Ruinas de Pumapungo: Echoes of the Inca Empire

Uncover the mysteries of the Inca civilization at the Pumapungo ruins in Cuenca, Ecuador. Explore temples, gardens, and ancient pathways.

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Ecuador
Zamora Chinchipe Region
Ruinas de Pumapungo

Explore the fascinating Ruinas de Pumapungo, an archaeological site in Cuenca, Ecuador, that was once part of the Incan city of Tomebamba. Discover the ruins of temples, palaces, and aqueducts while learning about the Inca and Cañari cultures.

A brief summary to Ruinas de Pumapungo

32V3+35P, Cuenca, San Blas, EC
+5937-283-1521

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the archaeological park involves walking on uneven terrain.
Visit the Pumapungo Museum to complement your visit to the ruins and learn more about the Inca and Cañari cultures.
Explore the gardens with traditional plants and the aviary with rescued native birds.

Getting There

Walking

The Ruinas de Pumapungo are located within the city of Cuenca and are easily accessible by foot from the city center. From Parque Calderón, walk along Calle Larga heading east. The ruins will be on your left, near the intersection of Calle Larga and Huayna Capac. The entrance is easy to find.
Public Transport

Cuenca's public transportation system provides an affordable way to reach the Ruinas de Pumapungo. Take the Tranvía (light rail) and get off at the Pumapungo stop. Alternatively, numerous buses run along Calle Larga. A bus ride costs $0.30, and a Tranvía ride costs $0.35 with a card.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Cuenca and offer a convenient way to reach the Ruinas de Pumapungo. A short taxi ride from the city center will cost approximately $3 to $5. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip.

Discover more about Ruinas de Pumapungo

The Ruinas de Pumapungo, or Pumapungo Archaeological Park, offer a captivating glimpse into Ecuador's pre-Columbian past. Located in the heart of Cuenca, these ruins were once part of Tomebamba, an important Incan city built in the late 15th century by the Inca emperor Huayna Capac. The name Pumapungo translates to “Door of the Puma”. Before the Inca, the Cañari people inhabited this area, calling their city Guapondeleg, meaning “an area as large as heaven”. The Inca conquered the Cañari and incorporated their city, transforming it into Tomebamba, which rivaled the Incan capital of Cuzco in its grandeur. However, Tomebamba's glory was short-lived. Internal conflicts and the arrival of the Spanish led to its destruction, with many stones from the Incan city used to build the Spanish city of Cuenca. Today, visitors can explore the remains of this once-magnificent city, including the foundations of buildings, cemeteries, canals, and cobbled pathways. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the residence of the Virgins of the Sun, a 30-meter long tunnel that served as a mausoleum, and a garden with traditional medicinal and food plants. The site also features an aviary with rescued native birds of Ecuador. The Pumapungo site is part of a larger complex that includes the Pumapungo Museum, which houses artifacts from the site and exhibits on Ecuadorian culture.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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Casa de la Cultura Núcleo del Azuay

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Provincial Court of Azuay

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Mayor’s Office

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Casa de las Posadas

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Baños de Cuenca

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Entrada a Conferencia

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Templo Nacional Surampalti

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Unmissable attractions to see

Pumapungo Museum

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Inca Ruins

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Puente Roto

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Church of Todos Santos

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Madre Park

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Museum of Aboriginal Cultures

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Calle Larga

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Polylepis Tours - Cuenca

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El Paraíso Park

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Museo de las Madres Conceptas

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Cordillera de los Andes Bajos

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Iglesia de San Alfonso

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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Lacraft Beer Garden

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Shamrock Irish Pub

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Nightclubs & after hour spots

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Ruinas de Pumapungo with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Ruinas de Pumapungo: Echoes of the Inca Empire

A brief summary to Ruinas de Pumapungo

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi

Unlock the Best of Ruinas de Pumapungo

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Ruinas de Pumapungo

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Iglesia Católica Santa María de El Vergel

Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de La Merced | Cuenca

Province House

Amazing South American Tours

Selina Cuenca

Casa de la Cultura Núcleo del Azuay

Provincial Court of Azuay

Mayor’s Office

Seminario San Luis

Mansión Alcázar

Casa de las Posadas

Baños de Cuenca

lugar en donde vivo

Entrada a Conferencia

Templo Nacional Surampalti

Unmissable attractions to see

Pumapungo Museum

Ruinas de Todos Santos

Inca Ruins

Puente Roto

Church of Todos Santos

Madre Park

Museum of Aboriginal Cultures

Calle Larga

Polylepis Tours - Cuenca

El Paraíso Park

MUSEO MUNICIPAL REMIGIO CRESPO TORAL

Museo de las Madres Conceptas

Cordillera de los Andes Bajos

Iglesia de San Alfonso

Old Cathedral of Cuenca

Essential places to dine

Tres Estrellas

Thai Lotus Restaurant Cuenca Ecuador

SAUJA bistro restaurant

Sierra morena Food & Drink

Punjabi Rasoi Indian Restaurant

Capitan

Dos Sucres

Tiesto's Cafe Restaurant

PARADISE INDIAN RESTAURANT CUENCA

YúA Restaurante

El Jardín Restaurante

Thai Connection

Cafe del Museo

Qala Restaurante

Arabe Shawarma

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Centro Comercial Milenium Plaza

El Vergel Centro Comercial

Ice Cream Shop

Gracie's Naturals

La Paja Toquilla

Portal Artesanal

Wayra Plaza

Megamaxi Wayra

MASHCA Galería

Museo Del Sombrero De Paja Toquilla

Centro de Compras 9 De Octubre

Plaza San Francisco Cuenca Ecuador

Centro de comercializacion Artesanal

Centro Municipal Artesanal Arts & Crafts

Maki FairTrade

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Pub

PARROLRESTOBAR

GARDEN MUSIC LOUNGE