Overview
Vilcabamba Trek – Overview
- First day: Santa maria – Huancacalle – Vilcabamba
- Second day: Raccachaca:
- Third day: Raccachaka – Pumaccasa – Mojon – Mutuypata.
- Fourth day: Mutuypata – Hot springs- Aguas calientes
- Fifth day: Machupicchu
Vilcabamba Trail Useful Information
- Starting Altitude – 2911m / 9550ft.
- Highest Altitude – 3915m / 12,844ft.
- Overall Difficulty – Difficult.
Itinerary
Vilcabamba Trek – Itinerary
Day 1 : Santa María Village – Huancacalle – Vilcabamba Peru
for this great Vilcabamba Trek, our private transport will pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and then we will make our way for several hours through the beautiful mountains to Huancacalle. We stop and enjoy breakfast and visit a variety of farmland along the way. You will see coffee, cocoa, achiote, bananas, oranges, mangoes, pineapples, papaya, and ‘the green gold’ of the Incas, coca with ample selection, you will have the chance to pick some produce or goods to take with you.
Throughout the day in our trip, we going to see a variety of wildlife, including birds such as: quetzals, hummingbirds, and the Peruvian National bird. Before arriving to Huncacalle (2900 msnm), we pass through several small villages, each one a bit different and quaint.
Here we meet our arrieros (horsemen) and they will pack our gear to be taken to camp. At approximately 1:30, we will share lunch with our trekking team- guides and porters. After lunch in Vilcabamba, we will continue our Vilcabamba Trek, we walk one hour to the Last Capital of the Incas. It’s an incredible site and once here you will see why Manco Inka and his army chose this place in refuge. We take time to tour here and take photos.
Afterwards, we walk 30 minutes to the religious center which was named by the Spaniards as Ñustac Hispanan. Here we going to explore the beautiful Sun Temple, Moon Temple and Water Temple. This inca site also holds an amazing carved rock that mystifies archaeologists, as they still haven’t discovered the significance.
This location is where the final 4 Incas Manco Inca, Sairy Tupaq, Tito Cusi Yupanqui and Tupac Amaru I ruled the Inca empire until 1572. Another, interesting historical fact, is when the American professor Hiram Bingham was looking for the Last Capital of the Incas when he unknowingly found Machu Picchu. He mistakenly believed that Machu Picchu was the last capital until later proven otherwise.
Tonight, we going to camp very close to the Capital Of The Incas. After extensively exploring and touring, we hike 25 minutes from the mystical white rock until we arrive at our campsite (3100 msnm) at approximately 5.30 p.m. Your tents will already be set up and we’ll enjoy a happy hour plus dinner.
Day 2.- Raccachaca:
You will wake up with a hot cup of coca tea brought to your tent and then we enjoy an early breakfast at 6:30. Then we will start the real hike, gradually making our way up the ancient Inca trail. The Vilcabamba trail has yet to be restored by the National Park, so you are able to experience this path in it’s original form. Along the way, you will see Andean grass which grows wild, giving you an experience similar to the Incas who walked this same path thousands of years ago.
The difference between the Classic Inca Trail and the Vilcabamba trek is that you walk along original Inca made paths without any other trekkers. This provides for an experience surrounded by beautiful orchids, chirping birds, and the sounds of the following river, in true tranquility.
On the Vilcabamba trail today, we will see gorgeous glaciers, such as POMATA at 5,500 msnm. We will arrive at our lunch spot around 12:00, which rests at an altitude of 4,000 msnm. We take a moment here to soak in the surrounding views. Then, we will hike to the first pass of our tre at 4,200 msnm. This is an incredible vantage point and a perfect photo opportunity, with mountains surrounding us from all directions and the possibility of seeing falcons and Andean geese.
As we come down the pass, we will pass a couple of lakes and then arrive at Wasichayoc (3,400 msnm). At this point, we will meet the Pacchanta river, where we will stop and take more spectacular photos. We will journey through farmlands with crops of Andean potatoes and grains and herds of llamas and sheep.
Once we arrive to the river bank, we will follow the river to our campsite at Raccachaca which rests at 3,600 msnm. At 5:30, we will be at camp in a quaint Quechua speaking village of only about 10 families who still live by Inca customs and tradition. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and rest for the next day’s adventure in Vilcabamba Peru.
Day 3.- Raccachaca – Pumaccasa – Mojon – Mutuypata.
After enjoying an early breakfast we will visit a traditional house in Vilcabamba to see how the people of Raccachaca live 3,600 meters high above sea level. We will have the opportunity to feed grass to some of the cuy (guinea pigs) and give some of the children gifts. Here we will have the unique chance to ask questions and learn about the traditions and customs.
After our farewells and thanks, we continue on our Vilcabamba trek. From the village, it is a steady incline that leads us over 3 passes, the first being Pumaccasa which stands at 4,500 meters. We will spend some time here and have the opportunity to see Andean Condors soaring through the mountain tops. Condors are sacred birds to the Inca, ‘the messengers’ as they say. The condor’s wingspan can reach up to 10 feet, incredible!
After our rest, we will continue our trip to the Andean flat and along the way we will see two lakes perched near the second pass at 4,440 msnm. At this point, we are on the border of Vilcabamba and Santa Teresa, providing spectacular 360 degree views.
We continue on the Vilcabamba Tour Flat, where we will be surrounded by a various wildlife and plant life. Some of the native wildlife we may encounter are: Andean geese, falcons, condors, and the Andean gull. Upon arriving to the third pass, if weather permits, we have a view of Machu Picchu mountain located at the bottom of the mountains. On the right side, we will have the view of Pumasillo (puma’s cloud) mountain, resting at 5,800 msnm. Of course, we will take a break here to soak in the view and take advantage of these incredible photo opportunity.
The entirety of the day we will have worked our way across the Vilcabamba Peru Mountain Range, quite the feat! After the third pass, we descend for 30 minutes to our lunch spot at Mojon which is at a crystal clear high altitude lake. We then descend for 6 hours and along the way we have the possibilities of spotting variant bird species, as well as, Andean rodents, chinchillas, and hopefully a black bear or spectacled bear. By 5:30 we will arrive at our campsite for the night at Mutuypata (2,900 msnm), in the lush and vibrant high jungle. Once we relax, we will have dinner and then rest after a long and beautiful day.
Day 4 .- Mutuy Pata – aguas calientes
This day in our experience begins at 6:30 and after breakfast we continue for a day with mostly declines. We will be walking downhill through the high jungle and tropical forest, painted with fascinating flora and fauna. Along the way, we learn a bit about the nature that surrounds us. Also, this area is free of trekkers (aside from us), which makes for a richer experience as the wildlife tends be more visible and less disturbed.
Throughout our Vilcabamba trek today we are surrounded by unbelievable flowers and many species of orchids, including the Forever Young orchid, begonias, bromelias, strawberries and the oldest trees in the cloud forest. As for fauna, we will see parrots, quetzals, tanagers and many others which your guide will point out to you.
As we come down the mountain, we immediately pass through some plantations growing bananas, coffee, passion fruits, and avocados. We even get to pick some fruits for lunch. Finally, as we hear the sound of the Ccascara River, we reach the end of the vilcabamba trek at Punta Carretera at 2.000 msnm. Here, we’ll say goodbye to our horsemen with a small ceremony and board a van to drive for one hour leading us to incredibly beautiful hot springs.
These are the best and hottest hot springs in the Cusco region, called Cocalmayo (1300 msnm). While you are enjoying your soak in the medicinal waters, our porters will prepare the last lunch and we will share our last meal together. In total, we will have two hours at the hot springs, which will be plenty of time to relax your muscles after an exhilarating few days of hiking. At 2.30 pm, we will have lunch and say our goodbyes to our porters. We will then take a van to the Hydroelectric station where we can catch the train.
The last train is at 4.30 pm and takes about 45 minutes to get to Machupicchu Town. The train ride is beautiful taking you through the lush jungle until we reach Machu Picchu Town. Once we arrive, we will take you to your comfortable hotel, where you can relax and take a hot shower. In the evening, we will have dinner at a delicious restaurant in town and go to bed early to be well rested for our big day to Machu Picchu.
Day 5.- Machu Picchu!
We begin early and after having breakfast at the hotel, we will take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. We will arrive just in time to see the sunrise and after snapping some incredible photos we will begin a 2 hour guided tour. On our Vilcabamba Trek and Machu Picchu tour, your professional guide will take you to all the most significant areas of the ancient citadel. You will learn extensively about the history and culture of the Inca, while visiting temples, fountains, ceremonial sites, and much more!
After, you will have ample time to visit the many more sites that Machu Picchu holds and if you choose, you can hike Huanya Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains. Both provide incredible vantage points of the citadel below, ideal in capturing the perfect photo.
In the afternoon, we will head back down the mountain and board the train to Ollantaytambo. The train takes us from jungle and through the massive mountains to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once we arrive, a Mountain Gods Peru member will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Inclusions
Includes in the Trek:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
- Briefing 1 or 2 days before your adventure in Cusco
- Chef
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment
- Mules to carry 7kg of personal items
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by bus to Santa Teresa, bus from Yanatile to Santa Maria and train from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the Vilcabamba Trek, you will need to bring your own)
- 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Firs breakfast on day 1.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- a 4 – men tent for every 2 trekkers
- hotel for final night
- Sleeping mattress.
- Oxygen bottle/First aid kit.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Return bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Does Not Include
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Lunch and dinner on Day 5
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Tips for the crew
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance.
What you need to take for Vilcabamba Trail
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount for this Vilcabamba Trail)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket/Hat and gloves
- T-shirts/Sun hat
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun cream/Insect repellent
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
SPECIAL ADDITIONAL :
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7kg of personal items (Included). Our tour include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
Price
Prices
Prices (Private service):
- 2 people US$675 per person
- 3 people US$635 per person
- 4+people US$565 per person
Student Discount for Vilcabamba Trail:
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount.US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Opcional Extras :
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Suplement US$25
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$60
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Machu Picchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
What was Vilcabamba?
Vilcabamba in Cusco was the area that dominated the forest territories and where were worked its many gold mines. This territory compriced several ecological levels. It held an abundant wáter supply and was highly productive. Extremely important was its inaccessibility due to its rough terrain adjacent to the forest.
In order to put down the rebellious Inca the invaders planned military action of great magnitude. They organized an army of more than twenty thousand men formed by the majority of Kañaris warriors and other allies. They were commanded by Gonzalo Pizarro and the Almagrista Rodriguez de Ordoñes.
Manko Inka who was informed of the imminent attack of the spaniards entrenched himself in the place of Waman Marka in the valley of Amaybamba. He situated his warriors in strategic places, blocked the entries, knocked down the bridges and changed the courses of rivers to impede Spanish horses from crossing.
In spite of all the precautions taken by the Inka the spaniards and their mercenaries penetrated the valley of Amaybamba and destroyed the legions of Manko Inka. This defeat caused Manko to march to Vitcos and reorganize his army but the Spanish forces followed him to Vitcos where they were about to capture the Inka and Willac Uma who eventually fled to the steep mountain ranges.
Though the Spanish were near total victory, Almagro who was in Cusco ordered Ordoñez to suspend the mission and return urgently. Almagro faced the threat of Francisco Pizarro who was marching to Cusco to capture him and take control of the city. Ordoñez returned victoriously to Cusco bringing as prisoner the Inka´s youngest son, Titu Cusi Yupanki as well as considerable booty looted in Vitkos.
Vilcabamba trekking packing list:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, tops, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, poncho, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sun block, factor 35+ recommended
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Camera with spare batteries – batteries run down faster at high altitudes
- Binoculars
- Book to read (you will have some time at every camp to read your favorite book)
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
What is the scenery like on the Vilcabamba Tour?
The trek is extremely remote and beautiful. You will walk through sub-tropic jungle, several Inca ruins and pass through several snow-capped peaks.
How difficulty is the Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu?
The Vilcabamba is considered a difficult trek. It’s the longest and most strenuous trek to Machu Picchu. However, the wilderness you trek through makes up for its difficulty.
What is the distance of the Vilcabamba trail?
The rough distance of the trek is 42 kilometres 26,09 miles.
When is the best season for the trek?
The best season for the Vilcabamba trek in Peru is from April to October (dry season).
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