Cañar Province, Province with Inca ruins in southern Ecuador
Cañar Province is an administrative region in the southern highlands of Ecuador that stretches from tropical valleys to cool mountain plateaus. Smaller towns and villages sit along winding roads that pass through farmland, eucalyptus forests, and open grasslands.
The region was formally established as a province in 1880 after previously belonging to larger administrative units. Before Spanish colonial rule, the area was home to the Cañari and later became part of the Inca Empire, whose structures remain standing.
The province takes its name from the Cañari people, whose descendants still live in communities around Ingapirca and across the highlands. Local families share stories of ancient trade routes and often speak Kichwa alongside Spanish, especially during ceremonies and festivals in village squares.
The capital Azogues serves as the central hub for accommodation and services, with regional buses linking smaller towns and communities. Mountain roads can become slippery during rain, so checking weather conditions before driving to higher elevations is advisable.
Markets in several communities sell finely woven straw hats, often mistakenly called Panama hats, even though they originate from Ecuador. The region also produces Zhumir, a traditional drink made from sugar cane and bottled at home distilleries, consumed at village celebrations.
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