La Maná is a town in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador. It serves as the seat of the La Maná Canton, one of seven cantons in the province. The canton covers a total area of 66,258 acres (approximately 268 km²), making it the sixth largest canton in Cotopaxi. According to the 2022 census, the town proper has a population of 31,740, with a population density of approximately 3,700 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Etymology
The name "La Maná" is derived from the phrase Lang Mana Atti, which translates to "mine of great king," referencing the abundance of gold and other minerals found in the subsoil. In the Tsáchila language (also known as "Colorado" or safiqui), the word mana means "beautiful" or "big," attributed to the fertility of the land.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Tsáchila people (also known as "Los Colorados"). Archaeological evidence of their presence includes clay pieces, zoomorphic statuettes with ornaments, and clay pots, which were presumably used for melting metals such as gold. On May 19, 1986, under the government of President León Febres Cordero, La Maná was officially established as a canton. The town is noted as a settlement founded by people from various parts of Ecuador, each bringing their own customs and traditions.
Geography
La Maná Canton is located in the foothills of the western mountain range of the Andes, situated on a plain formed by alluvial deposits covered with ashes and volcanic sands. The main town sits on an ancient alluvial terrace of the San Pablo River. The region has several climatic levels ranging from subtropical to tropical.
Climate
The annual average temperature is 23 °C. The hottest months are March and April, with temperatures reaching 28–30 °C, while July is the coolest month, with a minimum of 18 °C. La Maná experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season (June to November) with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, and a wet season (December to May) characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall, which can cause flooding in certain areas. Average annual precipitation is approximately 2,699 mm (106.26 inches).
Economy
The local economy is supported by extensive plantations of banana, orito (a type of plantain), yucca (cassava), cocoa, tobacco, and coffee. The region also possesses auriferous (gold-bearing) wealth, and its strategic geographic location contributes to its role in the Ecuadorian economy.
Tourist Attractions
- Las 7 Cascadas – A series of natural waterfalls located near the border with Pangua Canton.
- The Cañaveral – A natural gold mine located approximately 12 km from the center of La Maná.
- Mirador Pucayacu – A viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the Pucayacu area.
- Cascada Guadual – A 25-meter waterfall with a natural pool suitable for swimming.
- Cascada de Brasil – A 15-meter waterfall with an emerald-colored lagoon, surrounded by flora such as orchids and ferns, and fauna including butterflies and woodpeckers.
- Guasaganda – A town within La Maná Canton, whose name derives from Spanish guasa ("rude") and ganda ("augmentative"), interpreted as "Big Land."
- Hacienda Malqui – An archaeological site and cattle ranch where Malqui means "body or mummy of the Incas' ancestors," producing panela and artisan liquor.
- Machay Archaeological Site – Located in Peru (not in La Maná), it contains historical paintings and stone constructions from the Inca period, and is part of the Malqui Machay cultural project.
