Ecuador - Jungle Luxury

liquidtravel (60)in #travel • 5 years ago (edited)

If you go off the beaten path, in southern Ecuador, you can find the country's largest Inca archaeological site. This is the site of Ingapirca or "Inca wall." Originally, this area land belonged to the Cañari people who were indigenous to the area. But during the 15th century, the mighty Incas expanded into southern Ecuador and they came in contact with the Cañari. The Cañari resisted the Inca until the early 16th century but eventually fell victim to the ever-expanding Inca Empire.

The Inca and Cañari lived together peacefully for a time and the Cañari were actually allowed to manage their own affairs and their customs. They did have to learn the language of the Inca so that each could communicate with the other.

Ingapirca represents a mixture of these two cultures with a portion that is uniquely Cañari and another that is more Inca in origin. These ruins are not only the largest in Ecuador, but they are also the best preserved archaeological ruins in Ecuador. The original purpose of the settlement is still unknown but it was used a fortress and storehouse to resupply Inca troops as they headed north. It was also used as a place of worship and veneration to the Sun God, Inti. Inti was the most important God of the Incas and this is demonstrated by having the largest and most significant building on the site dedicated to him.

The Temple of the Sun was constructed without mortar, as are most of the structures at Ingapirca and is typical of Inca and Cañari architecture. The stones were carefully chiseled and fashioned together perfectly. Another amazing example of their construction techniques can be found in Cusco, Peru at the site of Saksaywaman. The layout of Ingapirca was in keeping with the Inca beliefs and their understanding of the universe. The temple was constructed in such a way that during the solstices, at exactly the right time of day, sunlight came into the temple through a doorway at the top of the small chamber.

The Site

Entering the site, you will first see a large stone next to many smaller stones laid out in an elliptical shape. Archaeologists believe this is the grave of a chieftain and their court. Because the Incas believed in life after death, they buried their dead with their most precious belongings. This might also include servants that would accompany them into the afterlife.

The Incas built the walls of the site to form a passage that in the horizon, points to where the sun sets on the June solstice. The rays lite this passage until it illuminated the large stone.

Other areas of the site include Pilaloma which was a small plain located in the south-eastern end of the temple. Here, the Incas built enclosures in a space defined by a semi-elliptical wall. In front of Pilaloma are five circular structures used to store various bulk resources. Pilaloma has been dated as the oldest structure of Ingapirca.

Besides the Sun Temple, there were other religious features are Ingapirca including called the “baños del Inca.” These were ceremonial baths were filled with water and blessed. Once consecrated, the water was allowed to flow through a small canal to a room built underneath where it fell onto worshippers. The Inca believed it would purify them.

Along a central corridor, is a group of buildings thought to be a "House for Women" or “Virgins of the Sun.” Women, who lived here were chosen as children to worked for the Royal Family and keep the temple clean. They were typically daughters of important members of the community and considered very beautiful.

Moonlight Calendar

One of the most interesting features of Ingapirca is the Moonlight Calendar. The cañari had a sophisticated calendar system. They used a large rock called a “tacita rock” onto which holes of different depths were formed. These holes were filled with water and the Incas were able to observe the moonlight as it was reflected by the water. Over time, they would see similarities in the reflection based on the reflection's location in the water and the different times during every lunar month of the year.

The Ellipse

Another of the largest structures on the site is the Ellipse or ”Castle.” This oval-shaped feature is not actually a room, but an elevated platform surrounded by a great wall of honeycombed stones. The Ellipse held two rooms overlooking the West and East respectively. Due to the position of these room, it is thought this building had religious significance because the horizon could be observed during the rising and setting of the Sun.

How To Get There

Ingapirca is in the province of Cañar in the Andes mountains of Ecuador just over an hour north of the city of Cuenca. You can take the bus from Cuenca and hire a guide at the site (included in the entrance fee), but if you need a guide that speaks English fluently you might want to book ahead.

The bus will drop you off at Cañar or El Tambo. From there, you will need to take another bus (run every half hour) to the site.

Weather And Best Times to Visit

At 10,433 ft (3,180 m), the climate can be considerably cold. The general weather pattern is prevailing sun in the mornings, while afternoons tend to be cloudy and sometimes showers. It is usually best to arrive in the mornings to avoid any possible rain.

Entrance fees are $1 for students, $3 for locals and $6 for foreigners. Price of admittance includes access to the Museum, the ruins, and the “Inca Trail”, it also includes a guide that will take you through the site explaining everything. There are also a souvenir shop and restaurants available.