Posada Ingapirca

Posada Ingapirca is located in the most beautiful and mysterious region that has been populated by cañaris and incas, and where the more known archaeological monument of Ecuador is located; we find this beautiful place to rest, in an old and charming house that once belonged to an hacienda.

The Posada Ingapirca offers you comfortable rooms, excellent typical food and an unique environment, characterized by its decoration, rustic, and its country side environment. All of it under the magical experience of being by the side of the "Ruins of Ingapirca", the biggest archaeological monument of Ecuador.

The fresh air and the contact with the past times reflected in the cañari culture will transport you to an encounter with the past and the present reflected in the faces of the actual inhabitants of Ingapirca. 

Two hours north of Cuenca, the Posada offers traditional typical food and fresh air of an Andean farm.

Ingapirca (3,200m) is Ecuador's major Inca site, located 1 1/2 kilometers (approx.) away from the village of Ingapirca. The Ingapirca ruins looks like a small fortress. Some archaeologists think that its main elliptical platform structure (usnu), which is called the Temple of the Sun, was used for religious purposes. The structure itself has an outstanding Inca stonework, its doorways and niches designed in a trapezoidal shape are an unmistakable Inca style. 
 
Ingapirca means "Wall of the Inca" and have been occupied by the native Cañari people for some 500 years
 
Located within walking distance of the ancient Inca ruins, Posada Ingapirca is easily your best lodging and restaurant option in the area.

The Posada is an appealing option for someone who wants to see the ruins and who also would like to escape the cities for a quiet, elegant night away.

Activities

Just being 500 mts. away from the Posada, the Ingapirca ruins are the main attraction for tourists staying at the Posada.

Excursions around Ingapirca 

Ingapirca Castle

One of the most important examples of Inca architecture, this construction dating back to the reign of Hayna Capac stands at the top of a hill. It consists of an ellipse, chambers, patios, storage areas and baths. It is generally believed that Ingapirca was not only a fortress, but also an administrative and religious center because the sun worshipping ceremonies were conducted there.

Temple

Located at the center of the archeological complex, the elliptically shaped temple is very solid with walls less than four meters high. Both the door and the niches in the walls are trapezoidal in shape and the worked stone blocks are fitted together without any cementing material.

Chambers

Located on one side of the temple, they were probably outfitted for use by the priests and their rites because one of the walls contains a large number of niches.

Archeological Museum

The on-site museum next to the archeological complex has an explanatory scale model of Ingapirca on display, together with a large assortment of articles found during the dig that demonstrate the presence of the Cañari and Inca cultures. Visitors can examine textiles, ceramics and jewelry used by those dwellers.

Cara del Inca (face of the Inca)

Is a 15 minute walk from the ruins, a vast natural formation in a rock overlooking beautiful scenery. The Ingachugana and the Sillón de Inga (Inca's Chair), a big rock with carved channels. 

Baños del Inca, Inca ruins (smaller)

Located some 1 1/2 km. from the Ingapirca ruins. This is an immense carved rock forming water channels looking over the small Plaza.

Indian market

In the village of Ingapirca the Indian weekly market is on Fridays, with an interesting craft shop next to it

Other tourist attractions nearby

There is more to do than just see the ruins: the Posada can rent horses and serve as a base to depart on hikes along the Inca trail that passes through the area

Cañar: On Sunday, its weekly open-air market, a hive of family activity with Indian women in traditional felt hats, striped stockings, and layers of bright petticoats conducting business with their babies strapped to their backs.

Azogues: is the administrative capital of the province of Cañar. Located 31 km north of Cuenca, a large city famous for the Panama hat industry. Hats are mainly produced for exports. On the hill of the city, is the church San Francisco de la Virgen de las Nubes the main historical building in the city. Beside the church there is a small handicraft shop run by nuns who sell local embroidery, knitting, etc. Around the plaza the older buildings still preserve their beautiful traditional colonial painted ceilings and styles.

Biblián: Is situated between Cañar and Azogues with an attractive sanctuary built into the rocks above the village to La Virgen del Rocío. This is a small town with beautiful views of the river valley and its surroundings.

Cojitambo: Is another town one hour west of Azogues with rocky surrounding areas good for trekking and climbing. There are Inca ruins.

Facilities

Rooms

The hotel is a surprisingly attractive converted 200 year-old hacienda: it features 22 fancy but still rustic rooms with private baths and hot water.

Room configurations

• Single
• Double
• Triple
• Suite

Rooms are decorated with brightly painted and woven crafts amid colonial antiques. All rooms are carpeted have an electric heater, some have a fireplace and minibar.

Services

Set in a restored farm building, this place can make you feel as if you’ve stepped back a century. The antique-filled dining room with views of the Temple of the Sun and heat from the fireplace, hung with masks and other indigenous artifacts gives a pleasant ambient. Here you can dine on the region’s hearty soup and dessert of local soft cheese with a molasses-like syrup or stewed tomatoes-- a sweet variety unknown to most of us --all washed down with a swig of local corn liquor. You will be well take care of by your host Rosita.

The Posada offers elegant social areas, and well-kept gardens and there is a billiard room on the premises.