Pambamarca Archaeology Project
Ecuador
Summer 2010
Accommodations
The project team will be residing at the colonial-period Hacienda Guachalá nestled at the base of Pambamarca. This hacienda is a wonderful hotel 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 re-stocked with wood on a daily basis.
Guachalá is located in the County of Cayambe on the northeastern limits of the Province of Pichincha (about one hour north-north-east of Quito). The capital city of this county is also named Cayambe, which you will find on any map of Ecuador. Guachalá is about 15 minutes by bus to Cayambe. As you will discover, the area is a wonderful place to live -- with a fresh country feel that has all the amenities of a hotel. Guachalá has hot running water, a pool, a TV and billiards room, and internet (wireless).
Meals
Breakfast and dinner will be served in the dining room of the Hacienda. Lunch is prepared in the morning by each student and taken into the field.
Excursions
The project will organize four (4) site visits over the course of the program. Thankfully, the Northern Highland of Ecuador are incredibly rich in history, culture and beauty, meaning these outings can be conducted as daytrips.
- We will return to Quito to tour the city’s major Colonial monuments.
- A short bus ride to the north will bring us to the famous Otavalo Market, where students can witness (and participate in) one of the oldest markets in the Andes.
- Students will visit the archaeological site of Cochasquí to study the well-preserved monumental platforms that were the hallmark of pre-Inka populations in the region.
- 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. If students are willing to travel to the Pacific Coast they will not be disappointed as it 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.