Setting out from Tumebamba, in the direction of Cuzco, the great road passes through the province of the Cañaris, until it reaches Cañaribamba and the buildings a little further on. Villages belonging to the same province are seen on either hand, and to the eastward there are mountains, on the other side of which the country, which is inhabited, slopes down towards the river Marañon. Beyond the boundary of these Cañaris Indians is the province of the Paltas, in which there are some buildings now known as “the stones,” because many are to be seen which the Yncas, in the time of their power, had sent to their superintendents or delegates. These tampus were ordered to be built, because the province of the Paltas was considered important. They were extensive and handsome, the masonry being well executed. The quarry whence the stones were brought is near the source of the river of Tumbez. Here the tribute was collected, which the natives were obliged to pay to their king and lord, or to the governors in his name.

To the westward of these buildings is the city of Puerto Viejo, and to the eastward the province of Bracamoros, were there are vast territories and many rivers, some of them very great and powerful. There is hope that by marching for twenty or thirty days, a rich and fertile land will be reached. But there are great forests in the way, some of them very frightful and dangerous.