Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, Western Lowlands Travel Guide

4.6 (1982)

Explore ancient civilizations at Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba in Quito, with ruins, replica dwellings, and an enriching museum experience.

Home
Travel Guides
Ecuador
Western Lowlands
Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba

Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, or 'stone plain' in Quechua, is a 32-hectare open-air museum in Quito, Ecuador, showcasing the remains of pre-Columbian cultures. Evidence suggests the site was inhabited from 1500 BCE to 1500 CE by groups including the Quitu-Cara. Visitors can explore uncovered ruins, replica huts, and an on-site museum displaying artifacts, offering a glimpse into Ecuador's rich ancestral history.

A brief summary to Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba

Nuño de Valderrama s/n, Quito, Rumipamba, 170147, EC
Click to display

Wednesday 6 am-4 pm
Thursday 6 am-4 pm
Friday 6 am-4 pm
Saturday 6 am-4 pm
Sunday 6 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the park has gravel-lined trails and uneven terrain.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures; these times are also best for bird watching.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Quito and the surrounding landscape.
Check for guided tours for a more in-depth understanding of the site's history and significance.
Stay hydrated, especially on warm days, as facilities are limited.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Middle of the World City

Virgin of the Panecillo

La Casa del Arbol

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Hemicycle De La Rotonda

Explore Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From various points in Quito, take the Trolebús, Ecovía, or Metro to a station near Av. Mariana de Jesús and Av. Occidental. From there, take a local bus or taxi to Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, located on Nuño de Valderrama, in front of the Casa de la Música. Public transportation costs approximately $0.38 per ride. The metro costs $0.45 per ride.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Quito. Input 'Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, Nuño de Valderrama s/n, Quito' into your app. A taxi from central Quito will cost between $5 and $15. A 5km ride in Quito costs about 9 USD.
Walking

From the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, head north on Av. 6 de Diciembre, then turn west onto Av. Mariana de Jesús. Continue until you reach Nuño de Valderrama, where you'll find the park entrance. This is approximately a 45-minute walk. No costs are associated with walking.

Discover more about Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba

Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba invites visitors to step back in time and explore the fascinating remnants of ancient civilizations that once thrived in the Quito area. The park, whose name means 'stone plain' in Quechua, spans 32 hectares and contains ruins dating back to 1500 BCE.Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of three distinct cultural periods: the Late Formative (1500 BCE to 500 BCE), the Regional Development (500 BCE to 500 CE), and the Integration Period (500 CE to 1500 CE). These findings include ancient tools, deep tombs, pottery, well-built huts, and shallow graves, providing insights into the lives and customs of the people who lived here. Inca walls can also be seen.Today, visitors can walk along trails connecting several covered excavations, many of which are still in progress. Replicas of huts constructed from wood, adobe, and straw offer a glimpse into the past. An interpretive display allows children to participate in a mock excavation. The park is also home to native vegetation and diverse bird species. The on-site archaeological museum displays artifacts and offers further information about the history of the region.The park's history took an unexpected turn in 1990 when a real estate developer's construction plans were halted by the discovery of human remains. This led to archaeological excavations, the declaration of Rumipamba as a local heritage site, and its eventual opening as an open-air museum in 2001.