The rose farms of Cayambe

What it is

Cayambe lies about an hour and a half north of Quito, almost exactly on the equator, at around 2,800 metres under a snow-capped volcano of the same name. Light falls nearly straight down for twelve hours every day of the year, and the nights are cold. Roses grow slowly in these conditions and make thick stems up to a metre or more long, with large flower heads, which is why Ecuadorian roses fetch high prices abroad. The valley and neighbouring Tabacundo are covered with greenhouses. Some farms and old haciendas offer guided visits through the growing houses, the sorting hall and the cold store.

Before you go

• Arrange the visit in advance. Farms are working sites and not all take visitors.
• It fits well into a day trip from Quito to the Otavalo market.
• Try the local bizcochos, crisp buttery biscuits that Cayambe is known for, with fresh cheese.

The flowers you will see

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursGypsophilaA group of delicate, small-flowered plants known as baby's-breath

Read more

CayambeHighland city in Ecuador known for flower farms and dairy products

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