Description

This archaeological monument known as Pucará de Rumicucho, is just 30 kilometers away from Quito and very close to La Mitad del Mundo (the town which marks the Equator). The Pucarás are associated with the turbulent Inca period of the end of the 15th Century. The Museum of the Banco Central del Ecuador took control of the Pucará in 1976, when the threat of pillagers was imminent, and the monument was in danger of disappearing. Nowadays, it has modern tourist facilities. Pucará is a Quechua word that means 'strength', or 'fortification'. The stone ruins on this high plateau give us clues as to how the original inhabitants lived their lives. It is recommendable to take a coat with you, as it can be extremely windy.