After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca & his successors dominated the region of Vilcabamba. It included several centers and settlements built to honor the last dynasty of the Incas: Manco Inca, Sayri Tupac, Titu Cusi Yupanqui & Tupac Amaru I. According to the customs and traditions of other pre-Inca cultures, a neo-Imperial state was created to preserve all the knowledge in religion and astronomy. Vilcabamba is located northwest of Cusco, in the province of La Convención, in the eastern range of the Andes. It has a chain of snow-covered peaks and high forest mountains with constant climatologic changes. The region is flanked by two very deep canyons, the canyon of the Apurímac on the left, and the canyon of the Willcamayu or Urubamba river on the right. Through both, run very fast-flowing rivers
which have carved and still carve one of the most beautiful and spectacular landscapes of our Andean region.
Trek Overview:
- Duration: 7 days/6 nights.
- Starting Point: Cusco/Huancacalle.
- Ending Point: Choquequirao/Huanipaca/Cusco.
- Physical Demand Rating: Moderate/Challenge.
- Age Restriction: 12-year old children.
- Trip Code: MTS - 0016.
- Tour Type: Trekking, Cultural, Adventure.
- Accommodations: 3 nights camping.
- Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
- Guarantee: Departure is guaranteed.
- Style: Personalized.
- Carbon Emissions: 360 CO2-E.
- Group Size: 2 minimum, 10 maximum.
- Transport: Horse, walk, Mini-van.
- Price from: US $
Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu itinerary:
1st Day: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Malaga Pass – Chaullay – Vilcabamba (Huancacalle)
Our journey starts early in the morning by bus. First, we will head toward the northwest of Cusco and pass the ancestral towns of Chinchero (3,760m/12,336ft) and Ollantaytambo (2,850m/9,350ft), situated in one of the most fertile regions to cultivate maize. Thereafter, the road leads us to the highest point of the trip: the Málaga Pass (4,315 m./ 14,157 ft). While descending through the valley of Amaybamba, we will enjoy the exceptional view of snowcapped mountains and cloud forests. Then, we will pass Chaullay town (1,200 m./ 3,937 ft.) and head for Huancacalle (3,000 m./ 9,843 ft). Here, we will spend the night in a domestic hotel.
Traveling time: 7 hours.
2nd Day: Vilcabamba (Huancacalle) – Vitcos/Rosaspata – Abra Pumachaca/Azutina - Inkawasi
On this day, we will visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos/Rosaspata (3,080 m. / 10,105 ft.) and Ñusta Hispanan (3,050 m. /10,007 ft). Furthermore, our trek leads us through beautiful vegetation to the mountain pass of Azutina (3,900 m. / 12,795 ft.) and Pumachaca (4,000 m. / 13,123 ft). Our campingsite will be in Incawasi village (3,600 m. / 11,811 ft).
Climate: mild, cold climate and mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
3rd Day: Incawasi – Racachaca – Hatún Pampa
During this day, we will see remains of the Inca Trail that lead towards Racachaca (3,700 m./ 12,139 ft). The people of this tiny village will welcome us cordially and will tell us about its custom & traditions. After lunch, we will head for our campingsite in Hatunpampa (4,000 m./ 13,123 ft).
Climate: cold.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
4th Day: Hatún Pampa – Mojón Pass – Mutuypata
Our day starts early in the morning with a nice breakfast and an exceptional view of the snowcapped mountains. After breakfast, we will ascend the mountain passes of Yanacocha (4,420 m./ 14,501 ft.), Tullu Tacana (4,500 m./ 14,436 ft.) & Mojon (4,500 m./ 14,763 ft). While passing the valley of Lacococha (3,600 m.) we will have a great view of the mystic snowcapped Salkantay (6,264 m. / 20,551 ft). Our hike continues toward the forest of Mutuypata (3,250 m. / 10,663 ft.) the place where we will spend the night in our tents.
Climate: cold and warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 9 hours.
5th Day: Mutuypata – Yanatile – Santa Teresa
While passing the valley of Mutuypata in the early morning, we will enjoy the region's rich flora consisting of a variety of orchids & other beautiful plants. Moreover, we will see coffee & fruit plantations. In the little village of Yanatile (2,000 m./ 6,562 ft.) we will take a local transport (an old truck) and head for Santa Teresa (1,850 m. /6,070 ft) the place where we will spend the night in a local hotel. If you wish, you can also enjoy the Cocalmayu hot springs in Santa Teresa and relax a bit.
Climate: warm climate with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
6th Day: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
This day is going to be exciting. After a nice walk along the edge of the Willcamayu river, we will take a typical transport called "Oroya" (a cable car) and cross the river to get to the other side. Before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m. / 6,726 ft.) from the hydroelectric station (1,950 m./ 6,398 ft.) we will visit the Mayubamba waterfall, one of the great attractions of this region. We will spend the night in an hostal in Aguas Calientes.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 4 hours.
7th Day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head for Machu Picchu (2,400 m./ 7,874 ft.) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about life & culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu (2,750 m./ 9,022 ft.) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55pm or at 6:10pm. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.
Hiking time: 02 hours.
Tour includes:
- Private transport from the hotel to Huancacalle.
- Tranport from Yanatile to Santa Teresa.
- Transport from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station.
- Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (2 ways).
- Tourist train from Aguas Calientes-Cusco or from Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo and then on to Cusco by bus.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes, Santa Teresa, Huancacalle (Hotel Machu Picchu, Hotel Continental or similar).
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish & English).
- High-quality camping equipment (we use Pro tents: Doite Kailas 3, extralight-4,5kg & Doite Himalaya, extralight-4,5kg; both for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table & chairs, bathroom tent).
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks/Vegetarian meals are possible), cook and assistant.
- Horseman & mules for all our camping & personal equipment, Customer Emergency Horse, First-aid kit, Oxygen bottle & safety rope.
Not included:
- First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Sleeping bag (if you don't have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting/buying one).
- Lodging in Cusco.
Lodging & Prices: Our team of travel consultants has carefully selected the Hotels based on their excellent value and high standards. (Lower Prices + Top Service = Best Value). We can book any hotel for you at competitive rates, but published prices are based on the Qeros Tours Peru Top Hotel Picks.
Occupancy Hotel Category
Double/Triple, Tourist 2-star, Superior 3-star, Deluxe 4/5-star
Price from: 000 SS$ 000 SS$ 000 SS$
Prices may vary according to season, availability & client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert Travel Consultants for more information.