The Incas made an impressive system of roads, which connected Quito, in the northern part of their empire, with Talca (south of Santiago, Chile). In the southern part of Ecuador's Central Valley it is possible to follow one of the old Inca trails, leading to the Incan ruins of Ingapirca. On route to the ruins we pass through remote highlands and indigenous communities, encounter enchanting peaks and beautiful lakes. This hike requires normal physical health.

• Day 1: We leave at 7:00 a.m. from Riobamba by car and drive towards the south until we reach the small village of Achupallas at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. Here we put our equipment on donkeys and then start hiking on the páramo grasslands. After 4 - 5 hours of hiking we make our camp for the first night at about 3850 m. / 12.632 f.

• Day 2: After breakfast we leave our campsite. Today's hike starts with a climb from 3850 m. / 12.632 f. to 4400 m. / 14.436 f. After 2 - 3 hours we reach the highest point of this trek, called 'Cuchilla de tres cruces'. From here we have a beautiful view of 'Sansahuín', one of the many lakes in this area. Now we go down again and continue hiking for about 3 more hours, until we arrive at the Paredones ruins, where we camp.

• Day 3: We leave Paredones and continue descending to the south. After 2 hours we pass the small village of Cajón Tambo. From here we can see the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. It takes another 2 hours of walking to arrive at the ruins at 3300 m. / 10.827 f. A guide takes us around Ingapirca and explains about the culture of the Inca and of the Cañari. In the afternoon we return by car to Riobamba.

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