Seven kilometers west of Londres are the Inca ruins of El Shincal. Founded in 1471, the town occupied a commanding position in the foothills of the mountains, surveying the vast valley to the south. The setting is spectacular, with fantastic views and great atmosphere. The renovated museum at the entrance gives a scale model and good background in Inca and pre-Inca culture, while signboards along the way explain local plants.
At the ruins, 500m beyond, the ushnu (ceremonial platform) is set in the middle of a central square and is flanked by two partially restored kallankas (buildings of unknown function). Two hilltop platforms aligned to the rising and setting sun probably served as both lookouts and altars to the sun. All information is in Spanish, though guides that congregate in the mornings may speak some English. There's a cafe-restaurant on-site.
Five to six buses Monday to Saturday run from Belén to Londres (AR$35) and the ruins. Further buses just reach Londres. A remise from Belén with waiting time is around AR$250.
