The legend says that in ancient times, when the Incan Empire was destroyed, the emperor held hostage in prison told the Spanish Francisco Pizarro that he would be given a room filled with gold in exchange of his life. Without any doubts and giving into his greed, Pizzarro accepted, and the Emperor kept his words.
Pizarro, looking at the astonishing room that had more gold, silver and precious stones that he would ever imagine, was so amazed and fulfilled with greed that he decided to take over the whole empire. The emperor Atahualpa became aware of Pizarro’s plan, and gave orders to his second in charge to have the treasure translated to Vilcabamba.
The land of Vilcabamba, which means “Sacred Valley” in Quechua, is a synonym for mystery. It is a place where people do not grow old; home of stone gods in charge of protecting the sacred and destroying anyone who tries to desecrate it.
If you travel to this land located in the South of Ecuador, at the province of Loja, you will see one of these gods that inhabitants call by the name of “El Mandango” (Lying God): a great hill that looks like a giant cathedral considered a sacred place. It is said that this protecting god was chosen by Atahualpa to guard the Incan treasure for the eternity. The treasure is known to be existent, but no one has found it. There is a legend with unknown origins that tells the exact place where it is located, but it also courses whoever dares to look for it.
Knowing this story, it is impossible not to think that maybe their proximity to the gods has made these people of the valley have the world’s longest life expectancy. They live an average of 100 years doing nothing but living their lives normally and drinking from the water that comes down from the stone gods. Looking at these people, a question arises in the mind: are all the stories about the stone gods only a legend or is it really a true story that continues to be reflected into the Vilcabamba landscape and its centenary inhabitants?
Visitors can enjoy these beautiful sacred lands with landscapes that make you fall in love and climb to the Mandango’s peak. At the end of the day, you will have found an exceptional treasure: the Incan god’s wisdom to appreciate and respect the earth in which we live.
Photo: slipszenko
No comments:
Post a Comment