Private tour: Available throughout the year.

Duration:  3 days

Description:

The Inca Trail refers to the remaining portions of the original Inca Royal Road that once linked Cuzco, the Inca capital, with Tomebamba (Cuenca nowadays) and Quito. Today most of the Ecuadorian Inca Trail has been destroyed by the Spanish Conquistadors except for a 3 day trek that stretches from Achupallas through Sangay National Park towards the ruins of Ingapirca.

​

We will hike through the pristine Ecuadorian paramo full of beautiful mountain scenery and the a stunning mix of Inca paving stones. You will hike 26 miles (40km) thought the highlands of Sangay National Park between 3200 to 4100 meters above sea level. 

​

Highlights:

​

• Follow the Incas footsteps by hike a portion of one of the most famous Inca trails  

• Enjoy the pristine Ecuadorian paramo of Sangay National Park camping in route. 

• Discover the remote villages of the Ecuadorian Andes and its stunnign scenery.

• Tour the ruins of the ancient Inca-Cañari city of Ingapirca. 

​

 Itinerary: 

​

Day 1: Cuenca to Achupallas and 1rst camping spot 

​

We start our adventure in Cuenca, after a hotel pick up we will drive for about 3 hours through the Andes to Achupallas village. After a packed lunch we put the equipment on donkeys and then we begin trekking following the Cadrul River. In about 4–5 hours we will reach an Incan town (3910 m) where we camp for the first night. Our tour guide will prepare dinner for us.

 

Day 2: Hiking to Tres Cruces and Inca Tambo

​

We will start our day with a hot coffee! After breakfast we will start our hike, about 6 hours passing Tres Cruces (Three Crosses), a Lake with stunning views of the Andes and then we go on to Paredones or Inca Tambo (stone buildings constructed by the Incas, where Chasquis or Incan messengers took refuge hundreds of years ago). By the shore of Culebrillas Lake where will set up our tents. Our tour guide will prepare dinner for us.

 

Day 3: Culebrillas Lake, San Jose and Ingapirca 

​

On our last day we will hike for about 4 hours to the village of San José where hikers often receive a warm welcome by local children. Afterwards we will be driven to Ingapirca where we will have a hot meal and then we will explore the Most important Inca Site in Ecuador “Ingapirca”. In the afternoon we return to Cuenca.