UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE EXPERIENCE 2-Day Qhapaq Ñan Trek to Ingapirca
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Additional Info
- Essential Trek Information
What's included
- Camping equipment (tent and sleeping bag), Transportation to the trailhead, Muleteer, Pack horse for camping equipment, Breakfasts and trail snacks
- Professional trekking guide
- Sangay National Park entrance permits
- Medical insurance and emergency insurance
- Personal Trekking Equipment
- Tips to guide and driver
It is undoubtedly the most outstanding heritage and archaeological route in the country. It was the great Inca road artery that, with an extension of 45,000 kilometers, connected all the places of this vast empire. In Ecuador, the best-preserved and most well-known section is on the route that starts from the parish of Achupallas and ends at the ruins of Ingapirca after 2 days of trekking, crossing spectacular landscapes located inside Sangay National Park, where this attraction is found.
- Day 1
- Day 2
Achupallas to Chacapamba Camp
Your adventure begins early in Chunchi before traveling to Achupallas, the gateway to Ecuador's most famous section of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan (Royal Inca Road). From here, begin an unforgettable full-day trek through spectacular highland scenery inside Sangay National Park.
Along the trail you'll pass:
- Azuay Community
- Palcañán Chico
- Cuchicorral
- Palcañán Grande
- Muyuna
- Tres Cruces Lagoon
- Quilloloma
- Chacapamba Plain
After approximately 8–10 hours of hiking, arrive at the campsite where your tents will already be prepared. Enjoy a light evening meal around a campfire while listening to local legends before spending the night beneath Ecuador's spectacular mountain skies.
Chacapamba to Ingapirca
Wake up surrounded by the peaceful Andean páramo before enjoying breakfast and continuing your trek toward Ecuador's most important archaeological complex.
Today's route includes:
- Culebrillas Lagoon
- Paredones Tambo
- Bolarumi
- Puyal Plain
- San José de Culebrillas
- Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
Finish your incredible journey by reaching Ingapirca, the largest and best-preserved Inca archaeological site in Ecuador, before returning to Chunchi.
More about this tour
Tour Highlights
- Trek Ecuador's best-preserved section of the legendary Qhapaq Ñan.
- Explore the spectacular landscapes of Sangay National Park.
- Camp in the heart of the Andean páramo.
- Visit crystal-clear mountain lagoons.
- Discover centuries-old Inca engineering.
- Finish at the magnificent Ingapirca archaeological complex.
- Small-group adventure led by experienced local guides.
Good to Know
- This trek is recommended for travelers with a good level of fitness.
- The route reaches elevations of up to 4,400 meters (14,436 ft).
- Weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly.
- The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, trail conditions, or the group's pace.
- Advance booking is recommended due to permit availability and limited group sizes.
Trek Difficulty
- Physical Level: Medium to High
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Hiking Experience Recommended
Elevation
- Maximum Altitude: 4,400 m (14,436 ft)
- Minimum Altitude: 3,342 m (10,965 ft)
Estimated Hiking Time
Day 1: 8–10 hours
Day 2: 5–6 hours
Climate
Expect rapidly changing mountain weather. Temperatures can vary considerably due to the high altitude and the Andean páramo ecosystem. Rain, sunshine, wind, and cold temperatures may all occur during the same day.
What to Bring
- Waterproof hiking boots or rubber boots
- Rain poncho
- Waterproof pants
- Warm clothing
- Sun hat
- Wool hat
- Gloves
- Headlamp
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Personal medication
- Extra clothes
- Snacks or energy candy
