Ibarra was founded in 1606 by the Spanish. Many churches and public buildings were built, but an earthquake in 1868 destroyed many of them. The Inca ruler Atahualpa was born in the Inca settlement of Caranquà about 2 km from the city.
Helados de paila (handmade ice cream or sorbet and still sold in the markets today) was first made in Ibarra during Incan times (but not by Incas; by the native indigenous), using snow or ice from the nearby Imbabura Volcano (which is no longer snow bound). Using a large bronze pan surrounded by ice shavings, the juices of various fruits are stirred into the pan to freeze.
The city was founded twice. The first time, in 1606, was by mandate of the Royal Audience of Quito. A devastating earthquake on 16 August 1868 forced the city to be re-founded in 1872. Based on its newest date of foundation, Ibarra is the youngest city in
