San Biritute
San Biritute is a pre-Columbian stone monolith in the comuna of Sacachún, Simón Bolívar (Julio Moreno) parish, Santa Elena canton. Carved by the Huancavilca people, it is known as the "god of fertility and water" and is described as the largest pre-Columbian human figure found in Ecuador.
Visiting
- The monolith is on open display every day; entry is free.
- It is looked after by the comuna's council (cabildo), which pays for its upkeep.
- Every July the comuna celebrates the Retorno de San Biritute.
The "road of the gods"
The parish is known for an ancient route through Manteño-Huancavilca territory (about 800–1532 AD) where several monoliths survive. Similar figures can be seen at the Centro de Interpretación Cultural Los Ceibitos (Museo de los Monolitos) in the comuna of Las Balsas, Colonche parish, where the stones remain where they were found.
Getting there
Sacachún is inland; an asphalt road links it with Julio Moreno. The area is dry forest, so take water and sun protection.
See also
Source: PDOT cantón Santa Elena 2023–2027 (pp. 190–193, 221).