3 day Inca Trail hike Achupallas to Ingapirca
Free cancellation up to 15 days in advance
Private tour: Available throughout the year.
Duration: 3 days
Description:
The Ecuador 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 three-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 a stunning mix of Inca paving stones. You will hike 26 miles (40km) through the Sangay National Park highlands between 3200 to 4100 meters above sea level.
Highlights:
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Follow the Incas footsteps by hiking a portion of one of the most famous Inca trails
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Enjoy the pristine Ecuadorian paramo of Sangay National Park camping in route.
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Discover the remote villages of the Ecuadorian Andes and its stunnign scenery.
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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.
Additional Info
Included:
✓ 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 (Request a quote)
✘ Extras
Please Note
The tour has challenging activities lasting between four to six hours each day depending on your fitness level.
Cancellation Policy
- Full refund if you can cancel up to 15 days before your tour starts.
- Partial 50% refund if you can cancel up to 10 days before your tour starts.
- Changes made within 10 days of the tour experience are subject to availability and will incur additional charges and adjustments. Learn more
Packing tips
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Hiking boots or shoes
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Warm and waterproof clothes
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Waterproof gloves
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Sunglasses
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Sun cream
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Cap or hat
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Walking Poles (Optional)
