The Important History of Cañar Plantation

Ecuador is known for its diverse history and magnificent relics to the past. One of the cities that has become famous for its ancient relics and attractions is Cuenca. At approximately 2 500 meters above sea level, the region surrounding the majestic cathedrals and cobblestone streets of Cuenca is littered with monuments to the rich tribal past of the area. And there is no better reminder to these times than the Inca ruins at Ingapirca. But there is one more surprise on the road to this breathtaking sight, and it is the Cañar Plantation.

Ingapirca is famed for the well-preserved gravesites, rare architectural masterpieces, detailed stonework and the most spectacular structure of the site, the Temple of the Sun. Archaeologists have discovered that the ruins, which cover twelve acres, were constructed on a previous settlement that was build by the Cañari. The Inca has destroyed most of their existence on this piece of land, but the Cañari were present throughout the entire Cañar Valley for centuries. Ingapirca is the largest site of its kind in Ecuador.

What is interesting though, is the site of the Cañar Plantation. Most see it merely as the beginning of the trail to the massive Inca ruins, but it has significant meaning. The Cañar Plantation is situated about sixty-five kilometers outside Cuenca and was constructed by the Inca. It is believed that after the Inca took over the Cañaris settlement, the Cañar Plantation was built to keep the Cañari tribe under control. At this magnificent Ecuadorian attraction, visitors will clearly see buildings that were constructed as stores, a sun-worshipping temple, a tambo, which was for the exclusive use of the Inca, and even bathrooms. The Cañar Plantation might not be as impressive in size as Ingapirca, but its significance to this time period is evident.

Both Ingapirca and the Cañar Plantation are symbols of the oppression of the Cañari tribe at the hands of the Inca. Even though the Cañar Plantation is used as the starting point of the tour, it forms an intricate and vital part of Ingapirca, the purpose that it served, and the secrets that these ancient ruins kept hidden for years.