On Saturday we went on a guided tour to Ingapirca , elevation 3230m , 2 hours from Cuenca. It is Ecuador's most important archaeological site built as a fortress by the Incas about 500 years ago.

Our guide told us that the main structure , a perfect elliptical shape , was used for religious & ceremonial purposes. Even Macchu Pichu in Peru doesn't have a temple like this , although the whole site at Macchu Pichu is much larger . The remaining buildings were probably used as storehouses & residences.

It is one of the best examples of typical Inca mortarless stonework including many interesting trapezoidal doorways & niches. It is well preserved & as a tourist attraction brings in a much - needed income to those who live in the village of Ingapirca. Only people born in Ingapirca can be guides there , by order of the government , so our guide who accompanied us on the bus had to hand us over to the Ingapirca guide who was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. He had a great sense of humour & an interesting philosophical perception of life now & that of his ancestors. We could have listened to him talking all day. He obviously spoke to us in English !

There is an interesting museum there also housing many pieces of pottery , skeletons & other bits & pieces found in the area.

Sunday was our day of rest ! We took a taxi to Banos to swim in the thermal pools .

The water comes from sulphurous hot springs & is a murky green colour due to the mineral content . Hot bath - at -home temperature . Wonderful !
It was so warm & relaxing although the outside temperature was quite cool due to the altitude. And we were outside in really hot water while the cold rain fell on us. We then had a turkish bath ( Ady along with the Gorillas in the Mist ! ) before eating our Sunday lunch at one of the most classy restaurants around.

We both had the set meal : 1. Ceviche de Corvina ( white sea bass )
Ceviche is a popular Ecuadorian dish which we had not previously tried : uncooked seafood marinated in lemon with tomatoes & raw sliced onions served with popcorn . It was delicious.
2. Pork chops served in a plum sauce with potatoes & vegetables
3. Fruit Charlotte
All washed down with a bottle of beer & a free licqueor from the hotel.

We felt like we had really spoiled ourselves & the whole day including taxis cost us a total of 23 pounds !