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CAPAC ÑAN

9 Days

Quito, Sigchos, Insilivi, Chugchilán, Quilotoa, Alausí, Achupallas, Ingapirca, Cuenca

​Mood: Trail running or trekking

Max 10  spots

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+593 984524967

The Capaq Ñan, or "Inca Trail," was a vast network of roads built by the Inca Empire, connecting regions, facilitating trade, and symbolizing their power. This engineering marvel stretched over 60,000 kilometers, crossing mountains and deserts, and remains a testament to Inca ingenuity.

This 9-day tour takes you on a journey through some of the country's most iconic destinations, including:

  • The Quilotoa Loop: This iconic trek takes you through the stunning Andean countryside, past traditional villages, and to the stunning Quilotoa crater lake.

  • The Devil's Nose Train Route: This historic train journey takes you through the heart of the Andes, past towering cliffs and lush valleys.

  • Ingapirca: This ancient Inca ruins are one of Ecuador's most important archaeological sites.

  • Cuenca: This UNESCO World Heritage city is a vibrant cultural center, with a rich history and architecture.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to hike, trek, and trail run through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. You'll also learn about Ecuador's rich history and culture, and meet some of the friendly local people.

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want to experience the best of Ecuador. It's a challenging but rewarding journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

  • ANDES LOCATIONS
    The Andes is the most visited region in Ecuador. It has cultural and natural diversity that makes it breathtaking. You can find paramos to beautiful volcanos and mountains such as Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Antisana, Chimborazo, hot springs, deserts, and lagoons like San Pablo Cuicocha. In addition, plenty of places like old cities, indigenous markets, and cloud forests exist in small areas. We can provide accommodation, logistics, and all the required conditions for your productions.
  • AMAZON LOCATIONS
    This region offers incredible places and people to make something unique: the magnificent Tayo´s Cave, Cuyabeno, and Yasuní (the most biodiverse on Earth). We also can find multiple nationalities like Shuar, Huaorani o Waorani, Achuar, and many more. Therefore, our most important accomplishments are getting permission and being welcome to remote places.
  • GALAPAGOS LOCATIONS
    Galapagos, couldn't be better for diving. You shall expect visibility from 50 to 80 feet or 15 to 25 meters in most places. Reef fish, sea lions, sting rays, golden rays, eagle rays, invertebrates, morays, garden eels, turtles, marine iguanas, white tip reef sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, whales, pelagic fish. In solid land, you can find 13 main islands. Marine iguanas, Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin's finches, flightless cormorants, flamencos, waved Albatross, Galapagos Fur Sea, Penguin, Lava Herons, and many more popular animals. We can arrange the logistics, planes, transportation, permits from Galapagos National Park, and all needed for your production.

 

 
 Day 1: Quito
Arrive Quito, Take it easy to acclimate to the altitude. Accommodation in Quito.

Day 2 Quilotoa Loop Trek (Sigchos to Isinlivi)
You will depart from Quito early in the morning to Sigchos. Explore Sigchos and get acclimated to the altitude. Begin your trek by hiking to Isinlivi, the first village on the loop.
During the trek you will visit a small waterfall, a great place to cool off on a hot afternoon. After the river crossing, the path begins a steeper ascent to Isinlivi. There are fabulous views of the canyon below. You will end the day at andean lodge surrounded by impressive views. Youwill be moving at altitudes of between 2600m and 2900m today.
Distance: 12,3 km / 7.7mi
Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400m / 1312 ft
Highest Point: 2900 meters (9514 feet) asl
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3 Quilotoa Loop Trek (Isinlivi to Chugchilán)
Today`s adventure takes you through the breathtaking Andean mountain landscape as you make your way towards the captivating Toachi Canyon. Along the way, you will go through enchanting villages and indigenous communities feeling their local life and witness the harmony with nature. Descend into the depths of the Toachi River Canyon and arrive to Chugchilan, engage with the locals, each encounter providing a glimpse into the cultural richness that defines this community.

Distance: 12,8 km / 8mi
Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 450m / 1476 ft
Highest Point: 3295m/10810 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Quilotoa Loop (Chugchilan to Quilotoa)
Early in the morning we start the highlight of the circuit to “The Quilotoa Crater Lake”, The trail offers some challenging ascents and descents, but the reward is the spectacular view of the turquoise lake inside the volcanic crater. In the afternoon, you will stay in a local Andean Hacienda. Move to Alausi, charming town surrounded by picturesque Andean landscapes. Explore Alausis local attractions, including its historic architecture and vibrant market.
Distance: 13,4 km / 8.3mi
Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 975m / 3198 ft
Highest Point: 3962 meters / 12.998 ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 5: Devils Nose Train Journey and Achupallas Trail
Start early for the Devil's Nose Train. This journey is famous for its steep descents and zigzagging tracks. The construction of the railway began in the late 19th century to connect the coast and the highlands. It present a formidable obstacle due to its nearly vertical rock face.
After this you will move to a traditional andean village of Achupallas, at 3,100 m, where the Inca Trail begins, here you will start the Inca Trail adventure and our first camping.

Distance: 10,4 km / 8.3mi
Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 975m / 3198 ft
Highest Point: 3962 meters / 12.998 ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 6: Hiking to Tres Cruces and Inca Tambo
You will start our hike, about 6 hours passing Tres Cruces (Three Crosses), a Lake with stunning views of the Andes and then you will go to Paredones or Inca Tambo (stone buildings constructed by the Incas, where Chasquis or Incan messengers took refuge hundreds of years ago). You will set up your tend at Culebrillas Lake.

Distance: 12 km / 0.6mi
Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 975m / 3198 ft
Highest Point: 4200 meters / 13.700 ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 7: Culebrillas Lake, San Jose and Ingapirca
During your last hike you will go for about 4 hours to the village of San José where hikers often receive a warm welcome by local children. Afterwards you will be driven to Ingapirca where you will have a hot meal and then we will explore the Most important Inca Site in Ecuador “Ingapirca”. In the afternoon we return to Cuenca.

Distance: 10 km / 6.2mi
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 975m / 3198 ft
Highest Point: 4200 meters / 13.700 ft
Difficulty: Challenging

Day 8: Cuenca
Head to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city with colonial architecture. Explore the historic center, featuring landmarks like the Catedral Nueva, Catedral Vieja, and Parque Calderón. Walk along the Tomebamba River and visit the Pumapungo Museum. Enjoy the local arts scene and try traditional Ecuadorian dishes in the local restaurants. In the afternoon you will back to Quito.

Day 9: Back Home


 

ITINERARY - 7 DAYS

We reserve the right to adjust the schedule at any time due to weather conditions, adherence to National Parks regulations, unexpected situations, or notifications, without prior notice.

Activities
1) Trekking or trail running from Sigchos to Insilivi
2) Trekking or trail running from Insilivi to Chugchilan
3) Trekking or trail running from Chugchilan to Quilotoa
4) The Devil's Nose Train Route

5) Trekking or Trail running from Achupallas to Inca Tambo
6) Trekking or Trail running Culebrillas to Ingapirca
7) Visit the City of Cuenca

Is This Adventure Suitable for Me?

  • Best suited for individuals who are in good physical condition, accustomed to running and hiking in mountainous terrain, and capable of comfortably participating in these activities for at least four hours a day. Due to the high elevation of Ecuador, this tour involves high altitudes. We have designed our itinerary to allow you to gradually acclimate to it.

  • Please make sure that your physical fitness aligns with the itinerary described below, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

FAQs

Arrival and Departure Airport:

Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre (UIO)

 

Payment Options and Cancellation:

Experience price: $1788 USD

Pay Minimum Due: $450 of the total amount is required on the day of booking, while the remaining must be paid 60 days prior to the scheduled trip.

If you choose to cancel, it must be at least 20 days before the trip. We offer you the option to reschedule your trip by coordinating with our pre-established schedule. You have the flexibility to reschedule the trip within a maximum period of one year.

Arrival & Departure Transport

Arrival: We provide transfers from Quito Airport to your hotel on the day before the tour begins and on the actual tour start date.

Departure: We offer transfers from the hotel to Quito Airport on the day the tour ends.

How acommodation and food looks like

  • ANDES LOCATIONS
    The Andes is the most visited region in Ecuador. It has cultural and natural diversity that makes it breathtaking. You can find paramos to beautiful volcanos and mountains such as Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Antisana, Chimborazo, hot springs, deserts, and lagoons like San Pablo Cuicocha. In addition, plenty of places like old cities, indigenous markets, and cloud forests exist in small areas. We can provide accommodation, logistics, and all the required conditions for your productions.
  • AMAZON LOCATIONS
    This region offers incredible places and people to make something unique: the magnificent Tayo´s Cave, Cuyabeno, and Yasuní (the most biodiverse on Earth). We also can find multiple nationalities like Shuar, Huaorani o Waorani, Achuar, and many more. Therefore, our most important accomplishments are getting permission and being welcome to remote places.
  • GALAPAGOS LOCATIONS
    Galapagos, couldn't be better for diving. You shall expect visibility from 50 to 80 feet or 15 to 25 meters in most places. Reef fish, sea lions, sting rays, golden rays, eagle rays, invertebrates, morays, garden eels, turtles, marine iguanas, white tip reef sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, whales, pelagic fish. In solid land, you can find 13 main islands. Marine iguanas, Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin's finches, flightless cormorants, flamencos, waved Albatross, Galapagos Fur Sea, Penguin, Lava Herons, and many more popular animals. We can arrange the logistics, planes, transportation, permits from Galapagos National Park, and all needed for your production.

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