Ingapirca
might not
be as impressive
as some Inca
sites in Peru,
but it is
Ecuador's
finest. Some
find the ruins
boring while
others find
it a moving
experience
to see and
touch the
beautifully-cut
stones, fitted
together so
accurately
and without
mortar by
craftsmen
of a vanished
civilisation.
There are
good walks
in the area
around the
ruins and
you can visit
a rock formation,
known as the
Face
of the Inca.
If possible,
combine a
trip to the
ruins with
a visit to
the Friday
market at
the nearby
village of
Ingapirca
where Canari
cowboys in
sheepskin
chaps loll
drunkenly
on their horses
while the
women, all
of them hatted
and wearing
traditional
costume, quietly
shop for potatoes,
cuy
[guinea
pig]
and shining
aluminum pots
and pans.
Guided tours
of Ingapirca
can be arranged
by any travel
agent in Cuenca.
Getting
there
From
the bus
terminal in
Cuenca
Transportes
Canar
leaves daily
to Ingapirca
[2
hours],
tickets US$1.50*.
Excursions
and taxi
tours are
also available
from Cuenca,
or you can
take a Guayaquil,
Quito
or Riobamba
bus and tell
the bus driver
to stop in
El
Tambo.
Places
to visit
The
ruins
The
ruins of Ingapirca
are not only
testament
to an important
part of the
country's
history, but
also the most
important
evidence left
behind by
the Incas.
Tours are
given by local
guides who
explain the
function of
this impressive
construction.
Walking within
this complex,
one discovers
small stone
walls forming
square, rectangular
and oval buildings.
A closer look
reveals animals
sculptured
into the relief.
A series of
aqueducts
bringing water
to the site
can be easily
be identified.
Other spaces
maintain forms
of rooms such
as the private
quarters of
the Inca General
Atahualpa.
One of the
most important
sights is
the Temple
of the Sun.
Known as the
'Castle',
it is the
finest example
of Cusco-style
architecture,
located on
the highest
part of the
site. The
stone lines
are almost
perfedt and
the artists
have polished
each sharp
corner.
The Ingapirca complex is located in
around seven
hectares of
land. The
main structure
is the eclipse-shaped
temple serving
as a place
for worshipping
the Gods.
It matches
the style
of the oval
wall and what
is left of
the palaces,
interior patio,
grand square,
quarters etc.
According
to recent
studies, the
function of
Ingapirca
was primarily
religious.
The Sun was
worshipped
and the agricultural
bounty was
seen as a
generous gift.
The Incas
showed their
appreciation
for a rich
agricultural
season by
ceremonies
and fiestes
such as Inti
Raymi, celebrated
each solstice
in June.
The first
official description
of Ingapirca
was made by
three Frenchmen
in 1736.
The indigenous
communities
and countrymen
of the Ingapirca
parish have
been in charge
of its administration
since the
3rd May 2001.
They control
tourism and
develop the
rules of visiting
the site.
Places
to stay
The Posada
Ingapirca
offers comfortable
rooms, excellent
typical food
and a unique
environment,
characterised
by its rustic
interior design
and its countryside
environment.
The magical
experience
of your stay
is made extra
special by
the fact that
the biggest
archaeological
monument of
Ecuador is
right on your
doorstep -
the Posada
is literally
right next
to the ruins.
Getting
there
A direct bus
leaves
the Terminal
Terrestre
bus station
at 9am and
10am, returning
at 1pm
and 3pm. Check
the times
as they may
well change.
Entrance to
the ruins
complex is
about $5*
and includes
the well-presented
adjoining
museum.
*Prices
are approximate
Last
updated 18th
July 2006
