Cultures of the Ecuador - Highland and Amazon Region

​Cultures of the Ecuador - Coastal -Highland and Amazon Region

By: Jorge Ruiz

It was located on the Ilaló hill, specifically in the Chillos Valley. They were hunter-gatherers who lived in caves and open-air sites. They depended on hunting animals and gathering plants. ​

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​Inga culture

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​Their enigmatic variety of beliefs and funeral rites has transcended time. It is even considered that they established one of the largest cemeteries in America at that time. It is considered the precursor of the pre-ceramic period in Ecuador.

​Las vegas culture

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​It was called Las Vegas culture because it was found near a river with the same name. It was discovered by the researcher and scientist Edward P. Lanning.

​Las vegas culture

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The Las Vegas culture settled in the coastal region south of the province of Santa Elena, near the Las Vegas River in this location were found shells, bones, stones and charcoal that indicate the settlement of the Las Vegas culture.​

​Las vegas culture

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It has been recognized for being the first society of sedentary farmers and potters of all cultures in Ecuador.

During their settlement, the production of food, manufacture of utensils and new cultivation techniques according to the characteristics of the soil stand out. They had elliptical-shaped houses, built with wood, wattle and daub and straw or branches. This characterized it as one of the most representative cultures of Ecuador.​

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​Valdivia culture

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​It was located in the Andean region, between the rivers Chota-Mira to the north and Guayllabamba to the south.

They participated in a confederation between the lordships of Otavalo, Cayambe and Caranqui. They united to confront the Incas, as well as shared culture and language.

They stood out for their agricultural techniques, such as microverticality (cultivation at different heights). They were also known for using the archipelago system for salt exploitation.

Caranqui culture

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​It was an important popular culture that occupied the valleys of Misahuallí, Jondachi and Quijos, located in the current Amazonian province of Napo.

They stood out for their large urban sites, with cultivation terraces and stone constructions. In addition, artistically they are known for their Cosanga ceramic style, which was appreciated and demanded by the cultures of the highlands.

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​Panzalo or Cosanga culture

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