Trek Along The Old Inca Trail
Description
A half-century before the arrival of Columbus in the Caribbean, the Empire of the Incas extended from what is now central Chile Northward into Ecuador. The Inca population centers were connected by an elaborate and well-maintained system of roads, 5.000 kilometers in length; a larger system than that of the Roman Empire. At present, a few remnants of this ancient road network are still visible. Towards the Southern end of Ecuador’s central valley lies the third largest city of the country, Cuenca. A charming city located in a fertile Andean valley.
This historical treasure is well known for its colonial architecture, ceramics and handicrafts. North of Cuenca is the village of Achupallas, where a 35-Km portion of the old Inca road system begins, leading to Ingapirca. This site is considered the most significant of the Incan ruins in Ecuador (built by Huayna Capac more than five hundred years ago as a fortress or a temple for the worship of the sun). Part of the Ingapirca ruins were probably used as a “tambo” (resting place) for Incan couriers, such as those travelling the Inca road, South from Quito through Achupallas to Paredones and beyond.
Trekking from Achupallas to Ingapirca provides the adventurer with a closer look at a significant native American culture reflected in the ancient ruins, as well as the contemporary lifestyle of the Indian peasants and an opportunity to travel on foot through nearly untouched landscape of great beauty.
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Start / End: Quito / Quito
- Activities: Trekking, walking, hiking, camping, explore Incan ruins, city tour of Cuenca
- Highlights: Achupallas, Ingapirca, hike along old Incan highway, Cuenca, rural villages
- Season: All year
- Included: All meals throughout trek, accommodation in two person tents at campsites, private transportation, English speaking guide
- Not Included: Meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks, tips, personal expenses
- Prices: Please contact us for prices.
Included/Excluded
- All meals throughout trek
- Accommodation in two person tents at campsites
- Private transportation
- English speaking guide
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Tour Amenities
Tour Duration
Duration
Starting Price
From
Contact Us for pricing
Travel Style
Tour Type
Day by Day Itinerary
Awaken in an area which has not changed much in the last five centuries, and begin the trek to Ingapirca. The Inca road follows Rio Cadrul through hilly country on the way to Laguna de las Tres Cruces, passing Cerro Callana Pucara on the West and the pyramidal Cerro Mapaihuana (4.365m) to the East. To reach the lagoon, pass through a natural rock arch and cross the river before climbing to 4.000m. From this point it is only a few kilometers to the lagoon and campsite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by our staff. (B/L/D)
Breakfast. Continue Southward through a mountainous pass with fantastic views of Laguna Sanshavin and Cerro Quilloloma. Follow the ancient road to Laguna Culebrillas and the nearby Inca ruins at Paredones, arriving two hours later. Pitch camp and dinner under the stars near the quarry from which the Incas mined Diorite, the igneous stone used in the construction of Ingapirca. (B/L/D)
Explore Tours
A half-century before the arrival of Columbus in the Caribbean, the Empire of the Incas extended from what is now central Chile Northward into Ecuador. The Inca population centers were connected by an elaborate and well-maintained system of roads, 5.000 kilometers in length; a larger system than that of the Roman Empire. At present, a few remnants of this ancient road network are still visible. Towards the Southern end of Ecuador’s central valley lies the third largest city of the country, Cuenca. A charming city located in a fertile Andean valley.
This historical treasure is well known for its colonial architecture, ceramics and handicrafts. North of Cuenca is the village of Achupallas, where a 35-Km portion of the old Inca road system begins, leading to Ingapirca. This site is considered the most significant of the Incan ruins in Ecuador (built by Huayna Capac more than five hundred years ago as a fortress or a temple for the worship of the sun). Part of the Ingapirca ruins were probably used as a “tambo” (resting place) for Incan couriers, such as those travelling the Inca road, South from Quito through Achupallas to Paredones and beyond.
Trekking from Achupallas to Ingapirca provides the adventurer with a closer look at a significant native American culture reflected in the ancient ruins, as well as the contemporary lifestyle of the Indian peasants and an opportunity to travel on foot through nearly untouched landscape of great beauty.
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Start / End: Quito / Quito
- Activities: Trekking, walking, hiking, camping, explore Incan ruins, city tour of Cuenca
- Highlights: Achupallas, Ingapirca, hike along old Incan highway, Cuenca, rural villages
- Season: All year
- Included: All meals throughout trek, accommodation in two person tents at campsites, private transportation, English speaking guide
- Not Included: Meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks, tips, personal expenses
- Prices: Please contact us for prices.
Included/Exclude
- All meals throughout trek
- Accommodation in two person tents at campsites
- Private transportation
- English speaking guide
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Awaken in an area which has not changed much in the last five centuries, and begin the trek to Ingapirca. The Inca road follows Rio Cadrul through hilly country on the way to Laguna de las Tres Cruces, passing Cerro Callana Pucara on the West and the pyramidal Cerro Mapaihuana (4.365m) to the East. To reach the lagoon, pass through a natural rock arch and cross the river before climbing to 4.000m. From this point it is only a few kilometers to the lagoon and campsite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by our staff. (B/L/D)
Breakfast. Continue Southward through a mountainous pass with fantastic views of Laguna Sanshavin and Cerro Quilloloma. Follow the ancient road to Laguna Culebrillas and the nearby Inca ruins at Paredones, arriving two hours later. Pitch camp and dinner under the stars near the quarry from which the Incas mined Diorite, the igneous stone used in the construction of Ingapirca. (B/L/D)
