Happy TravellerWelcome to Tulcán, the capital of the province of Carchi in Ecuador and a city with a rich history and unique attractions. With a population of over 53,000 people, Tulcán is known for its hot springs, deep wells, and the most elaborate topiary garden cemetery in the New World. Created with Cupressus sempervirens by José Maria Azael Franco in 1936, the 3-acre topiary garden is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city.
Tulcán is also the highest city in Ecuador, sitting at an elevation of 2,950 m (9,680 ft) above sea level. The name Tulcán is a Spanish derivation of the indigenous peoples’ original name Hul-Can, which means Warrior.
The first known history of the aboriginal occupants of this land begins with the failed Incan conquests. Tulcán sits within the northernmost outpost of the Inca Empire, which according to Spanish chroniclers, was the Rumichaca Bridge, located 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Tulcàn and the present-day border with Colombia. The Spanish, seeking gold, became interested in the Quillasinga (the name given to the land), meaning Gold Noses. Quillasinga was named without distinction of the ethnic occupants including the Pastos. Upon assuming the sovereignty for the Spanish crown, the territory was divided into provinces: Quillasinga road to Quito, Quillasinga road to Popayan, Quillasinga road to Almaguer, and Quillasinga road of the mountains. Tulcán’s foundation is said to have been on June 11, 1535. With the arrival of colonists and further Spanish conquistadors, its growth increased and immediately passed to serve the Township of Otavalo, until 1600 when it passed to the township of Ibarra. During the colonial age, it remained under the authority of the Real Audiencia de Quito, in which it increased its economic importance, until it became the most significant locality in the region.
Independence movements and proclamations sparked through the region. The independence movement in Carchi was led by Alejandro Ruano, Antonio Baca, Cecilio Arciniegas, Esteban Baca, Leandro Campiño, José María Pava, Antonio Rueda, and Ramón Montenegro. On April 14, 1814, with charges of conspiracy of fighting for independence, these men were shot in Bolivar. The population continued its rebellion and in 1820, it ratified the Declaration of Independence of 9 de Octubre. Upon Ecuador becoming a republic, Tulcán retained its importance because it became a border town.
Tulcán is just 7 km (4.3 mi) from the Colombian border; the international bridge at Rumichaca which bridges the Carchi River is shared by the two countries. Tulcán is bounded on the north by the municipality of Ipiales (Colombia), on the south by the San Pedro de Huaca Canton, to the east by the Amazonian provinces of Sucumbios and to the west by the coastal province of Esmeraldas. This city is known for its civic culture and modern business, similar to that of Colombia because of its proximity to and significant trade with that country. Because of the proximity with Colombia, Tulcán and Ipiales form a bi-national conurbation with an approximate of 150,000 inhabitants.
Tulcán features a subtropical highland climate (Csb) under the Köppen climate classification. The city is very well connected in terms of land and air transport: the Panamerican Highway and Luis A. Mantilla airport are located nearby.
In conclusion, Tulcán is a unique and fascinating city with a rich history and culture. From the topiary garden cemetery to the hot springs and deep wells, there is something for everyone in this high-altitude city. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or just want to experience a different side of Ecuador, Tulcán is a destination that should not be missed.
