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Pumapungo Museum and Archaeological Park

Discover Ecuador's heritage at Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca: Incan ruins, ethnographic exhibits, and vibrant gardens await!

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Explore the Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca, Ecuador, a cultural gateway showcasing the region's rich heritage through ethnographic exhibits, Incan ruins, and an ethnobotanical garden. Discover artifacts, traditional costumes, and the remnants of an ancient Incan city, all in one location.

A brief summary to Pumapungo Museum

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday for a more tranquil experience.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum and grounds.
  • Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
  • The majority of plaques describing the indoor displays are in Spanish.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Pumapungo Museum is located on Calle Larga 182 in the San Blas neighborhood, an easy walk from Cuenca's city center. From Parque Calderón, walk east along Calle Simon Bolivar, then turn left onto Calle Huayna Capac. Walk two blocks, then turn right onto Calle Larga. The museum will be on your right. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Cuenca's public transportation system includes buses and a modern light rail system called the Tranvía. The Tranvía runs from the northeast to the southwest of the city. To reach the Pumapungo Museum via bus, take a bus that travels along Calle Larga. Bus fares are $0.30, payable via a Movilizate card. The Tranvia does not stop directly at the museum. You can get a Tranvía card at the Terminal Terrestre bus station, the Cuenca airport, and the ETAPA office on Gran Colombia y Tarqui.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Cuenca. A taxi from the Mariscal Lamar International Airport (CUE) to Pumapungo Museum, located in the historic center, typically costs between $2 and $2.50. From the Cuenca bus terminal, a taxi to the museum also costs around $2. Taxi fares in Cuenca start at $0.30 per kilometer. A 5 km trip would cost approximately $3.

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Discover more about Pumapungo Museum

The Pumapungo Museum, whose name translates to 'Puma Bridge' , is a cultural cornerstone of Cuenca, Ecuador, established in 1979. This museum and archaeological park offers visitors a unique glimpse into Ecuador's rich heritage, blending indigenous cultures with colonial art. The museum's extensive collections feature traditional costumes, ceremonial objects, intricate baroque art, and even shrunken heads from the Shuar people. These artifacts showcase the depth of Ecuadorian history and the craftsmanship behind each piece. The museum also houses a room dedicated to baroque art from the 18th century and a collection of over 5,000 cassettes, including Ecuadorian films and musical recordings. Outside, visitors can explore the remnants of an ancient Incan military post in the sprawling archaeological park. The park also includes an ethnobotanical garden with over 300 plant species and a bird rescue center, home to macaws, parrots, and eagles. The ruins of Pumapungo are the largest set of Inca archaeological remains south of Ingapirca. Pumapungo was once an important administrative and religious center for the Incas. The site was erected at the end of the 15th century and included the Temple of the Sun and the Convent of the Virgins of the Sun. The museum stands on a site that was once a crucial part of the Incan empire.

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