There is a fascinating place just 15 kilometers from Santo Domingo. It is an ecological ethnographic museum where you can get acquainted with the traditions and rituals of the indigenous people of this area and see how they lived, cultivated their lands, and celebrated their colorful national holidays centuries ago.

This territory is still inhabited by the Tsáchila people, who for a long time inhabited entire Ecuador. But because of the Spanish colonization, they were forced to leave their villages, go to the forests and create new settlements like Shino Pi Tsáchila. Earlier, there was a rather large village, but the onset of civilization beckoned locals to cities with their comfort and new advantages. However, the old houses were not destroyed. On the contrary, they were restored to the utmost, and a museum was founded here.

The area where the Shino Pi Tsáchila Eco-Museum is located is one of the few where local flora and fauna are still preserved. Therefore, you can see real rural life here as it was on the Ecuadorian coast before the Europeans arrived here: no electricity, no cars, nothing comfortable and familiar to modern people.

This ecological settlement is located far from the main tourist routes, so there is no noise. Besides, the museum staff always warmly welcome each guest and are ready to share their time.

It is like a fascinating journey through time: national music and cuisine, shamans’ rituals, traditional holidays, and routine work. Here you can walk in the woods and help gather food or prepare logs for a fire. So you can immerse yourself in tribal life, feeling like a full-fledged representative of the Tsáchila people.

And before leaving, in memory of such an exciting adventure, buy some interesting folk style souvenirs in a small shop to remember that fun time.