Trek along the Old Inca Trail

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.

Day 1:  From Quito,  travel by private transportation  through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing such snow-capped giants as Cotopaxi (5.897m), Ilinizas (5.263m) and the tallest peak in Ecuador, Chimborazo (6.310m). On the way to Alausi, from where a small steep mountain road leads to Achupallas (3.400m), we pass through a number of communities where the biggest and most colorful Indian markets in the country are held on specific days each week: Saquisili (Thursdays), Latacunga (Tuesdays/Saturdays) and Ambato (Mondays). Lunch provided.  Dinner prepared at overnight campsite near Achupallas. (L/D)

Day 2:  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)

Day 3:  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)

Day 4:  Morning devoted to the trek to Ingapirca along a portion of the Inca road, which is up to 7 meters wide.  Lunch.  Exploration of ruins, visit the on-site museum and question local guides about  Incan culture. Private transportation to the charming colonial city of Cuenca for dinner and hotel accommodation.  (B/L/D)

Day 5:  In the morning a city tour of Cuenca. Lunch.  Fly to Quito. (B)