3-Day Inca Trail to Ingapirca from Cuenca

Day 1: Achupallas to Ingapirca (L-D)

Leave early from Cuenca we'll be traveling on the Panamerican Highway to the north. From La Moya, we follow a small highway and after 3.5-hour we arrive to Achupallas (3420 m). There, the local guide meets us with the horse to carry equipment. We begin our walk following the Cadrul River and we go through the narrow pass between 2 mountains; Callana Pucará and Mapahuiña. Continuing upriver in this U-shaped valley, we arrive to an Incan town (3910 m) where we camp. On the trail we have the possibility of ascending Callana Pucará Mountain (4190 m), which has a fantastic panoramic view all the way to Chimborazo.

Walking time between 5 - 6 hours. 

 

Day 2: (B-L-D)

Following the Cadrul River until we get to Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) Lake to go up to the Three Crosses Knife Pass (4420 m), crossing the crest towards Quillaloma. The ascension provides us with a view of the many different mountain ranges and lakes. Below, we are able to make out Espíndola Valley with the well-known Qhapaqñan (Inca Trail) and at the bottom of the valley, the sacred Lake of Snakes. We go down towards the valley and, near the Espíndola River, we set up our tents. Along the trail, we climb various small crests and summits.

Walking time 6 hours. 

Day 3: (B-L)

Heading south we continue walking in the typical Paramo vegetation in the Inca Trail towards Ingapirca. With a 3-hour walk we reach the small town of San José. Hikers can enjoy 90 minutes more of waking to reach the Ingapirca Complex or the vehicle can pick them up in San Jose town transferring them to the Ingapirca Complex (3160 m) for 20 minutes. 

After lunch at a local restaurant enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour at the most important Archaeological complex in the southern Andes, find cultural remains that are testimony to the presence of important Andean societies as was the Kañari and the Inca.

At the end of the day you will be transfer to your hotel in Cuenca.

Walking time 5 hours. 
**Really important, This tour is recommend for people in good shape and health conditions. Please note that you should acclimatize to the altitude so you can enjoy to the fullest the experience.

Distance: approximately 38 kilometers

Altitude: 3,100 - 4,300 masl. 

Best weather: June to December

Special Interest: Paramo, Inca Road, Inca Ruins, Lakes, Landscapes Bird Watching.