Things To Do
in Zaruma
Zaruma is a compact, historic gold-mining town perched on steep hills in southwestern Ecuador’s El Oro province, known for its colorful wooden balconies, narrow cobbled streets and preserved colonial architecture. The town retains a tangible mining heritage—small-scale gold panning, old mine workings and a local museum—woven into daily life and festivals. Visitors appreciate the mild, humid climate, panoramic hilltop views and nearby cloud-forest pockets that contrast with the coastal lowlands.
Easy to explore on foot, Zaruma offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with excellent coffee, artisanal chocolate and warm local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the charming town of Zaruma, known for its golden mining history and stunning colonial architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, savoring the town's serene atmosphere. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and taste local delicacies.
After a light lunch at a local café, explore the historic sites, including the beautiful Church of San Juan Bautista. Discover the stories of the miners and the town's golden past at the local museum. Don't forget to capture photos of the stunning scenery around you.
Enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian dinner at a local restaurant, trying some fresh regional dishes. After dinner, take a stroll along the town square and soak in the ambiance as the night unfolds. End your day with a cup of locally brewed coffee, experiencing the warmth of Zaruma's hospitality.
Start your day with a hike up to the Mirador de Zaruma, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes and the lush valleys. The early morning mist creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photographs. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning sunrise.
After descending, visit a local chocolate farm to learn about the chocolate-making process indigenous to the region. Participate in a hands-on workshop where you get to taste various chocolate treats made from local beans. Enjoy a picnic in the picturesque surroundings of the plantation.
Return to the town for an evening of relaxation, perhaps visiting a local artisan market to shop for unique handmade souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at a cozy eatery and taste regional specialties while conversing with friendly locals. Wind down by enjoying live traditional music showcased at a nearby venue.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Local taxi or short ride | $1-4 |
| 🚌Intercity bus to nearby town | $1.50-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming colonial architecture and photogenic wooden balconies
- Strong local coffee and cacao culture with farm visits
- Mild year-round climate and nearby natural scenery
- Compact, easy-to-explore town with friendly locals
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities compared with larger cities
- Spotty card acceptance and limited ATMs—dependence on cash
- Rural roads can be steep and challenging, especially in rainy season
- Limited medical facilities for serious emergencies
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está la plaza/iglesia?" - Where is the plaza/church?
- "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Zaruma
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of colonial architecture, people in the square and the church façade framed by colorful buildings.
Close-ups and street scenes showcasing carved and painted balconies that line the town’s narrow streets.
Panoramic views over terraced hills, cloud-forest pockets and surrounding valleys—best at golden hour.
Atmospheric photos of lamplight on wet cobbles and intimate street-level perspectives.
Plantation rows, processing patios and portraits of farmers for agritourism photography.
Food in Zaruma
Zaruma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
High-altitude coffee grown in nearby farms—order a filtro (drip) or espresso in town cafés; tastings often available at fincas.
Must-Try!
Although inland, Zaruma has access to coastal seafood—try a plate of ceviche or encebollado at restaurants that specialize in coastal-tinged dishes.
A comforting potato and cheese soup common in Andean-influenced kitchens; filling and widely available in local eateries.
Street bakeries sell savory and sweet empanadas, corn-based snacks and local desserts to accompany coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and stalls sell fresh produce, panela, baked goods and ready-to-eat snacks—perfect for sampling local flavors and buying ingredients.
On market days you’ll find street-food stands with empanadas, fritters and grilled snacks—great for an inexpensive bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake and eye contact are common; use formal greetings (buenos días/tardes) with elders and service staff. A single cheek-kiss is more common in larger cities; in small-town Zaruma, a handshake is safe.
Casual, modest dress is appropriate. Respect local religious sites—dress conservatively in churches and during festivals.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially workers and miners; many appreciate being asked and may pose for a small tip.
Be mindful of the town’s mining culture—avoid making light of environmental or economic issues and show respect when visiting mine sites.
Safety
Tipping in Zaruma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. For table service, leaving 5–10% is fine when service is good. Offer small tips to guides and drivers for extra help. Round up small purchases or give change as a polite token.
Cash (US dollars) is king in Zaruma—carry small bills and coins for markets, taxis and rural purchases. Some restaurants and hotels accept cards, but card acceptance is inconsistent and ATMs are limited, so withdraw cash in larger towns before arrival.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(June–November) The drier season brings clearer skies, more sunshine and easier hiking conditions; daytime temperatures are mild and comfortable, making this a popular time for outdoor activities.
(December–May) Expect more frequent rain showers, higher humidity and mist in the mornings—trails can be muddy and some rural roads may be slippery, but the landscape is lush and waterfalls are fuller.
Transitions between wet and dry can offer mixed weather—pack a light rain jacket and layers for mornings and evenings.
Zaruma at Night
Hiking in Zaruma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible trails rise from the town to viewpoints and ridgelines—ideal for sunrise/sunset photography and short hikes.
Trails on coffee and cacao farms and in remnant cloud-forest pockets provide birdwatching and nature-walk opportunities; guides can tailor hikes to fitness levels.
Nearby rural paths lead to seasonal waterfalls that are most impressive in the rainy season—expect muddy terrain and modest elevation gains.
Airports
How to reach Zaruma by plane.
The main international gateway to the region, about 3–4 hours’ drive from Zaruma depending on route; offers domestic and international flights and reliable ground-transport connections.
Domestic airport serving Loja province (flights are limited); a longer drive from Zaruma but an option for regional connections depending on schedules.
Smaller regional airports (Santa Rosa / Machala area) may have limited or no regular commercial service—ground transport from these cities is the typical option.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents identify as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry), forming the core of the local community and culture.
The broader region includes Indigenous communities and Afro-Ecuadorian populations in nearby lowland areas, contributing cultural diversity to the province.
Zaruma has families tied to small-scale mining and artisanal trades, with several generations maintaining mining and agricultural traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region’s most popular sport—local matches and passionate support are common, with informal games played in town fields and organized clubs in nearby cities.
During festivals you may see traditional dances and community competitions; such events are a good way to experience local culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zaruma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities; ask for vegetable stews, salads, rice-and-bean dishes or egg-based meals. Communicate clearly in Spanish ('soy vegetariano/a') and look for cafés or markets where you can assemble simple meals.
Vegan and gluten-free options are uncommon in small-town kitchens—pack staples or shop at markets for fresh fruit, rice, corn-based foods and beans. In restaurants, explain your needs and expect to customize dishes.
Carry allergy cards in Spanish for nuts, shellfish, gluten or dairy and confirm ingredients for sauces and broths.