
Ecuador Camino de Inca Trek
The Camino de Inca in Ecuador was created over 500 years ago and was used by messengers to communicate between outposts and capitals in the Incan Empire. The three-day trek takes you over the high-altitude paramo wetlands of Sangay National Park towards the Incan ruins of Ingapirka, close to Cuenca.
Also called the Ecuadorian Inca Trail, this challenging trek follows the ancient trail for 3 days, past many lakes and lagoons, and outposts of the Incan Empire, until we arrive at the Incan Ruins of Inga Pirca.
This is a challenging trek, with the highest point being 4,800 meters (15,748 ft) on the peak of a mountain overlooking three lagoons.
While the Ingapirka Inca Trail, in Ecuador, is not as famous as its southern extension, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it was actually more important during the last days of the Inca empire.
The Ecuadorian Inca Trail is a historic and ancient path that once connected the northern capital of the Incan Empire, Quito, with the heart of the empire, Cuzco in Peru. This legendary trail served as a vital route for the movement of goods, messengers, and even large marching armies during the Incan civil war, where two brothers, Huáscar in Quito and Atahualpa in Cuzco, fought for control of the empire. The trail was instrumental in the empire’s military and trade operations, linking diverse regions of the empire through its network of roads and paths.
During the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, this ancient path became known as the Camino Real (Royal Road), marking the route used by the Spanish conquistadors as they sought to take control of the land. The legacy of the trail continued centuries later when Commander Sucre, a key figure in Ecuador’s independence, led his troops along the same road to battle the Spanish royalists. The mountain pass still holds historical significance today, with mounds of stones marking the cemetery where hundreds of Sucre’s soldiers were buried, a poignant reminder of Ecuador’s fight for freedom.
The Ingapirka Inca Trail is not only a historical journey but also one of Ecuador’s best trekking destinations, offering a unique combination of archaeological discovery and outdoor adventure. Hikers will enjoy spectacular views of the Andes as they explore the remnants of the Incan civilization, including ancient stone structures and sacred sites. The trail offers an immersive experience, where history and nature blend seamlessly, providing trekkers with a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of both ancient Incas and Ecuador’s independence heroes. This remarkable journey through the Ecuadorian highlands is perfect for those seeking an enriching adventure that combines educational exploration with breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or an outdoor adventurer, the Ingapirka Inca Trail is an unforgettable trekking experience in Ecuador.
Value for organized trips:
- Minimum 2 people $475 per person
- 3-5 people $400 per person
- 6 + or groups $375 per person
Are you traveling alone? try finding one of our confirmed groups in our partner site Click here
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Camping
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Hiking
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Mountain
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Rural
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Tent
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Wildlife
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Activity Level Day Hike
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Group Size Small Group
Open Tours availible: Jan 22nd – February 12th – March 16th – April 14th
- Transportation From and to Riobamba
- Camping gear
- All meals
- Carrying mules
- National park permits
- Local certified Guides
- Travel insurance and other emergencies
- Liquors, beeers and bootled beverages
- Tips
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
- Day1 Achupallas
- Day2 Paredones
- Day3 Inga Pirka
















































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Inga Pirka
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
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Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
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P1220402
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Ingapirca Inca Trail
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P1220398
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P1220401
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Inca trail
-
Inga Pirka
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P1220440
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P1220437
-
P1220402
-
Ingapirca Inca Trail
-
P1220398
-
P1220401
-
Inca trail
-
Inga Pirka
-
P1220440
-
P1220437
-
P1220402
-
Ingapirca Inca Trail
-
P1220398
-
P1220401
-
Inca trail
-
Inga Pirka
-
P1220440
-
P1220437
-
P1220402
-
Ingapirca Inca Trail
-
P1220398
-
P1220401
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Inca trail