Inca Civilization
Written by Viator, August 2010
RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Popular with Locals,
Tip - What to See & Do,
Ruin - Ancient
The Inca era was extinguished following the arrival of the Spanish conquistador Pizarro in 1532. Many indigenous groups remain in Ecuador, including the Andean Quichua and Otavaleño people.
One of the best ways to encounter ethnic Ecuadorians is on a visit to the bartering market at Otavalo, dating back to pre-Inca times. Colorful handcrafts and homespun woolens are highly sought after, and the stallholders wear ponchos, embroidered blouses and other examples of traditional dress.
To really step into the past, tour Ecuador’s largest complex of Inca ruins at Ingapirca, 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Cuenca, known for its Panama hats. A tour of the site reveals ancient Inca construction methods using polished stones without mortar.
Other sites with Inca links include the Rumicucho fortress ruins near Quito, the archaeological site at La Tolita which has unearthed fabulous goldwork, and the remains of ruins of Tomebamba in Cuenca.
You can see the remains of other ancient cultures in Ecuador, including excavations from the Valdivia era at Santa Elena near Guayaquil. The Museum of the City of Quito explores the full history of the region, from the city’s pre-Inca inhabitants to the arrival of the Incas in Quito in 1487 and beyond to the present day. Amazing examples of finely worked gold and archaeological finds are displayed at Quito’s Central Bank Museum.
Another way to experience Inca culture is to attend a performance of folklore ballet, featuring the colorful costumes and traditions of Ecuador’s indigenous people.
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
The tour guide was very informative and was smiling all the time! She had a great energy about her country that she never hesitated in answering all our questions. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who would only have a short time in Quito.
In the evening, we recommend you to have dinner in Lua Restaurant, it blew us away! The reviews about this restaurant lived up to our expectations and more! When you get there, please say hi to Chef Alexander for us!
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Otavalo Marketplace with Optional Lunch
The trip was very varied and interesting. The guide (Javier) and driver (Patricio) were both excellent. The trip goes to a variety of sites all with something different to see.
I found it a little difficult to get an answer about the pick up time but that worked out fine in the end. The lunch venue was fine and we didn't choose the pre paid lunch option and were able to choose our own lunch.
Reply by Viator, February 2013
Doing what: Half Day Quito City Tour
Guide and driver were great. Our guide took amazing care of us all.
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