Ecuadorian hospitality in Jima

Rural Ecuador, good food and hospitality.

I visited Ecuador for 3 months, during this time, with Fernanda and sometimes with her family, we visited many places like Quito, Otavalo, Banos and Quilotoa Lake. We spent a week in Cuenca, also visiting Cajas National Park, during this week we had the opportunity to go to a village called Jima.

In Budapest Fernanda and I have friends from around the world: India, Iran, Armenia, Syria, Kenya, Colombia and, of course, also from Ecuador. During our time in Cuenca, we discovered that one of these Ecuadorean friends was in his hometown, Jima, and we visited him.

Jima is located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) southeast of Cuenca. In the early morning of a Sunday, our friend Kevin came to pick us up by car and after around an hour and a half and some beautiful landscapes, we were in Jima.

Jima is a small, picturesque town in the southern region of Ecuador, within the province of Azuay. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, it is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including lush green hills, valleys, and rivers, making it a peaceful destination if you are seeking a serene escape.

Jima is known for its pristine environment, with abundant flora and fauna. The area offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the Andean highlands. Its proximity to cloud forests provides a unique ecosystem that attracts visitors interested in biodiversity.

The local economy revolves around agriculture. The region is famous for its crops such as coffee, sugarcane, and fruits. We witnessed traditional farming techniques and it is possible to participate in agricultural activities.

We arrived just in time for breakfast, we ate amazing quimbolitos and humitas with Kevin’s mom, who sells these foods in her shop. We bought some to bring back to Cuenca and Riobamba to share with Fernanda’s family.

After breakfast, Kevin showed us the city. We went to the local market and visited the house-museum of the local doctor, who collects old objects: cameras, toys, games, vinyl, newspapers, journals and more.

Afterwards, we visited the main square, and the church and then we had a trip to the mountains that surround the city, where we could enjoy the landscape and meet other Kevin’s relatives.

We had lunch with Kevin, his mom, and his aunt, we cooked together the fish we bought at the market, patacones, and salad. It was great to share these moments, cooking and eating together. We talked, shared our experiences, and got to know each other.

In the afternoon we went to the local shop to buy a specific type of local cheese, which is delicious! We also met Kevin’s grandparents, and with his aunt, we visited the land of his grandfather, which is in a small town near Jima.

We came back in time for colada morada, a traditional Ecuadorian drink made from purple corn flour, fruits, spices, and herbs. It is typically enjoyed during the Day of the Dead celebrations. It is usually drunk with bread, all the food is homemade by Kevin’s mom. Other family members came for this snack moment, and it was nice to share this time with them.

Kevin’s mom didn’t let us go without serving us dinner, and we had more patacones with eggs, salad, and the local cheese. After that, Kevin and his father drove us back to Cuenca.

The hospitality I experienced there was unlike any other. It was marked by remarkable curiosity, a strong desire to share, and incredible kindness. Jima offers a true glimpse into rural Ecuadorian culture.

It may be small, but its charm lies in its untouched natural beauty and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people. It’s an ideal destination if you are looking to immerse yourself in the tranquil, authentic atmosphere of rural Ecuador.

See you soon,

Flavio