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Ecuador

Inca-Caranqui

Inca ceremonial site with earthen mounds.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

The Inca-Caranqui archaeological site, located near Ibarra, Ecuador, is a significant remnant of the Inca Empire's northernmost expansion. Before the Inca conquest, the area was home to the Caranqui chiefdoms, which featured numerous earthen mounds known as 'tolas,' used for elite residences and ceremonial purposes. The site, situated in a fertile valley, became an important Inca garrison town after their conquest, which was completed between the 1490s and 1520 CE under the leadership of Huayna Capac. Notable features of the site include the remains of a Temple of the Sun, a central plaza, and a large semi-subterranean pool used for rituals. The archaeological remains provide insights into the cultural and ceremonial practices of both the pre-Inca and Inca inhabitants.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Inca-Caranqui

FileYahuarcocha2.JPG

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Water Management Features

Reservoirs

Public and Civic Structures

Plazas

Burial and Funerary Structures

Funerary Mounds

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesCeremonial Platforms

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Ecuador
Source
Wikipedia