Ingapirca

Ingapirca is the most significant known Inca archaeological site in Ecuador. Located in the province of Cañar, about 31 miles (50 km) north of Cuenca, it is situated at an altitude of approximately 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) above sea level.

Ingapirca, which translates to "Inca Wall" or "Inca Stone Wall," was originally a sacred site for the Cañari people, the indigenous group inhabiting the region prior to the Inca conquest. The Cañari likely constructed structures dedicated to their lunar deities.

The Inca, under the leadership of Topa Inca Yupanqui and later his son Huayna Capac, conquered the Cañari around the late 15th century. They integrated the existing site into their own imperial network, rebuilding and expanding upon the Cañari structures. The Inca incorporated their own architectural style and religious practices, including the worship of the sun.

The most prominent structure at Ingapirca is the Temple of the Sun (also known as the Castillo), an elliptical building constructed of finely fitted stones. Its precise function remains debated, but it is believed to have served as a ceremonial center, an astronomical observatory, and potentially a royal residence. The orientation of the temple aligns with the solstices, suggesting its importance in tracking the sun's movements.

Other features of the site include dwellings, storage buildings, aqueducts, terraces for agriculture, and ritual baths. A complex system of underground tunnels and chambers also exists. The site provides insights into the interaction and cultural fusion between the Cañari and Inca civilizations.

Ingapirca was abandoned after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. It was subsequently looted and damaged over time. Archaeological excavations and restoration efforts have been ongoing since the mid-20th century to preserve and study the site. Ingapirca is now a major tourist attraction in Ecuador and offers valuable information about pre-Columbian Andean cultures.