Don't have time to read this now? Click here and I will email you a PDF version.
Museum with Shrunken Heads Exhibit
Most people in Cuenca know of the Pumapungo Museum as the museum with the shrunken heads. But did you know that they have a “backyard”?  A backyard of an incredible archaeological site, a garden, and an aviary.
The word Pumapungo means “Door of the Puma. ” And, in the late 15th century this village was built by the Inca emperor Huayna Capac for mostly religious and political purposes.  At that time, the city then was called Tomebamba.  Moreover, Pumapungo is the largest Inca ruins south of Ingapirca. Here you will find foundation walls of many buildings.  These buildings include a palace, a residence of a prominent leader, cemeteries, and walkways. Interestingly, the materials used for the buildings were mostly volcanic rocks.  Therefore, the destruction of Tomebamba happened before the arrival of the Spanish.  Consequently, the locals used many of the ruin stones for their homes and churches leaving these once magnificent structures in shambles.
Pumapungo Restoration
Pumapungo Admission
Especially relevant is that there is no admission fee to the museum or the grounds. The museum is not open on Sunday, but the park grounds are. An afternoon at the ruins makes for a pleasant 2-hour outdoor stroll.
- Airbnb Host – Unlock This Powerful Side Hustle to Early Retirement - March 27, 2018
- Top 10 Most Valuable Travel Apps to Use While On Your Trip - March 20, 2018
- Dingle Cooking and Pottery – Fantastic Things to do In Ireland - February 15, 2018
- 2017 Top 10 Ultimate Gadgets for the Traveler Gift Guide - November 16, 2017
- Rent a Lighthouse on a Private Island for a Unique Adventure - October 10, 2017
- The Best Prince Edward Island Attraction – Fun with Falcons - October 3, 2017
- Best Travel Daypack – Lightweight & Safe With Pacsafe - August 3, 2017
- Playa Del Carmen Sea Turtles – How to Swim With - July 3, 2017
- Airport Layovers Have Never Been This Great - June 3, 2017
- Expats, What They All do When Leaving the US, Shop - May 26, 2017
Leave A Comment