Ingapirca is the most impressive and significant set of Inca ruins in Ecuador. That being said, the ruins at Ingapirca are not very impressive when compared to Macchu Picchu or other pre-Columbian ruin complexes in Peru. Ingapirca was once an important Inca military and religious center, but over the centuries the site was cannibalized by the Spanish who used the finely chiseled stones to build their own homes and churches. Before the arrival of the Incas, the site had been an important Cañari observatory. Today, the best-preserved structure is an oval-shaped platform known as the Temple of the Sun. Efforts are underway to restore the site.

Although those who have seen the impressive ruin complexes in Peru (or Mexico and Guatemala, for that matter) may be disappointed by Ingapirca, it is still worth the trip, particularly if you are already in Cuenca or a ruins buff.

Ingapirca is located in the middle of nowhere, about 90 km away from Cuenca. Guided tours to the site can be arranged in Cuenca, or if you get there by yourself (wheel and deal with the taxis in Cuenca, make sure they stick around to take you back) there are guides hoping for clients at the entrance to the ruins. Alternatively, there are two daily buses from Cuenca to Ingapirca, leaving at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the terminal and returning at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Plan on spending about two hours visiting the ruins. 

The ruins are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entrance costs $5.

Location:
Ecuador

Ruin

Travel Skills: beginner/easy.

By Christopher Minster

I am a writer and editor at V!VA Travel guides here in Quito, where I specialize in adding quality content to the site and also in spooky things like...

Created: 24 Aug 2005

Updated: 23 Mar 2009

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