Pambamarca Archaeology Project
Ecuador
July 6 - August 10, 2008
Accommodations
Students will live in Pambamarca in the small town of Cangahua, County of Cayambe on the northeastern limits of the Province of Pichincha (all about one hour northeast of Quito). Cangahua sits in the hills south of the city of Cayambe and it takes about 20 minutes to travel between them by bus. Cangahua is a charming town and an enjoyable place to live.Student participants will stay in a dormitory-styled house located behind the main church in the town of Cangahua. This ‘Casa Comunal’ is a large, two-story building with electricity, running water, showers, a kitchen, a mess hall, and plenty of beds.
For an extra cost, students also have the option to stay in the colonial-period Hacienda Guachalá located down the road from Cangahua. This hacienda is located on the grounds of a colonial ranch established in the 1500s. The rooms are clean and comfortable and each includes a private bathroom and fireplace that is restocked with wood on a daily basis.
Meals
Meals will be prepared for the project by two cooks that are hired from year to year. Lunch is prepared in the morning by each student and taken into the field.Excursions
The project will organize four site visits over the course of the program. The Northern Highlands of Ecuador are incredibly rich in history, culture and beauty.
1. Quito for a tour of the city’s major colonial monuments.
2. Otavalo Market, one of the oldest markets in the Andes
3. The archaeological site of Cochasquí to study the well-preserved monumental platforms that were the hallmark of pre-Inka populations in the region.
4. An overnight trip to the edge of the Amazon along the eastern foothills of the Andes.
Before or after participating in the program students are encouraged to travel to more distant parts of Ecuador. South of Quito lies the city of Cuenca, which has managed to preserve most of its colonial neighborhoods. The slightly more distant Pacific Coast of the country is interspersed with beautiful but rugged tropical beaches. Students can also fly or cruise to the famous Galapagos Islands. Perú is not far away, although if students are considering visiting Machu Picchu they should set aside a week or more.