Activity in the region of guamote, riobamba
Inca Trail – 3 day trek
The road network of the Incas (Qhapac Ñan in Kichwa language) stretched from Chile to Colombia. It was the main artery of the Inca empire (1470-1534) politically, economically and socially. This network was still used during the Spanish rule (1534-1822). They called it “El Camino Real” or the Royal Road. Today only a few parts of this network are preserved. One of the best maintained routes is between the village of Achupallas and Ingapirca.
On day 1 we leave Guamote towards Achupallas, a drive of one and a half hours. The starting point of the trek is at 3,300m. The first day we hike for 4 hours to our first camping pitch at an altitude of approximately 4,000m. We are accompanied by a local guide throughout the trek. Our luggage is carried by a horse.
A walk of approximately 7 hours is planned on day 2. After 2-3 hours of hiking, we arrive at the highest point of the trek. From here we have a beautiful view over Lake Sansahuín. After another 4 hours of hiking, we arrive at our second camping pitch at an altitude of approximately 3,800m. During the tour we can see several ruins of ancient Spanish settlements.
On the last day, after 4 hours of walking, we arrive at the ruins of Ingapirca (3,160m). Here we are given a tour by a local guide. After the visit to the ruins, we return to the hotel in Guamote.
Difficulty: average.
To bring: sun and rain protection, thermal clothing, water bottle, camera, hiking boots and extra clothing
I am Tom and I am from Belgium. I’ve lived in Ecuador for a decade and I’ve been working in tourism for 8 years now. Therefore I obtained my tourism diploma in Ecuador. Traveling and discovering new places is my passion. Currently I live in Guamote, a small village between Riobamba and Alausi. Together with the local travel agency Descubre-Ecuador, we offer tailor-made tours in Galapagos and on the Ecuadorian mainland.
I’m Tom from Belgium and I’ll make sure your trip to Ecuador or cruise in Galapagos goes as smoothly and pleasantly as possible. I have been living in Ecuador for a decade and have been working in tourism for 8 years now. Before that, I obtained my guides diploma in Ecuador. Traveling and discovering new places is my passion.
In South America, Ecuador is one of the smaller countries, but the country is hugely diverse in terms of geography, climate and population. You can visit the Andes, the Amazon rainforest as well as the tropical coast without taking extremely long domestic flights or transfers. And then you have the Galapagos Islands, a once in a lifetime experience. The diversity of flora and fauna per square mile is enormous. Ecuador is South America in a nutshell. Moreover, the country is relatively safe and little visited. The national currency is the USD and you have a wide choice of direct flights to Quito and Guayaquil from Europe and the United States.