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Inca Trail Ecuador: 3-Day Trekking Adventure Through the Andes
About This Trip
The Ecuador Inca Trail refers to the remaining portion of the original Inca Royal Road that once connected Cuzco, the Inca capital, with Tomebamba (modern-day Cuenca) and Quito. Although much of the trail was destroyed by the Spanish Conquistadors, a three-day, 26-mile trek through the stunning páramo landscape of Sangay National Park still exists, leading to the well-preserved Ingapirca ruins. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking mountain scenery and untouched natural beauty, making it a truly unique journey through history and nature.
Highlights:
Trek the historic Inca Trail through Ecuador’s Andes
Explore scenic valleys & rugged mountain landscapes
Visit Ingapirca, Ecuador’s best-preserved Inca ruins
What’s included
✅ Hotel pick-up/drop-off
✅ Private transportation from Cuenca and Local bus
✅ English/Spanish-speaking guide
✅ Entrance fees.
✅ Horseman/muleteer + packhorses/mules
✅ Meals (3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 3 snacks)
✅ Mountain equipment (Tents and, if you do not have your own, we can provide rubber boots and sleeping bags).
Not Included
✘ Tips (optional based on your experience)
✘ Travel Insurance (Contact us for a quote)
✘ Any other service not mentioned herein
What To Expect
Day
1
Cuenca to Achupallas and start the Inca Trail
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.
🍽 Meals: - / Lunch / Dinner
🏨 Overnight camping
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 we will set up our tents. Our tour guide will prepare dinner for us.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
🏨 Overnight camping
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 from 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.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / -
Drop off in Cuenca
Additional Info
The tour has challenging activities lasting between four to six hours each day depending on your fitness level.
What to bring
- Hiking Boots: Essential for navigating rugged Andean terrains.
- Lightweight Clothing: Ideal for daytime hikes in varying climates.
- Warm Layers: Necessary for chilly mornings and evenings in high altitudes.
- Waterproof Rain Jacket or Poncho: To stay dry during unexpected Andean showers.
- Sun Protection: Include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to guard against strong equatorial rays.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes.
- Daypack: A comfortable pack to carry daily essentials like snacks, water, and personal items.
- Personal Medications
- Trekking Poles: To provide stability on uneven trails.
- Snacks: High-energy foods like nuts and dried fruits for sustained energy.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund if canceled up to 15 days before the tour start date.
