Macas

About

Originally known as “Sevilla del Ora”, Macas was founded as a Dominican missionary outpost in the 16th century. It quickly became a thriving trading post, and later, affluent gold mining center. The town’s mines were so prosperous that they became the target of violent attacks and had to be abandoned for the safety of the area’s inhabitants. Now a busy commercial hub, the city’s main landmark is the colorful cathedral with its even-more-vibrant stained glass windows.The Museo Arqueológico y Cultural de Morona Santiago in the top floor of the Casa de la Cultura has an excellent collection of Shuar artefacts, including feather adornments, headdresses made of animal heads, blowpipes, basketwork, and even a replica of a shrunken head. This museum gives a great bit of background if you plan on heading into the jungle to visit the Shuar and Achuar indigenous groups.