Nono

Nestled high on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, Nono whispers tales of ancient trade routes and Jesuit whispers. Nono isn’t just a picturesque town 18 km from Quito. It’s a living testament to Ecuador’s rich history. Established as an ecclesiastical parish in 1660, Nono later became a civil parish in 1720. Its name, derived from the Latin “noveno,” marks it as the ninth village created by the Jesuits. Imagine the Yumbos traders, laden with goods, traversing the very ground we stand on. Picture the Nayón people, also traders, supplying the Yumbos along these ancient paths. These routes, later used by Pedro Vicente Maldonado in the 18th century, connected regions and facilitated commerce. Nono was a crucial stop for arrieros, using the chaquiñenes (short roads) or coluncos to crisscross the country. Nono’s location, 2724 meters above sea level, has always made it a hub of exchange. Today, Nono still thrives on agriculture and livestock. The fertile land yields a bounty of crops, painting the landscape with pastures, cereals, tubers, and vegetables. The earth here also offers another kind of wealth – limestone and andesite from its quarries. Nono boasts diverse flora, from the giant guagramoras (blackberries) to the sweet llilagua motilón, mortiño taxo de monte, chihualcán, chamburo, and uvilla. The climate, ranging between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius, nurtures this rich biodiversity. As you explore Nono, remember the echoes of its past. From ancient traders to Jesuit founders, Nono’s story is woven into the fabric of Ecuador.