Toward the southern end of Ecuador's central valley of the Andes, lies Cuenca - the third largest city of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical treasure is well known for its colonial architecture, ceramics and handicrafts. North of Cuenca is the village of Achupallas where a 35 km portion of the old Inca road system leads through the Andes to the Incan ruins of Ingapirca.

This site is considered the most significant of the Incan ruins in Ecuador (built by Huayna Capac more than 500 years ago as a temple for the worship of the sun). Part of the Ingapirca ruins were probably used as a "tambo", or resting place, for Incan couriers traveling the road to and from Quito.

Itinerary:
(Itinerary and 315 kb Topographic Map)

Day 1: 
From Quito, we travel by private bus through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing such snow-capped giants as Cotopaxi (5.897m), Illinizas (5.263m) and the tallest peak in Ecuador, Chimborazo (6.310m). On the way to Alausi, a small steep mountain road leads us to Achupallas (3.400m), passing through a number of communities where the biggest and most colorful Indian markets in the country are held on specific days each week: Saquisili (Thursdays), Latacunga (Tuesdays / Saturdays) and Ambato (Mondays). Lunch is provided during the trip South and dinner prepared at the overnight campsite near Achupallas. 

Day 2:
We awake in an area which has not changed much in the last five centuries, from which we begin the trek to Ingapirca. The Inca road 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. From this point, it is only a few kilometers to the lagoon and our campsite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by our staff. 

Day 3:
After breakfast, we continue Southward through a mountainous pass, with fantastic views of Laguna Sanshavin and Cerro Quilloloma. We follow the ancient road to Laguna Culebrillas and the nearby Inca ruins at Paredones, arriving two hours later. We pitch camp and have our last dinner under the stars near the quarry from which the Incas mined Diorite, the igneous stone used in the construction of Ingapirca. 

Day 4:
This morning is devoted to the trek 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 question the local guides about the Incan culture. Our charter bus then takes us to the charming colonial city of Cuenca, for dinner and hotel accommodation. 

Day 5. In the morning we take a city tour of Cuenca. Following lunch, we are transported to the airport for our flight to Quito (not included).