Cuenca & the Southern Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 220

On Wheels
By Bicycle

In and around Cuenca, try Eco Rutas , near Hotel Crespo
along the river, 7-842-571, for bicycle equipment and in-

formation about trips in the surrounding countryside.
There's also Tecno Cycle , at Tamariz 3-15

7-839-659;

Ciclismo Total , at Solano and Av. del Estado, /fax [phone], of-

fers guided biking excursions around El Cajas and the countryside
surrounding Cuenca.

A couple of hostels in Vilcabamba rent bicycles and provide informa-
tion for the local countryside. Don't expect high-end bicycle gear, but
their bikes are fine for touring the area, which offers wonderful sight-
seeing opportunities. Try Hostería Las Ruinas de Quinara , 7-

580-301, www.lasruinasdequinara.com, [e-mail], or
ask at the local tourist office. Even with a guide, be sure you, or they,
have all of the necessary tools to fix flat tires and other problems.

Eco-Travel

Around Cuenca
Ingapirca Ruins
Approximately 35 miles north of Cuenca are the best-
preserved remnants of the Inca civilization in Ecuador.
Ingapirca is actually a Cañari word meaning “Walls of the
Incas.” Before the Incas conquered them and modified the
site for their own needs, around 1450, it was used by the Cañaris and
was referred to as cashaloma , which roughly (at best) translates into
“where stars are pouring from the heavens” and suggests its astro-
nomical significance. Strangely enough, though, notice that the cur-
rent name is based on the language of the first inhabitants, yet
describes the place within the context of their conquerors.

Located just west of Cañar off the Pan-American Highway, Ingapirca
sits low upon a hill overlooking picturesque valleys to the west. Be-
yond the village of Ingapirca is the entrance to the ruins, where you
can visit a small but very interesting museum and local handicraft
booths. Walk ahead and step back in time to explore the Temple of