Just 70 kilometers from Quito, in a humid valley where the cloud forest surrounds the Tulipe River, lies one of the most mysterious archaeological sites in Ecuador: the Tulipe Site Museum. There you will find several sunken structures called ceremonial pools, mounds or tolas, and agricultural terraces that showcase the Yumbo culture, a trading and sky-watching people who connected the Sierra with the Coast long before the Incas and Spaniards.
Tulipe is not just an open-air museum; it is a ceremonial center where archaeology, astronomy, and spirituality come together. Water, sun, and jungle tell the story of a culture that saw its territory as a bridge between worlds. Visiting it today means learning history and enjoying nature, ideal for those seeking different experiences near Quito.
History of Tulipe and the Yumbo Culture
Who were the Yumbos?
The Yumbo culture lived on the slopes of northwestern Pichincha, in what they called the “Yumbo Country,” a territory that connected the Sierra with the Pacific Ocean near Quito.
The Yumbos are believed to have existed from around the 5th century AD until the Inca expansion and the early colonial years. They were expert traders who transported products such as salt, chili peppers, dried fish, cotton, and gold from the coast to Andean cities like Quito.
This exchange was both economic and cultural. Goods, ideas, and beliefs circulated along sunken paths called culuncos—deep trails that can still be seen today. These paths demonstrate the high level of engineering and planning they had.
A people between fog and trade
The Yumbos lived in an area between the Sierra and the Andean Chocó, a region with great biodiversity. This location allowed them to control trade routes and develop a strong connection with water, rivers, and the jungle, something that is still evident in Tulipe.
Tulipe, ancestral ceremonial center and “planetarium”
Tulipe is probably the most well-known monument of the Yumbo culture. The site has several sunken ceremonial pools with stone walls, ramps, and channels that carried water from nearby springs. Eight pools have been found with square, rectangular, circular, semicircular shapes, and even one in the shape of a feline.
Archaeological research indicates that these pools were used for rituals and possibly for observing stars. At night, the water reflected the constellations, making Tulipe a “ceremonial observatory” or outdoor planetarium.
Experts like Frank Salomon and Clark Erickson have studied how the Yumbos used these pools for religious rituals and to mark important astronomical events for their agricultural calendar.
Awards and Recognitions
The archaeological and museographic work in Tulipe has been internationally recognized. The site won the “Reina Sofía” award in 2011 for the conservation of cultural heritage and previously received the Gubbio award. This highlights its historical importance and the efforts of the Metropolitan Institute of Heritage (IMP) to restore its structures.
How to Visit Tulipe from Quito: Experience, Route, and Practical Tips
Where is Tulipe and How to Get There
Tulipe is located about 70 kilometers from Quito, at the northwestern foot of Pichincha at an altitude of about 1,450 meters above sea level.
The common route is to take the Calacalí–La Independencia road. Near km 60, there is a detour to Tulipe in the valley of the Tulipe River. It is ideal for a full-day excursion from Quito or a stop if you are traveling to Mindo or Nanegalito.
Recommended Transportation
- Private or rented car: offers more flexibility to combine Tulipe with other nearby places.
- Organized tours: several agencies include Tulipe in daily tours along with nature reserves or waterfalls.
- Public transport: you can reach nearby towns by bus and then take local transportation; however, this takes more time and requires planning.
What to see in the Tulipe Site Museum
The museum combines covered areas with an outdoor tour of the archaeological structures.
The rooms explain who the Yumbos were, how they organized their territory, what products they traded, and what the significance of water and sun was in their culture. Models, informative panels, archaeological pieces, and videos help to understand everything before going out to explore.
Walking through the site, you will visit ceremonial pools, mounds or tolas, and platforms. The geometric shapes – square, rectangular, circular, semicircular, and polygonal – are integrated into the landscape of the cloud forest. In some areas, you can clearly see how the canal system worked that brought water from the springs to each structure.
