A guide to alausí

WRITING FOR TRAVEL AND CULTURE

MIDTERM EXAM

“A Guide to Alausí”



ALAUSÍ
Why go?
Under the arms of Saint Peter, in a valley of the Andes, there is a quaint little city, filled with natural and historic attractions, its name is Alausí. Located in the province of Chimborazo, at 2347 m, with an average temperature of 15 ° C; this is the place to visit if youenjoy a peaceful environment and walking through narrow cobbled streets. Its colonial architecture is one of the reasons this city has been declared National Heritage, most of the houses are more than a hundred years old. The exciting journey by train to the Devil´s Nose, the mystic Ozogoche Lakes, the historic Incan Trail, and beautiful landscapes, make the visit to Alausí an unforgettableexperience.
Arrival and Getting Around.
The only way to get to travel from Guayaquil to Alausí, is by car. From There is only one company offering transportation, CTA. Seats are numbered, tickets cost $5.20. The departure is from Guayaquil´s Terminal Station and the arrival is at a small station in the principal avenue. For transportation from Alausí to Achupallas or to Ozogoche, visit AF AlausitoursCIA. LTDA tour operator and travel agency, they arrange transportations in minivans for groups of tourists, or can help you with transportation in general.
If you choose to guide yourself in Alausi or its surroundings, you can take a taxi; inside the city it will not cost more than a $1.50 USD. Taxis will be parked at the 5 de Junio Av., next to the Gampala Hotel.

Accommodation.
* LaQuinta Inn.
A small wood and concrete building, with ample rooms and scenic balconies. La Quinta is located near the Black Bridge, so you know when the train is coming, it´ll pass really near. By looking outside, you can appreciate how the railway line is drawn across the city; a perfect view for excellent pictures. Attention is given by the owners, a friendly couple who is always willing to help. Besure to book in advance, because there are only eight rooms and they fill in quickly.
Prices: Simple $ 30, double $54, triple $90. (Plus taxes) Breakfast is included.
Address: Eloy Alfaro 121.
Telephone: (03) 2 930 247
E-mail: info@hosteria-la-quinta.com
Website: www.hosteria-la-quinta.com
* San Pedro Hostel.
Located in the main avenue, next to the CTA, bus station. It is a modern,small and yellowish building, with very lovely comfortable simple, double and triple rooms. The value you pay depends on how many people are staying and the price does not include any extra service, however, there is a restaurant downstairs for breakfast and simple set meals. The owner, a middle aged woman, is a very welcoming person.
Prices: $12 per person, no extra service is included.
Address: 5de Junio and 9 de Octubre.
Telephone: (03) 293 0247.
E-mail: hostalsanpedro@hotmail.com
* Pircapamba Inn.
Located three kilometers away the city, Pircapamba Inn lies in a country setting, with large fields and a magnificent 360 degrees view of Alausi. The place offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, a recreational area with a fireplace that will surely keep you warm. Servicesinclude horseback riding and a tour to its private forest. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at the Inn’s restaurant, which is included in the daily rate payment.
Rooms: Simple $15, Double $35.
Address: Villalva y Pedro de Loza.
Telephone: (03) 293 0180 (Alausí) (2) 222 8482 (Quito).
E-mail: info@pircapamba.com
Website: www.pircapamba.com

Restaurants.
* El Mesón del Tren.
A few steps awayfrom the Railway Station, this welcoming and traditional restaurant opens its doors to national and international tourists, offering typical dishes such as the famous hornado, roasted pork, accompanied with llapingachos, mashed potatoes in form of pancakes with a peanut sauce dressing; also offering almuerzos, at $3 USD, a value worth paying for a three course meal of freshly homemade food....