You will travel through towns such as Taday, Pindilig, and Rivera which were inhabited by tribes that currently, conserve the archeological pieces. The scenery has a special charm, surrounded by mountains and cultivated land, where you observe a clean and unique sky.

It is common that during your visit, that you will see religious and community celebrations with dances, people in costumes and town bands. If you see one of these festivities, don’t hesitate to join and enjoy them, people are very friendly and will make you feel at home.

At 3.143 meters above sea level, you will find Ingapirca, the most significant archeological complex in Ecuador, where you can view the ruins where the Incas lived. It was built in the XV and XVI centuries, planned by Huayna Capac.

The construction is divided in two parts: The first part is called the Eclipse: a place where, apparently, people would gather to adore the gods. Some studies, however, state that it was destined for the military protection of the complex.

The second part of the construction is called the Condamine. There are rooms where religious utensils, crafts and clothing were crafted, dedicated to the Incas and their court.

Many archaeological sites may be found in Tambo, among them Laguna de Culebrillas, a mythical place where, according to religious traditions, a snake lived.

• Huairapungo.
• Cerro Molobog.
• Bosque la Carbonería.
• Manta Real.
• Shungomarca.
• Coyoctor o Baños del Inka o culto al agua.
• Cerro Narrío.

All of these areas allow the tourist the opportunity to observe and live the past with the present cultures that they preserve.

The inhabitants of Cañar maintain the Andean culture with dances, music and typical rituals such as the Inti Raymi Celebrations, also known as the Sun Celebration and the Pacha Mama known as the earth celebration.

Your journey through the southern region of Cañar will be exciting once you participate in these ceremonies. The indigenous people express their gratitude to the sun and earth for life and ask Pacha Mama to give them new energy through a special ritual.

The ceremony begins with cleansing of the area by the shamans (healers), which eliminate all of the spectators’ bad energy, so they may renew their lives. A special dance with typical costumes is followed; this reflects the Andean town and their identity.

The Inti Raimy Celebration is generally held during the month of June, because of the summer’s sun cycle. It is an ideal time for those who wish to arrive in Ecuador and see how the indigenous people thank the sun for the beginning of the agriculture production, according to the Inca calendar.

Carnaval is celebrated in the southern region of Ecuador with typical dishes, meat and special desserts such as figs with syrup. Families and communities gather together to celebrate with water or flour, making believe that they are fighting a battle with happiness. Carnaval celebrates that the fields were planted, produced in abundance, and they will always have food on the table.