After a millennia of bloody conflict and civil wars; of ruling monarchs and tribal warlords, rebellions, revolutions, and marauding conquistadors; Ecuadors rich history has been revised and rewritten time and time again and its most important archeological site, the pre-incan Pyramid Puñay, that has lain hidden for thousands of years.
A Kichwa myth about an ancient pyramid built on the peak of a mountain has led archeologists and grave robbers alike to search for the temple for the last hundred years but it was only in 2002 that Punay was discovered. Constructed on the peak of a sacred mountain 3300m above sea level and located higher than every other pyramid in the world, the 450m long and 40m tall temple ruins were carbon dated at 2400 years BC making it older than every other Aztec, Mayan, and Incan site in the Americas.
Aerial photos show that the pyramid is constructed in the form of a giant “Guacamaya” an endangered bird sacred to the Andean people. The Guacamaya is also related to the birth of the Cañari people and it’s symbol is omnipresent in all Latin American cultures being found on ceremonial jars and pots as far north as Central America in Aztec and Mayan culture.
It is believed the temple is an ancient observatory to the God of the Sun “INTI” where Amautas and Yacchas (Andean wisemen and priests) would unite to worship Mother Earth or ¨Pacha Mama” and thank her for good health and harvests. The mountain sits above a sea of clouds that reach all the way to the coast and lucky travelers are often blessed with the most beautiful sunset they will ever see in their lives.
Sadly the elusive lure of gold supposedly hidden beneath the surface of the ancient Pyramid has attracted the attention of grave robbers and private collectors looking to plunder the temple for gold and ancient artifacts. The Ecuadorian government does not have the money to guard the ancient temple or invest in its excavation and development but we hope through Ecologically Sustainable Tourism we can prevent further desecration to the sacred site.
The Lost Pyramid of Puñay is a two day camping trip where we take travelers from Riobamba to the ancient temple where they camp on the peak of the mountain. Ecuador Eco Adventure is actively involved in cleaning and maintaining the pyramid and also promoting Ecologically Sustainable Tourism to help protect it from grave robbers and private collectors.
Price:
2 People: $80 each
3 – 4 People: $76 each
5 or more people: $70 each
Price Includes:
Transport from Riobamba to Puñay and Back
- Camping Equipment like Tents and Sleeping Bags
- A Local Guide with expert knowledge on the pyramid
- Donkey to Carry Equipment
- All Meals and Snacks
- Accomodation in Riobamba Guesthouse
Are you up for the adventure? Contact us: ecuadorecoadventure@gmail.com
