Pambamarca

Pambamarca is an archaeological site located in the northern Ecuadorian Andes, characterized by its eroded stratovolcano and a significant concentration of Pre-Columbian fortresses. The site served as a strategic defensive complex during the Inca Empire's expansion in the region, with the Incas constructing numerous fortresses, known as pucarás, along the mountain ridges. These structures, built with stones laid over plinths called ushnus, reflect the military architecture of the Late Post-Classical Period. The site also holds evidence of pre-Inca Cayambe culture, indicating a long history of indigenous occupation and resistance against Inca imposition. Notably, Pambamarca is located on the equatorial line, which adds astronomical significance to the site. The presence of both Inca and pre-Inca fortresses highlights the complex cultural interactions and conflicts that shaped the region prior to and during the Inca conquest. Pambamarca's archaeological significance is underscored by its inclusion on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.