Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eco-Travel
Cochasqui Archeological Site
Heading north from Quito, the pre-Incan ruins of
Cochasqui provide an excellent view of the Sierras and, in
the distance, Quito. Although it's not as magnificent as
other ruins in SouthAmerica (or even inEcuador), the site
is interesting for its incredible history and is a good stop for archeol-
ogy buffs. Built by the Cara natives before the Incas arrived, the site
consists of numerous low-lying mounds and flat-topped pyramids
overgrown with vegetation. The view suggests that the site's location
may have been chosen for strategic purposes, although the pyramids
themselves were most likely ceremonial in function and related to as-
tronomical alignments. One particular mound, for example, suggests
an enormous sun and moon calendar, which, although somewhat
eroded, is easily explained by a guide. Several of the overgrown pyra-
mids themselves represent constellations, including the Southern
Cross, Ursa Major (Big Bear) and Scorpius. They were also most
likely used as offerings for health, fertility and the like. One of the
mounds once housed the skulls of slain enemy groups from the sur-
rounding region. On-site exhibits also include a re-created pre-Incan
indigenous hut. Local Spanish-speaking guides provide informative
tours (bring a translator), and there is also a small and interesting on-
site museum. It's appropriate to tip the on-site guides.
To get there, head north on the Pan-American Highway and take the
left fork a few miles beyond the village of Guayllabamba. Turn left
again just before the village of Tabacundo on a dirt road signed
Piramides de Cochasqui , and head directly toward Tocachi and the
Cochasqui Ruins. If you are not on a prearranged tour or driving
yourself, catch a taxi fromCayambe and bargain with the driver. The
round-trip journey should cost under $15. Open daily. Of course, you
can also start in Quito.
Cayambe-Coca
Ecological Reserve
The Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, at 914,270 acres, is massive.
Nevertheless, it is one of Ecuador's lesser known treasures, due
largely to its lack of development and inaccessibility. Straddling the
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