The Ecuadorian Chagras

An Ecuadorian Chagra, the Cowboy of The Andes. Near Pintag, Ecuador.

As we passed through the charming countryside beyond the Pintag village, we were fortunate enough to come across this Chagra. The Chagras are the typical cowboys of the Andes. For the most part they are cattlemen, but they also pride themselves on the showmanship of their stunning horses.

The landscape that is home to this Chagra: scenic rural mountains, a countryside chapel, and cobblestone streets.

In the high altitude of the Andes, the weather changes quickly, and in the thin air, the mountains under cloud cover can quickly dip into the 30’s even after reaching the upper 60’s in the midday sun.
The Chagras almost always wear a hat to protect them from the rays, as this is the closest point to the sun, on the entire planet. At times they display several layers of brightly colored wool ponchos and scarves,but rarely are they seen in fluffy winter coats.
On some occasions, they sport the heavy chaps seen here, made from the wool of the native Alpaca.
Always friendly and sometimes drunk, they are always an entertaining sight to see.

A close up of the Alpaca Wool Chaps worn by the Cowboys of the Andes  Mountains in Ecuador.

A small group of curious Alpacas stared us down as we passed through their mountainside.