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Inca trail - Achupallas to Ingapirca, 5 days
Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1: Quito-city tour-Riobamba o/n at "La Andaluza"
Morning City tour in colonial Quito. After lunch we depart south, through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing Cotopaxi (5.897m), Illinizas (5.263m) and the tallest peak in Ecuador, Chimborazo (6.310m). We arrive to the colonial city of Riobamba were we will spend the night at hacienda hotel "La Andaluza". (L, D).
DAY 2: The Inca trail. Riobamba-Achupallas-Tres Cruces (Deluxe Camping)
Departure from Riobamba to the traditional indigenous village of Achupallas,at 3,100 mt. We hike for six/seven hours. The path 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, we make our way, through a natural rock arch and cross the river before climbing to 4.000m. You can admire the marvelous andean landscape, the condors, and all tipe of Paramo vegetation. The ascent will be done with the help of mules to carry the equipment and the backpacks. Camp will be set up near Tres Cruces lake to spend the night. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: Tres Cruces-Paredones (Deluxe Camping)
We awake in an area which has not changed much in the last five centuries, after breakfast we continue Southward through fantastic views of Laguna Sanshavin and Cerro Quilloloma from which we begin the trek to Ingapirca. We follow the road to Laguna Culebrillas (believed to be sacred by the indigenous Cañari people) in the remains of the famous Incan trail built around 500 years ago. You will first head towards Tambo Paredones, a large stone construction built by the Inca Tupac-Yupanqui. After six to eight hours of trekking, we reach Abrasca-Rumi (the indestructible), where we pitch camp and have our 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: Paredones-Ingapirca (Posada de Ingapirca)
This morning is devoted to a five hour hike to Ingapirca along a portion of the Inca road which is 7 meters wide. After lunch, we have the opportunity to explore the ruins, visit the on-site museum and ask the local guides about the Incan culture. Overnight at comfortable Posada de Ingapirca. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Return to Quito
After breakfast trip back to Quito either by land transportation or by air Cuenca/Quito.
End of our services.
INCLUDES: Private transportation, bilingual guides, all meals while on trip, accommodations., train ticket.
NOT INCLUDED: Beverages, personal equipment, airfare Cuenca/Quito when applicable.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
TRAVEL TIME: 4 and 8 hours first and last days
TREKKING TIME: 5 to 8 hours per day
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: 2600 m to 3500 m
SUGGESTED: warm cloths, sun block, cap-gloves, flashlight, boots, rain and overnight gear. Detailed packing list upon request.
TOUR OPERATORS OFFERING THIS TOUR: