. Car rental, buses and private transfers link Quito with the northern highlands.

Closest provincial town with limited airport facilities; scheduled commercial flights are minimal, so ground transport from Tulcán is the usual approach.

An alternative for travelers coming via southern Colombia; Pasto is across the border and offers bus and taxi connections into northern Ecuador—useful if combining travel with Colombian destinations.

The majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed indigenous and European heritage), forming the dominant cultural and social group in town.

Surrounding rural areas include indigenous families and communities maintaining traditional agricultural practices and crafts; some markets reflect indigenous presence through goods and dress.

There are smaller numbers of Colombian cross-border migrants and Ecuadorians from larger cities who have relocated to the region for work or family ties.

The most popular sport nationwide; local communities follow club matches and informal neighborhood games are common in the afternoons.

Road cycling and mountain biking are popular due to scenic, challenging routes through the highlands—cyclists often tackle steep climbs and mountain passes.

Community festivals feature traditional sports, dances and competitions tied to agricultural cycles and local patron saint celebrations.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns; order soups with vegetables, mote and corn-based dishes, or ask restaurants to adapt meals. Markets provide fresh fruit, grains and dairy for self-catering.

Vegan choices are scarcer—plan ahead by buying produce at the market and communicating needs clearly (in Spanish). Carry snacks if you're reliant on strictly vegan meals.

Many traditional dishes use corn and potatoes rather than wheat, but cross-contamination is common. Ask about ingredients and prefer simple preparations like grilled meat and vegetable sides.