Situated in south-central Ecuador, sandwiched between three national parks, the province of Canar is known for its incredible history, rich culture and beautiful natural landscapes. The Canari-Incan Ruins of Ingapirca draw visitors from all over the world, to experience the most well-preserved Incan ruins in the country. First begun by the indigenous Canari people, the buildings were extended by the Inca people. There are also multiple other ruins scattered across the province. Other highlights include the wonderful traditional markets, superb historic architecture in the cities, mouth-watering local dishes, and the ‘Panama hats’ which actually originate here.
Situated approximately 80 km from the Ecuadorian city of Cuenca, 1km above the homonymous village, lies Ingapirca, the largest and most well preserved archaeological site in Ecuador. The site is comprised of various architectural units divided into three sections and built using a combination of adobe and blueish-green andesite stones. The complex was constructed during the Inca expansion into Ecuador towards the end of the fifteenth century, on a site that had been occupied by the Cañari people for over five hundred years. The Incas demolished many of the Cañari structures, replacing them with their own elaborate complex, the function of which is thought to have been a place of worship and a fortress. The main structure, known as the Temple of the Sun is made up of a series of rooms, courtyards, cellars, and bathrooms, as well as a vast oval-shaped platform made of incredibly intricately, carved stone. There’s also a small museum (with an attached book and craft shop) displaying Cañari and Inca pots, tools, jewelry as well as a skeleton found on site.
