Cojitambo Ruins and Rock
Explore ancient Cañari ruins and soak in breathtaking Andean vistas from Cojitambo Mountain, a unique historical and natural gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Cojitambo Ruins and Rock
Best Time
Best for views and exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Cañari ruins and soak in breathtaking Andean vistas from Cojitambo Mountain, a unique historical and natural gem.
"Spectacular views compliment impressive restored Cañari ruins and terraces."
🚗 4WD Recommended
The road can be treacherous; a 4WD vehicle is advised for easier access.
👟 Hike for Adventure
Take a bus to the base and hike up for a rewarding experience and great views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cañari Ruins
Cojitambo Mountain
Explore remarkably intact Cañari ruins and terraces, offering a tangible connection to ancient civilizations.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Summit of Cojitambo Mountain
Soak in spectacular, sweeping vistas of the picturesque Ecuadorian Andean countryside.
Inti Raymi Celebration
Cojitambo
Witness the vibrant ancestral Inti Raymi ceremony, celebrating the sun and ancient traditions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Ascent
Embrace the Ancient and the Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD Recommended
The road can be treacherous; a 4WD vehicle is advised for easier access.
👟 Hike for Adventure
Take a bus to the base and hike up for a rewarding experience and great views.
☀️ Pack for Sun
Bring sun protection as you'll be exposed to the elements at the summit.
🧺 Picnic Spot
Ideal for picnics with amazing views; bring your own food and enjoy the scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Recommended
The road can be treacherous; a 4WD vehicle is advised for easier access.
👟 Hike for Adventure
Take a bus to the base and hike up for a rewarding experience and great views.
☀️ Pack for Sun
Bring sun protection as you'll be exposed to the elements at the summit.
🧺 Picnic Spot
Ideal for picnics with amazing views; bring your own food and enjoy the scenery.
📸 Drone Friendly
Capture stunning aerial shots of the ruins and landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cojitambo's intact ruins and spectacular mountain views, calling it a must-see archaeological site near Cuenca. While the climb can be challenging and the road treacherous, the breathtaking scenery and the unique opportunity to freely explore ancient history make it a highly recommended and rewarding destination for picnics and relaxation. +2
"Really cool location to visit ruins that are intact and open to the public. The road leading up to the ruins can be a little treacherous, so bring a 4 wheel drive if you have access to onem"
Walter Minhoto (Wall-E)
"One of the must-see archaeological sites near Cuenca. The spectacular views compliment impressive restored Cañari ruins and terraces."
Robert Marcom
"This is one of my favorite spots to visit.. the view is amazing... the climb can be a bit difficult.. but the view is worth it.. we have had picnics here and have brought my friends here... a great place to just think and relax"
Rolanda Mahoney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Azogues to the village at the base of Cojitambo Mountain. For easier access to the ruins themselves, a 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the potentially treacherous road conditions. +1
Yes, it's possible! Catch a bus in Azogues and get off at the quaint village at the base of the mountain. From there, you can hike up to the ruins and viewpoint.
The road leading up to the ruins can be a little treacherous, so a 4-wheel drive is recommended if you have access to one.
Yes, options like Equilibrium Lodge offer a unique stay close to nature in Cojitambo.
While possible with a 4WD, the road is challenging. Many opt to hike from the village for a more immersive experience. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no strict entry restrictions, allowing visitors to explore and touch the ruins.
Cojitambo is typically accessible during daylight hours for exploration and enjoying the views.
Information on specific entrance fees is scarce, but the site is largely open for exploration without formal ticketing.
While not always advertised, local guides may be available in nearby towns or through tour operators in Cuenca.
Unlike some archaeological sites, Cojitambo allows visitors to enter, touch, and take photos freely.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean countryside, perfect for landscape shots. The ruins themselves also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, drones are permitted and can capture stunning aerial perspectives of the archaeological complex and its surroundings.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for both the ruins and the expansive views.
Capture the scale of the restored terraces and the unique architecture of the Cañari ruins. The panoramic views from the top are also a must-photograph.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a standard zoom lens is versatile for the ruins.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't extensive dining facilities directly at the ruins, the village at the base offers places for lunch and a beer.
Absolutely! Cojitambo is a fantastic spot for picnics, allowing you to enjoy your meal with incredible views.
The quaint village at the base of the mountain provides some local eateries. For more options, you might need to travel back to Azogues or Cuenca.
Some accommodations like Equilibrium Lodge offer a more natural and luxurious dining experience.
Expect traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, often featuring local ingredients and hearty dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the accessibility for younger children; while the ruins are explorable, some areas might require supervision. The open space is great for letting kids burn off energy, and the historical aspect can be educational. It's a fantastic day trip from Cuenca that offers a different perspective on Ecuador's rich heritage.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventurers
The climb itself offers a great workout, and the payoff is immense with the stunning views and the chance to explore the intact archaeological remains. It’s an excellent way to combine physical activity with cultural exploration, making for a memorable adventure.
📸 Photographers and Drone Enthusiasts
Drone enthusiasts will find Cojitambo to be a fantastic location. The open skies and the vastness of the site allow for incredible aerial shots, showcasing the scale of the ruins and the surrounding mountains. Be sure to check local regulations regarding drone usage, but generally, it's a permitted activity here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Archaeology of Cojitambo
The site also holds importance as an Inca outpost, showcasing the blend of cultures that existed in the region. The strategic location on the mountain likely served both defensive and ceremonial purposes. The restoration efforts have made these ancient structures accessible and understandable for modern visitors, highlighting their historical and cultural value.
For those interested in history, Cojitambo is a must-visit. The ability to walk among the ruins and appreciate their scale without strict limitations is a rare opportunity. It’s a place where you can truly feel the history beneath your feet and imagine the lives of those who came before.
Experiencing the Views and Nature
The natural setting of Cojitambo also lends itself to outdoor activities. The hike up the mountain, whether by vehicle or on foot, is an integral part of the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding environment. The area is perfect for picnics, where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by stunning scenery.
For those seeking a tranquil escape, Cojitambo provides a serene atmosphere. The combination of ancient history and natural beauty creates a unique and memorable destination. It’s a place where you can connect with both the past and the present, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit