VILCABAMBA TO MACHUPICCHU 6 Days / 5 Nights

In the heart of the Vilcabamba Cordillera, surrounded by many high mountains, at the edge of the jungle there are trees, rivers, uneven peaks and an incredible richness of flora and fauna. We will cross this zone on an Inca path.

Espiritu Pampa – the ghost plain and Vilcabamba – the Incas´ last capital. Under attack by the Spaniards, the Inca kings, Saire Tupac, Tito Cusi Yupanqui, Tupac Amaru I and Manco Inca were forced to seek refuge in the depths of the mountain ranges and the jungle. Manco Inca, one of the last Incas, feeling over-controlled by the Spanish had no other option: he had to rebel against the conquistadors and formed an army from the last elements of resistance against the Spanish. He took a group of military leaders and formed a neo-political empire, respecting the Inca traditions and culture of religion and astronomy. At this time, this zone was the most difficult to access because of tribes living in the area: Ashaninkases and Cañarises. This province was dominated by the brave warriors from the region of Antis, for the last 30 years of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo).

Day 1: CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO - HUANCACALLE

We will depart at 07:00 in a private bus from Cusco to the town of Huancacalle, from where we will start our trek. Along the way, we will pass by villages including Cachimayo and Chincheros (3760 m.a.s.l.) and continue deep into the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas. This area sits at 2800 to 2900 m.a.s.l. and is characterized by a warm climate all year long. We will arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo (2850 m.a.s.l.), where we will have a sh ort rest. We will continue our hike to Malaga (4313 m.a.s.l.). Immediately we will start descending into the semi-tropical Vilcabamba Valley, and after a 3-hour hike we will arrive at the town of Huancacalle (3000 m.a.s.l.) where we will make camp for the night.
Duration: 9 hours

Day 2: HUANCACALLE – AZUTINA PASS - INKA WASI

Near the town of Huancacalle, we will find the archaeological complexes of Vitcos Rorarpata (3080 m.a.s.l.) and Ñusta Hispana (3050 m.a.s.l.) which we will visit before continuing on our way. During the hike, we will enjoy an exceptional view of the Tincoc and Ccaccacarcel rivers. On the way up to Pachac, we will stop and have lunch, and then continue via this forgotten part of the Inca Trail towards the Azutina Pass (3900 m.a.s.l.). Later, we will arrive at the town of Pumachaca (3150 m.a.s.l.). This is the crossroads that take travellers to Choquequirao, Espiritu Pampas, Nustahispana, Vitcos Rosaspata and Machu Picchu, our final destination. We will arrive at the best-known and most-travelled part of the Inca Trail, and then descend to the ruins of Inka Wasi, where we will make camp for the night.
Duration: 9 hours

Day 3: INKA WASI - HATÚN PAMPA.
On Day 3, we will walk along the original Inca Trail that leads to the village of Racachaca (3650 m.a.s.l.), located next to the Lazuna glacier (5470 m.a.s.l.). Later, we will arrive at Hatún Pampas (3800 m.a.s.l.) where we will make camp for the night.
Duration: 4 hours

Day 4: HATÚN PAMPAS - COL DE YANACOCHA – LACCOCOCHA LAGOON – MUTUYPATA

On Day 4, we will arrive at the highest point of our trek, located at the Yanacocha Pass (4600 m.a.s.l.). At this spot, we will take in the amazing panoramic 360° vista of the Salkantay glacier and the Machu Picchu mountain, part of the Vilcabamba mountain range; and on the other side, we will be able to see the Mojon Pass (4500 m.a.s.l.). After hiking through the Yanacocha Pass, we will start descending, passing through the lush green vegetation and arriving at Laco Cocha Lake (3600 m.a.s.l.). From there, will trek into the cloud forest of Mutuypata, where we will make camp for the night (3000 m.a.s.l.).
Duration: 7 hours

Day 5: MUTUYPATA - YANATILE - SANTA TERESA.
We will walk through the exuberant Mutuypata Valley along the Sacsarayoc River. The presence of natural hot springs indicates that this is an active volcanic zone. Our trek continues towards the Yanatile Valley (2000 m.a.s.l.), and we will finish our journey in the town of Santa Teresa (1800 m.a.s.l.), home to a terrible a catastrophe in 1998 caused by flooding on the Vilcanota River. We will have some time to relax in the natural hot springs in Santa Teresa, and we will spend the night at a lodge there.
Duration: 7 hours

Day 6: SANTA TERESA - HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES.
On Day 6, we will make a short hike along the Willcamayu River. We will use the small hand-operated gondola to cross the river, and then make our way to the power station. From there, we will take the local train and arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes (2050 m.a.s.l.) located at the foot of Machu Picchu, and we will spend the night at the Continental hotel **.
Dinner not included.
Duration: 4 hours

Day 7: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (TRAIN)

Machu Picchu was discovered by the American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Archaeologists estimate that this Inca citadel was constructed in the middle of the 15th century. Nowadays, there are different hypotheses about the purpose of the almost inaccessible sanctuary-city of Machu Picchu. A military post?; A hidden city for the virgins of the Sun?; A place to rest?. All of it is still an enigma.
We will make an early departure at 06:30, and take a bus up from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will dedicate this day to a guided visit of the sanctuary-city. After lunch, we will take the bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes and connect with the train to Cusco. We will arrive back in Cusco at approximately 20:20. From the Cusco train station, we will take a private bus to your hotel.

Meals not included.

Suggestion: It is possible climb to the peak of Huayna Picchu, though the climb up can be quite difficult. It is essential to have good hiking shoes, and not to carry heavy backpacks. People who suffer from vertigo should NOT make the climb. From the top of Huayna Picchu, we will enjoy an awesome view of Machupicchu. The climb up and down Huayna Picchu takes approximately two hours. Another less ambitious trip is a short hike up to the Inkti Punktu (“Sun Gate”), which connects the Inca Trail to Machupicchu – this beautiful hike ends in a great view overlooking the sanctuary-city of Machupicchu and it takes only about an hour to make the roundtrip.

Note 1: Train schedules are confirmed at time of reservation

Note 2: Campsites may vary according to climate and/or the state of health of our clients.

Included:

Transport and subsequent transfers from your hotel in Cusco, English speaking guide, food during the treks, mountain equipment (tents, camping equipment, ropes), transport of collective equipment (by porters), entrance fees to national parks and Machu Picchu, train Aguas Calientes – Cusco in economic class, shuttle at Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu.

Not Included:

International and domestic flights; Hotels in Cusco; Airport tax ($28 per person); Food purchases in the towns not included in the trek (food costs approximately $8 per person in a good restaurant). Personal equipment is also NOT included, such as a sleeping bag rated to –10˚ C; Mattresses; Hiking/Walking shoes; Helmut with light; Pick; Crampons, etc. These items CAN be rented.

Note: Personal insurance is obligatory.

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