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Day 1 – Achupallas – Cadrul River Camp
At 8:00 a.m., our private transportation and professional guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey to Achupallas.
We will travel for approximately 2.5 hours to the community of Achupallas, located at around 3,300 m (10,827 ft) above sea level.
Upon arrival, our local muleteers will be waiting to assist with transporting the camping equipment, food, and supplies by mule. This allows you to enjoy the trek carrying only your personal backpack.
We will begin hiking gradually uphill through the spectacular Andean páramo. The trail crosses the pass between Mapahuiña and Callana Pucará hills and continues along the Cadrul River.
Along the way, we will encounter Cuchicorral, one of the first archaeological remains associated with the ancient Inca route.
After approximately 4–5 hours of hiking, we will reach our first campsite at around 3,950 m (12,960 ft) above sea level.
Once the campsite is set up, you will have time to rest, enjoy the impressive Andean scenery and, weather permitting, admire the spectacular night sky.
Accommodation: Camping
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Maximum altitude: Approximately 3,950 m (12,960 ft)
Day 2 – Tres Cruces – Culebrillas Lagoon – Paredones – Patococha Lagoon
After breakfast, we will begin one of the most spectacular and challenging days of the trek.
From our campsite, we will ascend toward Tres Cruces Lagoon and continue to the Tres Cruces ridge, reaching approximately 4,400 m (14,436 ft) above sea level, the highest point of the entire route.
From here, weather permitting, we can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes and the surrounding lagoons, including the beautiful Sansahuín Lagoon.
We will then begin a long descent toward the Espíndola Valley, as the landscape gradually changes and the vegetation becomes increasingly lush.
Along the descent, we will be able to observe different sections of the ancient Inca Trail, which formed part of the extensive road network used by the Incas to connect different territories.
We will continue toward Culebrillas Lagoon, one of the main natural highlights of the route, and then reach Paredones, an important archaeological site believed to have served as a resting place for Inca messengers and travelers.
We will continue along a particularly well-preserved section of the Qhapaq Ñan, where some sections of the ancient road are approximately seven meters wide.
After approximately 7 hours of trekking, we will reach the surroundings of Patococha Lagoon, where we will set up our second campsite at approximately 3,800 m (12,467 ft) above sea level.
Accommodation: Camping
Hiking time: Approximately 7 hours
Maximum altitude: Approximately 4,400 m (14,436 ft)
Day 3 – Patococha – Ingapirca – Return Transfer
After breakfast, we will begin our final day of trekking.
Today, we will leave the remote high-altitude páramo behind and gradually descend toward the Andean valleys, passing through agricultural areas and small indigenous communities.
The hike will take approximately 4 hours, from Patococha to Ingapirca, the most important Inca archaeological complex in Ecuador, located at approximately 3,160 m (10,367 ft) above sea level.
As we approach our destination, we will begin to see the impressive Ingapirca archaeological complex in the distance.
Upon arrival, we will have time to explore the archaeological site accompanied by our guide. One of its main highlights is the famous Temple of the Sun, an impressive elliptical structure associated with solar worship and considered one of the most important examples of Inca architecture in Ecuador.
During the visit, we will learn more about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Ingapirca and will also have the opportunity to visit the site's museum.
After the visit, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will continue our journey by private transportation to your chosen destination.
Optional: If required as part of your Ecuador itinerary, we can arrange a private transfer from Ingapirca to Cuenca instead of returning to your original destination.
Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
End of the trek: Ingapirca