Participant Information

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Pambamarca Archaeology Project

Pueblo Cangahua, Canton Cayambe, Provincia de Pichincha, Ecuador

INTRODUCTION

We are glad that you will be joining us on the Pambamarca project this summer in Ecuador. We have prepared this guide to answer your questions about living and working in Ecuador. If you find you have questions after reading through this material please feel free to join one of our online communities to ask questions or contact a director by email:

Samuel Connell: connellsamuel@foothill.edu

Ana Lucia Gonzalez: gonzalezana@fhda.edu

Chad Gifford: chg7@columbia.edu

Amber Kling Anderson: akling16@yahoo.com

Zev Cossin: zev.cossin@gmail.com

It is important to stress that all of us, as members of this project, are guests of the government of Ecuador, which is like many countries promoting eco- and cultural-tourism. As you will surmise from photos of the landscape in Ecuador, ecologically the study area is ideal for this sort of program. But it is also one of Ecudor’s richest cultural landscapes, whether you are interested in prehistoric, historic or contemporary cultures. As such, the Ecuadorian government is actively supporting our archaeological project as a way to open up this region for conservation and future tourism. If you want to read more about the academic side of the project read through our page of downloaded miscellaneous documents about the project’s work.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Pambamarca project area contains the largest concentration of pre-Columbian forts in the New World (Hyslop 1990). We have been working here since 2001 excavating and surveying at the forts. We know from the Spanish chroniclers that the Inca Empire tried to conquer the Ecuadorian people beginning around 1490 and that the people of Ecuador put up a famous resistance which forced the Inca to construct fortresses over many years until finally the conquest ended in the murder of most of the Ecuadorian army at Lago Yaguarcocha or the Lake of Blood. The purpose of our study is to examine the sequence of occupation and activity in and around Pambamarca. What we have found out so far is that

1. Evidence for warfare is everywhere
2. People built these sites at different times and for different purposes.
3. There are different kinds of sites in the Pambamarca complex, including castle-like pucara (Inca forts) and other non-military sites that seem to be more religious and less military.
4. There are roads connecting all the sites.
5. We need to learn so much more!

Our work in 2019 will continue researching these amazing sites and expand our survey in the Andean highlands. Our aim is to document all of the sites and find out why so many forts were built in this critical geographic location. In addition, we hope to uncover the differences between the Inka and Cayambe warfare tactics. Finally, we will be trying to understand what made the Cayambe so successful at resisting the Inka when the rest of South America fell so quickly.

Student field work begins at a Spanish era colonial hacienda where we learn field techniques, and quickly move to the other sites for the rest of the field season. Plans in 2019 will include excavations at important Cayambe sites and Inka fortresses. Survey and exploration of ancient road systems will continue into the Amazon basin.

Students are trained in mapping, field excavation, and laboratory analysis. The project also utilizes Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to detect subsurface features and uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze data.

Description of the Applied Anthropology

For too long archaeologists have been involving themselves in research without a coherent plan for using anthropology to work with the local peoples in different capacities. This summer we will be working closely with Ecuadorian community members who are interested in putting together a local museum. Students who are interested in aspects of public archaeology will be working closely with the project directors and the community members to create a shared vision for a permanent installation within the town of Cangahua. These are exciting times to be a part of the program.

TRAVEL

Travel to Ecuador

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and depart Ecuador. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel. Please indicate tourism as your reason for travel on your visa or other forms. U.S. citizens are given a 30-day or more visa when they arrive at Quito, Ecuador-- therefore, you do not need to apply for a visa before you travel. Those planning a longer visit should speak with the immigration officials when they arrive. If your visa expires in the middle of your trip you will need to find the right government to be re-issued a new visa. Participants who hold non-US passports should determine if a visa is required to enter the country. You should always travel with a color photocopy of your passport in case of theft or loss. You can confirm most of this information at the U.S. State Department Web Site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.

Participants should plan to fly into Quito's Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre. Ticket prices to Ecuador fluctuate greatly depending on the day of the week you travel, the time of year, and the carrier. A U.S. carrier is usually more expensive. In the past project participants have used Avianca, Lacsa, Ecuatoriana, Saeta, Continental, and American Airlines. We will remind you to confirm your return reservation as soon as you arrive in Quito. For fieldschool students and program volunteers airport pick-up’s and Quito hotel accommodations for the first night in Ecuador will be arranged by project staff. If you're joining us independently as a project visitor we will try to send someone to meet you at the airport and bring you to a trusted hotel in Quito.

Travel within Ecuador

The project will organize site visits over the course of the program. Thankfully, the Northern Highlands of Ecuador are incredibly rich in history, culture and beauty, meaning these outings can be conducted as daytrips. One trip will be to Quito to tour the city’s major Colonial monuments; another will be to the famous Otavalo Market, where students can witness (and participate in) one of the oldest markets in the Andes; another will be to the archaeological site of Cochasquí to study the well-preserved monumental platforms that were the hallmark of pre-Inka populations in the region; and another will be to the edge of the Amazon along the eastern foothills of the Andes.

Before or after participating in the program students are encouraged to travel to more distant parts of Ecuador. South of Quito lies the city of Cuenca, which has managed to preserve most of its colonial neighborhoods. If students are willing to travel to the Pacific Coast they will not be disappointed as it is interspersed with beautiful but rugged tropical beaches. Students can also fly or cruise to the famous Galapagos Islands. Perú is not far away, although if students are considering visiting Machu Picchu they should set aside a week or more.

Maps and Guidebooks

You are urged to purchase an up-to-date edition of an Ecuador travel guide (Lonely Planet is excellent), which will have all the details about travel to and within Ecaudor.

LIVING CONDITIONS

Field Life in Ecuador

We will be residing in Pambamarca in the small town of Cangahua, which is located in the County of Cayambe on the northeastern limits of the Province of Pichincha (all about one hour north-north-east of Quito). The capital city of this county is also named Cayambe, which you will find on any map of Ecuador (Cangahua, however, doesn't always appear). Cangahua sits in the hills south of the city of Cayambe and it takes about 20 minutes to travel between them by bus. As you will discover, Cangahua itself is wonderful place to live-- small, open and enjoyable.

Some participants will stay in a dormitory-styled house located behind the main church in the town of Cangahua. This ‘Casa Comunal’ is a large, two-story building with electricity, running water, showers, a kitchen, a mess hall and plenty of beds. When the project is up and running meals will be prepared for the project by two cooks that are hired from year to year.

Other students will stay in the colonial-period Hacienda Guachalá located down the road from Cangahua. This hacienda is a wonderful hotel located on the grounds of a colonial ranch established in the 1500s. The rooms are clean and comfortable and each includes a private bathroom and fireplace that is re-stocked with wood on a daily basis. You can learn about the Hacienda online at http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/guachala/.

If the idea of the dormitory-styled living in Cangahua is uncomfortable, students can elect (for extra cost) to stay in the Hacienda Guachalá.

Banking and Financial Services

Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar, so there is no need to worry about changing money. There are also many ATM machines in Quito, Cayambe and other cities (the bank will charge a fee for each transaction). Most places accept major credit cards. Please make copies of traveler’s check receipts, your passport, and the front and back of your ATM and credit cards, leaving them at home with someone you can call in the case of an emergency. Take the original traveler’s check receipts with you as well as photocopies of the cards and passport, keeping them in a separate bag from your traveler’s checks.

Cultural Sensitivity

It is important to stress that all of us, as members of this project, are guests of the government of Ecuador, which is currently pursuing a long-term program to promote eco- and cultural-tourism in Ecuador. As you will surmise from pictures of the Pambamarca landscape, ecologically the study area is ideal for this sort of program. But it is also one of Ecuador’s richest cultural landscapes, whether you are interested in prehistoric, historic or contemporary cultures. As such, the Ecuadorian government is actively supporting this archaeological project as a way to open up this region for conservation and future tourism. What this all means is that project participants should recognize and appreciate that the support and participation of the communities of Pambamarca are a crucial part of the success of our endeavors.

It is against Ecuadorian law to remove artifacts from archaeological monuments or to damage them in any way. Always be sensitive when taking photographs. Remember, not everyone shares our view of the visual spectrum as being part of the public domain. Be discrete when photographing a scene and ask permission when taking a photograph of individuals, particularly an older person. We highly recommend that you also keep a personal field journal so you will be able to remember all the experiences you have had. Your diary and photographs make the best souvenirs.

Restrictions on Alcohol and Drugs

The project will not serve alcohol to students at anytime. Do not bring any drugs with you or attempt to obtain them in Ecuador. Tobacco smokers are welcome on the project, but the project house has been established as a smoke-free place, and we expect complete compliance with this policy. You are not permitted to smoke on the archaeological sites or in the project vehicles.

Enforcement of Project Rules

The safety of students and project participants may be jeopardized by violations of the project’s accepted operating procedures, which will be posted and explained in detail when students arrive in Pambamarca. The directors reserve the right to expel any student from the program for violating any of the rules. In such a case the student will be put on a plane home and lose credit for the entire program. The directors’ decisions are final, and in accepting a place in the program the student accepts the directors’ jurisdiction.

DAILY SCHEDULE AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Daily Schedule

Fieldwork will begin at 7:00am each day and end at 3:00pm. Before setting out for the field, students will divide into teams devoted to carrying out various archaeological tasks. A rotating weekly schedule guarantees that students will be able to participate in all of the different activities. Students should be in decent physical shape when they come to Ecuador as some of the work can be rigorous. As you will see (and feel) the altitude plays a major role in life in Pambamarca, and everyone typically needs a day or two to acclimatize. We understand this will be a new experience for some of you or that you may have certain physical strengths and weaknesses, so we will be accommodating in regard to your needs and abilities.

Working Conditions

The goal of an archaeological project is to observe and gather large amounts of information in a relatively short period of time. As such, fieldwork can be an intensive and unpredictable experience. While some participants will have had previous fieldwork experience, others will have not, meaning the chance to work in close quarters with a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds will be a new experience. Every effort will be made to plan the fieldwork well in advance; however project participants should be prepared for schedule changes that can occur from time to time. Flexibility and patience, therefore, are important traits to bring to the field.

The primary thing to understand about the climate is that conditions can be unpredictable due to the high elevations of the Andes (we live and work at elevations ranging from 8,000-12,000 feet). All archaeological activities will be organized with this in mind. In the summer it rarely rains in the area, but we cannot rule out light showers or wet winds (paramo!) coming off the eastern mountains. These winds are consistently strong and chilly. We compare it overall to the late fall or early winter in New England, except with nearly constant sun. While a winter coat is useful, many of us use lots of layers under durable windbreakers or raincoats, which keep you well protected in the rugged environment. Temperatures can be very cold at night and parts of the project house can be drafty. Bring a warm winter sleeping back, and hats and mittens are also useful. Again, the ultimate key to your comfort is wearing layers, because as the sun rises it can get warmer.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Vaccinations/Immunizations. There are no required immunizations for Ecuador. However, a current tetanus booster, childhood inoculation boosters (such as polio), and a Hepatitis A vaccination are recommended. More information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at (877) 394-8747, or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/.

Current Health Precautions. For the most current information available regarding health precautions for travel to Ecuador please contact an immunization clinic well before you leave for Ecuador. As with any health-related recommendation, it is also a good idea to check with your personal physician regarding shots and/or medication.

Medical Insurance. All student participants must have demonstrated health insurance. Remember that not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United States, for example U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm that your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s ‘Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad’, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000. If you do not have travel coverage, please investigate the various travel insurance packages that are available.

Personal Medication. Bring all personal medication, aspirin, Band-Aids, first aid cream, Maalox, Kaopectate, Kleenex, tampons, sunblock, etc. If necessary, you can buy over the counter medications in the area. If you wear glasses be sure to bring an extra pair. You will find that the high altitude of the Andes affects everyone different, so there is no way to know how you will feel until you arrive. Most people don't notice the thinner air, some people need a few days to acclimate, and only a very few suffer. If you have any reason to think you might have a difficult time with the elevations be sure to check with your doctor before you leave about a prescription diuretic like diamox.

Medical Facility. The project has established detailed emergency procedures for first-aid and evacuations in case someone gets hurt. Participants should be assured that a basic first-aid kit will be available at all project sites and a dedicated medical clinic is located in Cangahua. The nearest advanced medical facilities are in Cayambe and Quito. Depending on the type of emergency, we will transport participants to either of these locations.

Acceptance of Risk. We take all practicable measures to minimize risks to the safety and well-being of all participants in this program. Nonetheless, it is in the nature of things that not all risk can be eliminated. In particular, the risks of road accidents and other health emergencies far from first-class health-care facilities are real. By taking part in the program, you accept these risks for your own account and agree to hold the project directors and staff free of responsibility for any harm caused to you other than by the action of the project’s agents.