Inca Trail - Trek

Inca Trail - trek is a 3-day trekking expedition along Ecuador's ancient Inca road, following the historic path from Achupallas through Sangay National Park to the iconic Ingapirca ruins. Starting from Riobamba, the route combines dramatic Andean scenery with rich pre-Columbian history, passing high-altitude lagoons, ancient tambo ruins, and finishing at Ecuador's most significant Inca site. Supported by guides, porters, and carrying mules, it's an immersive journey through both landscape and history.

Over three days you'll hike between 4 and 7 hours daily through rolling hills, peaceful valleys, and Andean countryside, taking in the serene Culebrillas Lagoon at 3,700 m, the well-preserved stone walls of Paredones, and a guided tour of Ingapirca's Temple of the Sun. The trek reaches altitudes of 3,700 m and involves multi-day camping, so a good level of fitness and comfort with sustained highland walking is important. The pace is steady, with time to pause and absorb the quiet beauty and history along the way.

The price includes camping gear, guides, transportation, meals, carrying mules, and porters. Guests should note the small entrance fee to Ingapirca ($3) is not included, along with international airfare to Ecuador, arranged separately. An optional pick-up in Cuenca is available as an add-on.

Location: Ingapirca, Ecuador (trek from Achupallas through Sangay National Park, starting and ending in Riobamba).

Duration: 3 days.

Activity Type: Multi-day supported camping trek along the ancient Inca trail, with guides, porters, and carrying mules. Daily hikes range from 4–5 to 6–7 hours through highland terrain, reaching altitudes up to 3,700 m. A good level of physical fitness and comfort with multi-day trekking at altitude is required.

Accommodation: Camping throughout — at Tres Cruces (Day 1) and near Paredones (Day 2), using provided camping gear.

• Trip Price: $435 per person
• Pick-up in Cuenca (add-on): $60 per person — additional transportation

Deposit: $180 per person to reserve.

Day 1 — Achupallas to Tres Cruces

Begin with a scenic drive from Riobamba to the mountain town of Achupallas, then set off hiking along the ancient Inca trail through Sangay National Park, taking in rolling hills, valleys, and Andean views. After a few hours, reach the Tres Cruces campsite to rest and enjoy a warm meal. Hiking time 4–5 hours; lunch and dinner included. Camp overnight at Tres Cruces.

Day 2 — Paredones

After breakfast, trek through Andean landscapes to the serene Culebrillas Lagoon at 3,700 m, a highlight of the route, then continue to Paredones, the ruins of an ancient Inca tambo with well-preserved stone walls. Explore the site before dinner and rest. Trekking time 6–7 hours; elevation 3,700 m. Camp overnight near Paredones.

Day 3 — Ingapirca

After breakfast, hike the final stretch from Paredones to the iconic Ingapirca ruins, descending through scenic valleys to 3,100 m. Take a guided tour of Ecuador's most significant Inca site, including the Temple of the Sun and stories of the Inca-Cañari connection. Enjoy lunch before transferring back to Riobamba. Trekking time 5 hours; elevation 3,100 m.

• Camping gear
• Guides
• Transportation
• Meals
• Carrying mules
• porters

• Entrance to inga pirca

        $3