Not many people know Pambamarca. At the end of the 15th century it was an important indigenous military base. It was a key area for local resistance forces, first during their fight against the Incas and later against the Spanish. Here you will find the so-called "pucara", that in the Quichua language means "fortress" or "castle". A pucara is characterised by its form of concentric circles of walls and pits, located at the top of a hill. Actually, there is over 30 pucaras placed on strategic locations around Pambamarca. Pucaras are mainly found in the North of Ecuador, although some exist in other areas as well.

From Quito the day begins with a 1 1/2 hours drive to the town of Cangahua at the base of the hill. From there we start the hike towards the highest pucara. It normally takes no more than four hours up and two hours down.