Inka Trail

INCA TRAIL

The Incas made an impressive system of roads, which connected Quito, in the northern part of their empire, with Talca (south of Santiago, Chile). In the southern part of Ecuador's Central Valley it is possible to follow one of these ancient Inca trails. This trek will take us along paramo highlands, remote indigenous villages and enchanting mountain lakes, to the ruins of Ingapirca.

Day 1. We leave at 9:00 a.m. from Riobamba by car and drive south until we reach the small village of Achupallas at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. altitude. Here we put our equipment on donkeys and then start hiking on the páramo grasslands. After about 4 hours of hiking we make our camp for the first night at about 3850 m. / 12.632 f. altitude.

Day 2. Today we will hike for about 7 hours, starting with a climb from 3850 m. / 12.632 f. up to 4400 m. / 14.436 f. After 2 - 3 hours we reach the highest point of this trek, called Cuchilla de Tres Cruces. From here we have a beautiful view of Sansahuín, one of the many lakes in this area. Now we go down again and pass the Paredones ruins, that used to be a resting-place for Incan couriers. From here we continue on the Inca road southwest until we reach the village of San José, where we pitch our tents. 

Day 3. We continue descending to the south for about 3 - 4 hours. Soon we can see the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. Here you will visit the ruins and the museum, to learn about the culture of the Inca's and the Cañari's. In the afternoon we return by car to Riobamba. Arrival at Riobamba at about 5:00 p.m.

DIFFICULTY: moderate; a basic acclimatization is recommended

Included:

ü  4 wheel drive transportation from / to Riobamba

ü  Naturalist bilingual licenced guide (English / French)

ü  Patent for Protected Areas

ü  Accommodation in spacious double tents

ü  Meals and coffee, tea, purified drinking water

ü  Pack donkeys for all the equipment and necessary luggage

ü  First quality camping equipment