Ingapirca

Ingapirca (Kichwa: Inka Pirka, "Inca wall") is a town in Cañar Province, Ecuador, and the name of the older Inca ruins and archeological site nearby.^[1][2]

These are the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador.^[3] The most significant building is the Temple of the Sun, an elliptically shaped building constructed around a large rock.

History

This area had long been settled by the

The Inca and Cañari decided to settle their differences and live together peacefully. The astronomical observatory was built under Inca Huayna Capac. The Inca renamed the city as Ingapirca and kept most of their distinctive customs separately, as the Cañari did theirs. Although the Inca were more numerous, they did not demand that the Cañari give up their autonomy.^{[citation needed]}

The castle complex is of Cañari-Inca origin. Its purpose is uncertain. The complex was used as a fortress and storehouse from which to resupply Inca troops en route to northern Ecuador. At Ingapirca they also developed a complex underground aqueduct system to provide water to the entire compound.^{[citation needed]}

The Temple of the Sun is the most significant building whose partial ruins survive at the archeological site. It is constructed in the Inca way without mortar, as are most of the structures in the complex. The stones were carefully chiseled and fashioned to fit together perfectly. It was positioned in keeping with their beliefs and knowledge of the cosmos. Researchers have learned by observation that the Temple of the Sun was positioned so that on the solstices, at exactly the right time of day, sunlight would fall through the center of the doorway of the small chamber at the top of the temple. Most of this chamber has fallen down.^{[citation needed]}

The people had numerous ritual celebrations at the complex. They prepared gallons of a local

The weather changes rapidly, within minutes, ranging from calm and sunny one minute and rainy, windy, and cold another minute. This climate volatility is typical year round. The people felt strongly that this was the place where the gods had led them, regardless of the climate.^{[citation needed]}

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ingapirca.

Tourism

To visit Ingapirca, travelers can take a day tour from the city of Cuenca. They may also spend the night in the towns of El Tambo or Cañar and travel the next day to the site.^{[citation needed]}

Map

See also

• Lost Pyramid of Puñay

References