Ingapirca

Ingapirca is Ecuador's largest and most famous Inca ruins, sitting high in the Andes at about 3,200 meters above sea level. The name means "Wall of the Inca" in Kichwa, and that's exactly what you'll find - impressive stonework that has stood the test of time since the 15th century.

What makes Ingapirca particularly interesting is that it wasn't just an Inca site. Before the Incas arrived, the Cañari people had already established this as a significant location. Rather than completely destroying what was there, the Incas incorporated Cañari elements into their construction, creating a unique blend of two cultures.

The most remarkable structure is the Temple of the Sun, an elliptical building constructed with precisely cut stones that fit together without mortar - classic Inca engineering at its finest. The way the building aligns with solstices shows how advanced their astronomical knowledge was.

The site sits in beautiful rolling countryside about two hours from Cuenca. The green hills surrounding the ruins create a stunning backdrop that makes visitors understand why these ancient civilizations chose this spot. While not as large as Peru's Machu Picchu, Ingapirca offers an authentic glimpse into Ecuador's pre-colonial history without the massive crowds.