Qhapaq Ñan: El Shincal
Set out on your way to El Shincal, a must-see on the Inca Trail.
Do you feel like taking a ride to the past? Visit the most valued Inca archaeological site in Catamarca. El Shincal de Quimivil is waiting for you. Tour the Inca’s southernmost city. Explore the remains of their urban borough, which lay on a valley surrounded by mountains that face the four cardinal points. Stop by the square where five hundred years ago more than fifteen thousand people used to celebrate the Inti Raymi ritual.
Get to know the footprints of a city connected to Qhapaq Ñan: the old road network, called the Inca Trail, which was declared a World Heritage Site. Climb its paths and enjoy the amazing mountain viewpoints. Step on the Ushnu, an energy and power center where Pachamama –mother Earth– was dedicated different rituals. Visit the Interpretation Center and find original gadgets that belonged to ancestral cultures. Unlock the mysteries of the Quechua culture.
Geographic location: Province of Catamarca.
How to get there: 5 kilometers away from the main square in Londres, a village situated 278 kilometers away from San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, the capital of the province. Visitors can get to this city via Ruta Nacional 60. The place is located west of Ruta Nacional 40.
Area: 24 hectares.
Altitude: 1,300 meters above sea level.
Climate: Dry. The temperature is warm during the day, and there is scarce rainfall.
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days.
Recommended clothing and gear: It is advisable to be prepared for temperature changes. Take a cap and sunscreen.
Tips: Visit the site with a professional tour guide in order to receive more information.