Aya Huma Experiences is more than just a tourism initiative—it is a movement dedicated to cultural preservation, adventure, and immersive storytelling in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Founded by Juan Carlos Minda, a passionate national tour guide from Ecuador, this project was born out of a desire to offer travelers a deeper, more meaningful connection to Otavalo, its people, and its traditions.
The Beginning: Aya Huma FreeWalking
The journey started in September 2019, when Juan Carlos created Aya Huma FreeWalking, a project that introduced free walking tours in Otavalo as a way to make local culture and history accessible to all. The goal was simple:
✔ Offer a deeper understanding of Otavalo’s rich history, traditions, and way of life.
✔ Provide immersive experiences where travelers could connect with locals.
✔ Promote sustainable and responsible tourism, ensuring that the community benefits directly from visitors.
The Inspiration
Otavalo is world-famous for its indigenous heritage, artisan markets, and breathtaking landscapes, yet most visitors only experience a fraction of what this rich culture has to offer. Juan Carlos, with years of experience guiding travelers, recognized the need for an authentic and community-focused approach to tourism—one that would allow visitors to truly immerse themselves in local traditions, history, and daily life.
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The Meaning Behind «Aya Huma»
Aya Huma is one of the most iconic figures in Andean culture, representing the masked spirit of the Inti Raymi festival, a celebration of the sun, the harvest, and indigenous identity. The two-faced mask of Aya Huma symbolizes the connection between past and present, just as Aya Huma Experiences bridges ancient traditions with modern exploration. You can read more about the origin of the Aya Huma character here.
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A New Chapter: Travels, Challenges & Growth
As the project was gaining momentum, life took Juan Carlos on a new adventure. Leaving Ecuador to travel and eventually settling in Australia, he had to pause the project for almost two years. However, the journey didn’t stop—during his time in Australia, Juan Carlos was able to lead several rock climbing tours, further developing his expertise in adventure tourism and outdoor leadership.
Su pasión por el turismo emigró con él desde Ecuador y ahora es guía en Australia. El ecuatoriano Juan Carlos Minda pasó de ser guía turístico en Ecuador, su país natal, a ejercer su pasión en Kangaroo Island, Australia.
Although far from Ecuador, this experience reinforced his passion for guiding and storytelling, inspiring him to expand Aya Huma beyond free walking tours and create Aya Huma Experiences—a more diverse and immersive tourism project that integrates culture, art, and adventure.
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Aya Huma Today: A Fusion of Culture & Adventure
Now reimagined as Aya Huma Experiences, the project offers a range of unique, interactive activities that allow travelers to connect deeply with Otavalo.
🌿 Flavours of My Land Walking Tour – A delicious journey through Otavalo’s traditional cuisine, tasting local delicacies like fritada, chicha de yamor, cevichocho, and more.
🏔 Cuicocha Lagoon Trekking – An immersive hike around the sacred volcanic crater lake, filled with breathtaking views and indigenous legends.
⛰ Fuya Fuya & Mojanda’s Lake Trekking – A thrilling ascent to one of the best viewpoints in the Ecuadorian Andes, combining adventure and nature.
🎨 Mural, Music, Art & History Workshops – Interactive cultural experiences for groups, students, and professionals, where travelers can explore indigenous art, traditional music, and historical storytelling.
🧗♂️ Rock Climbing Workshops – An adventure-filled climbing experience for beginners and experts alike, set in Otavalo’s stunning natural rock formations.
What Makes Aya Huma Experiences Unique?
Aya Huma Experiences is built on the pillars of:
✅ Authenticity – Every experience is rooted in the real-life traditions and landscapes of Otavalo.
✅ Sustainability – Respecting the environment and supporting local communities is at the heart of our work.
✅ Connection – Travelers don’t just observe; they participate, learn, and create lasting memories.
The Vision for the Future
Aya Huma Experiences is not just about tourism—it’s about revitalizing traditions, supporting local artisans, and creating meaningful connections between visitors and Otavalo’s people. The vision is to continue expanding with new experiences, deeper cultural exchanges, and more opportunities for sustainable adventure tourism.
Join us and become part of the Aya Huma story—where every step is an experience, every moment is a discovery, and every traveler becomes part of our community.
Book your Experience
Let’s explore, climb, and discover together!
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