This trek passes along vibrant landscapes and offers striking views of the countryside, starting from the village of Achupallas to the Incan ruins of Ingapirca. This trail is part of the impressive road system built by the Incas which connected Quito with the south of Chile.
Day 01 Quito-Achupallas-trekking to Cerro Callana (D, BB)
This morning we will drive from Quito (or Riobamba city) towards the small village of Achupallas. This drive takes about three hours and passes through picturesque highland villages. Once in Achupallas, we will get ready to start trekking through the grasslands behind the small town. We will have horses that will carry our gear. After hiking three hours, we make our first camp at the base of Cerro Callana at 3500 meters above sea level.
Day 02 Trekking to Tres Cruces Lake (B, D, BB)
Early in the morning, we will trek for another five hours until reaching the Lake Tres Cruces, where we will set camp. Sometimes it will be possible to see the old Inca path, but usually we will trek on one side of it. We start doing a moderate, easy climb through the highlands until we reach an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level.
Day 03 Trekking to Paredones (B, D, BB)
Today we will reach the highest point at “Cuchilla de Tres Cruces” lying at 4350 meters of altitude. From here we have a beautiful view of the many lakes in the area. Optionally, you can choose to climb the Tres Cruces peak to its summit (ca. 4700 m.). Afterwards, we will start descending about 600 meters while we keep following the Inca trail. On the way we can see the remains of a bridge built by the Incas. After five hours of trekking we will arrive at the Inca ruins of Paredones, for the last night of camping.
Day 04 Ingapirca (B, BB)
After breakfast we will leave Paredones. After two hours we pass the little village of Cajon Tambo from where already we can see the ruins of Ingapirca, the biggest Inca complex built in the actual Ecuadorian territory. After another two hours of walking we arrive at Ingapirca. A guide will take us around and explain about the Inca Empire and the Cañari people history. In the afternoon, we drive back to Riobamba (or Quito) or continue our journey towards the beautiful city of Cuenca.
