Salinas de Guaranda facts for kids
Salinas de Guaranda, also known as Salinas de Tomabela, is a special village in Ecuador. Its name comes from the salt mines that were very important for its economy before the 1970s. This village is high up in the Andes mountains, about 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Bolívar Province. The history of Salinas de Guaranda began a long time ago, even before the Spanish arrived. The first people to live here were from the Tomabelas, Chimbus, and Simiatug tribes.
The people of Salinas de Guaranda work together to run their economy. This is based on an old Quechua idea called minka. A minka means that everyone helps each other with big tasks. The village is famous for making delicious chocolate, cheese, and salamis. They are always looking for new products to create and sell.
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Discover Salinas de Guaranda
Salinas de Guaranda is a unique place in the heart of Ecuador. It is a small village that has found a special way to live and grow. The village is known for its strong community spirit. People here work together to make their lives better.
Where is Salinas Located?
Salinas de Guaranda sits high in the Andes mountains. These mountains are a very long chain of peaks in South America. The village is about 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) above the sea. This high altitude means the air is cool and fresh. It also offers amazing views of the surrounding landscapes. Salinas is part of the Bolívar Province in Ecuador.
A Look at History
The story of Salinas de Guaranda started many centuries ago. Long before the Spanish explorers came, different groups of people lived here. These included the Tomabelas, Chimbus, and Simiatug tribes. They were the first inhabitants of this beautiful area. The village got its name from the salt mines nearby. These mines were very important for the local economy until the 1970s. Salt was a valuable resource that helped the community thrive for a long time.
How the Economy Works
The economy in Salinas de Guaranda is very special. It is based on a "cooperative" system. This means that people work together and share the benefits. This idea comes from the Quechua tradition called minka. A minka is when everyone in the community helps with a big project. For example, they might all work together to build something or harvest crops. This way of working helps everyone in the village.
What Salinas Produces
The people of Salinas de Guaranda are very skilled at making different products. They are famous for their tasty chocolate. They also produce delicious cheese and salamis. These products are made locally and help support the village. The community is always trying new things. They explore new ideas and products to keep their economy strong and growing. This helps them create more jobs and opportunities for everyone.
