The legendary Inca Trail didn’t end at Machu Picchu. The route stretched all the way up the Andes including a long portion in Ecuador that trekkers can explore on a five-day journey with Enchanted Expeditions.
Half-century before the arrival of Columbus, the Inca Empire extended from central Chile to Ecuador. Population centers were connected by an elaborate and well-maintained system of roads stretching more than 5,000 km (3,100 miles) in length — a larger road network than the Roman Empire!
A few remnants of this ancient road network are still visible including a portion near Cuenca in southern Ecuador, where a 35-km (22-mile) remnant stretches between Achupallas and Ingapirca.
The most significant Inca ruins in Ecuador, Ingapirca was built by Huayna Capac more than 500 years ago as a fortress or temple for the worship of the sun. Part of the ruins were probably used as a “tambo” (resting place) for couriers traveling the Inca road.
Trekkers can also expect encounters of the indigenous people who inhabit the region today and an opportunity to travel on foot through a landscape of incrediblde beauty.
