Ecuador’s Taste of the Inca’s – Ingapirca

To a history nut like me Ecuador = Incas + Spanish Colonialism + a lot more and so forgive me if I am a bit nuts about Ingapirca (Incapirche, Incapirke, meaning Inca Wall) which is the best preserved set of Inca ruins in Ecuador. If the ancient time of the Incans fascinates you as it does me, you will want to make room in your plans to visit Ingapirche. You can see into the past and touch history.

You can get to Ingapirche if you head east from Guayaquil towards the town of Canar. There is a road heading right to the ruins from El Tambo, which is just a little north of Canar. The scenery is jaw-dropping magnificent. Towering Andean pinks with mist shrouded valleys. Rustic farms weave their way about rocky outcroppings and tumbling streams, so you will enjoy your drive getting there. You can also get there by heading south from Quito or north from Cuenca.

Some writers have claimed the site is extensive. I wonder if they have been there. Yes, it does cover several acres, but it never was a real city by our modern standards. Essentially it was an imperial retreat coupled with an astrological observation temple. Of course, if you were Supa Inca (High King) and came to visit, that meant a couple thousand guards and retainers. However the everyday site was religious in nature, dedicated to the Sun God and Moon Goddess. Unfortunately, only the low walls and foundations are remaining for most of the area. The largest partially intact spot is the circular solar temple that once marked the movement of the sun and the solstice days. It was a central figure of Ingapirche religious life, so it's fitting that it is the main remaining part. Some of the palace buildings are still partially intact. Makes sense since these were likely some of the most elaborate buildings to begin with.

But even though most of the buildings are gone, you can still see the size and scope of the town and see where the different sections and neighborhoods once thrived. I was fascinated just walking about and seeing the stone remains of homes as well as the open square or plaza, the wineries, the palace and a series of what probably were public bathhouses. A complex series of cut channels worked as an aquaduct for the city, and that is still plainly evident to see. One series of rooms laid out on a semi-circular grid were once store houses for potatoes and other Inca staples. Closing my eyes I could picture what life would have been like more than 500 years ago.

The site also was also part of the Canari people who were subjects of the Inca Empire. You can see that the more elaborate side was the Inca, while somewhat more humble the Canaris. 

There is a small museum there were you can more closely see all the artifacts that were uncovered when the city was first discovered. Many examples of Incan and Canari pottery are on display, as well as some human remains that were found there. Guides are available to give you a tour of the sight. Most speak enough English to get you through if your Spanish is challenged like mine.

There are hosts of tour companies that can take you to Ingepirche from Cuenca or Canar, or you can go on your own if you prefer to explore things at your own pace. I found the best way to get a guide is ask at whatever hotel you are staying in. There is a small entrance fee at the park that was covered by my tour.

If you are going through Canar during your visit, you should take some time to browse through the craft markets there. You'll almost certainly find some unique trinket to take home as a souvenir of the Andes.

It may not have the size or complete majesty of Machu Picchu, but Ingapirche is still an important part of Incan history that you will certainly enjoy. Not to mention it is just a lot easier and cheaper to get to. You can easily make it a day-trip from Cuenca or Guayaquil.