In the Sacred Valley of Vilcabamba, Cerro Mandango is one of those striking sites that nature has capriciously designed, and that are an invitation for those who visit them to rediscover the beauty of these natural spaces full of charm and stories.
Cerro Mandango is undoubtedly one of the main icons related to Vilcabamba. His presence accompanies many of the activities in different aspects and perspectives in the daily life of Vilcabamba.
Some facts about Mandango
To the west of the urban center of the Vilcabamba parish (in the province of Loja, in southern Ecuador), stands out an elevation with unique characteristics that impress and captivate the attention of both locals and those who visit it.
With a maximum altitude of around 2,030 meters above sea level, this elevation is known by the name of CERRO MANDANGO.
Geologically, the Mandango is a calcareous structure of compact earth and a very solid base that has rugged and pronounced flanks and its elevated part ends in two peaks: one is a viewpoint, normally the terminal point for hikers and the other a little higher, surrounded by vertical walls that make it impossible to climb, except for its southern part.
This capricious elevation is undoubtedly the most recognized natural attraction in Vilcabamba, being a place of visit for excursions both by locals and travelers who arrive in Vilcabamba.
MYSTIC MANDANGO
Discover the mystical charm of Cerro Mandango, a legendary mountain that keeps stories and ancestral traditions in Vilcabamba. With its whimsical shapes, this imposing hill has awakened the imagination of the local population and has become a symbol of fertility, majesty and connection with the divine.
If you look at the Mandango from different angles, you can see different interpretations: some see it as a reclining lady, with her full breasts representing prosperity and life. Others describe it as an imposing palace, with inaccessible walls and a roof that defies the passage of time. There are also those who see it as a gigantic aborigine observing the infinite firmament from its reclining position.
Every year, on May 3, following a deep-rooted tradition, the local inhabitants make ascents to Cerro Mandango to visit a cross located on its peak. This cross, which was originally made of wood, marks the end of a legendary dispute between the Mandango and another hill called the Guaranga. It is said that both mountains threw giant stones that resounded with impressive noises, until the placement of the cross put an end to this confrontation.
On the other hand, there are dozens of stories of sightings of unidentified flying objects in the surroundings and above Cerro Mandango.
Likewise, there are several groups of people who make the ascent with a more spiritual objective and make offerings of thanks when they reach the top of the Hill.
The ascent to Mandango
The ascent to Cerro Mandango is suitable for people of all ages, and although from Vilcabamba it may seem like a difficult journey, the truth is that the climb is possible even for children. This is the case of small groups of schools in Vilcabamba who carry out promotions from time to time in the company of teachers or tutors. In these cases it is always recommended that an adult do it.
The ascent is made by one of Vilcabamba trails, which with different degrees of difficulty brings visitors closer to the top,
Depending on the pace of each walker, the entire route (ascent and descent) can take a few hours (3 to 4), although there are reports of athletes running up and down the Mandango in less than an hour. Light clothing, good mountain shoes (in some areas the path is very rocky), lots of water and some fruit is what you should take with you for the ascent of this icon of Vilcabamba.
Approximately 2/3 of the way up along a rather winding path, you come to a small and cozy flat area, which is covered with a layer of grass and populated with bushes, especially faiques, changuis, casacasas and guabillos. (all native trees), which invite you to rest under their shade and take new strength to undertake the journey of the last third of the way.
In this last downhill stretch it gets a little more difficult, and can exhaust some people; but whose prize for being overcome is the wonderful view of an extensive and impressive landscape, accompanied by pure air that refreshes the day. The peace that can be felt in the place spreads to those who reach
THE MANDANGO TODAY in the life of VILCABAMBA
Due to the fact that security incidents occurred in the Cerro in previous years, the EcoClub Vilcabamba Collective has been working for several months with the aim of improving the physical security of those who visit it.
Dozens of steps in the steepest areas prior to the first summit and a life line that accompanies those who decide to reach the top are two of the actions that the group has been working on.
Currently, the EcoClub has signed cooperation agreements with other institutions to continue improving access and in general the experience of visiting this important tourist destination in Vilcabamba.
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