Tumbaco, Parish and municipality in Quito Metro, Ecuador
Tumbaco is a municipality in the eastern valleys of the Quito Metropolitan District, situated at approximately 2,355 meters elevation. Its territory combines working agricultural land with residential neighborhoods scattered throughout the area.
Archaeological evidence shows people lived in this area around 4400 BC, and centuries later the Inca took control under Huayna Capac in the late 1400s. These successive periods of settlement shaped the region's past.
The name Tumbaco comes from the indigenous word 'Tumpaku kitilli', linking the current inhabitants to the native peoples who lived here long ago. This origin story remains part of how residents understand their place's roots and identity.
The area has strong transportation connections to central Quito, making it easy for people commuting to the capital for work. Visitors should be prepared for the high elevation and plan their travel using local transport options.
The place blends working agricultural areas with modern residential growth, creating a gradual transition zone between urban Quito and the countryside beyond. This in-between space maintains farming traditions while accommodating urban expansion.
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