5 Of The Best Inca Ruins In Ecuador

As you may remember from history class, a large part of Western South America was once populated by the Incas. The large pre-Columbian empire stretched from what is modern-day Chile through Peru and into the a large part of Ecuador. While the most well-known site in Peru is the famous Machu Picchu, Ecuador has its own share of lesser-known, though equally historically significant, vestiges of the fascinating Incan past.

Ingapirca

Building, Ruins

Ingapirca

Located in the Cañar province, the Ingapirca ruins are the most significant vestige of Incan existence in all of Ecuador. The word Ingapirca itself can be broken into two parts and means Inca (Inga) and wall (pirca), or Incan wall. Indeed, the walls of these ruins are remarkable, held together in the typical Incan way of being cut to perfection without using any adherent, as are the walls in Machu Picchu. Although no one is quite sure as to all of the history surrounding the edifice–partially because the Spanish did not make it their priority to discover and record such histories–the site is believed to have been a temple. When the Spanish arrived they, in fact, took from the structure many of its large blocks to be used in other building projects. But the site still stands, drawing many visitors and serving as a monument to this ancient people.

Ingapirca Ruinas, Canar, Ecuador

Pumapungo

Museum, Park, Ruins

Pumapungo

In the center of Cuenca’s historic area you will find the Pumapungo Archaeological Park. Though the site once served as center for Incan culture, the ruins carry on today as a part of Cuenca’s modern society and the park is now known for its lush gardens and animal inhabitants. After walking the old walls and enjoying the park, be sure to visit the ethnographic museum connected to the park to gain a richer understanding of the history of Pumapungo and the indigenous people of Ecuador.

Pumapungo, Huayna-Capac, Cuenca, Ecuador

Agua Blanca

Museum, Park, Ruins, Spa

Agua Blanca

Located in Machalilla National Park on the Pacific side of Ecuador, Agua Blanca (White Water) is the one of the last remnants of the Monteño culture in Ecuador. Take a tour of the small archaeological museum depicting the history of this culture as well as traces of the structures that once stood there. The sulfur pool there acts as a mud bath with spa-like effects.

Agua Blanca, Manabi, Ecuador

Todos los Santos

Ruins

Todos los Santos

Discovered in Cuenca in the 1970s, the ruins of Todos los Santos (All the Saints) is a tribute to how cultures build upon one another. The initial Cañari construction and Incan addition over that remained hidden under a Spanish flour mill for years, until being uncovered during the excavation of the site. After the initial discovery many artifacts were also discovered from the site.

Todos Los Santos, Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.