Group Service Prices

Price per person : This will depend on the amount of people coming to the trek and to the kind of accommodation

Useful Information

Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Distance trekked: 60-70 km
Elevation: 2,000-4,200m (6,560-13,780ft)
Difficulty: moderate-difficult
Crowds: Few to none, except at Machu Picchu

Discounts:

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

What is Not Included?

Optional Extras:

ITINERARY

If you are looking for an adventurous and challenging trek in the untouristed part of Andes this trek is for you! It’s truly spectacular and special with variety of flora, fauna, snow peaks, impressive valleys and lakes on the way, while at the same time visiting the last refuge of the Incas – Vilcabamba and its archeological sites.
We trek along some excellent examples of the unrestored Inca trails before heading off into “unknown territory”. We cross three consecutive passes, often covered in snow before descending to the wonderfully warm jungle. Crossing a great mountain chain, we finally arrive at Machu Picchu.
The Vilcabamba trek is one of the hidden treasures in Peru!

DAY 1: CUSCO-HUANCACALLE | VILCABAMBA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 

The day begins very early as we pick you up at your hotel and travel by private bus to the village of Huancacalle. Its a long day of driving, but from the very beginning we are introduced to the history of the last days of the Incas. We travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo, then cross Malaga Pass behind Wacaywillca (Veronica) mountain, following the path Manco Inca took with his warriors to Vilcabamba as he continued his rebellion against the Spanish. We then cross the Rio Urubamba and follow the Rio Vilcabamba, sometimes traversing high on the mountain sides through small towns and coffee and coca fields. After arriving at Huancacalle in the afternoon, we will walk to the ruins of Vitcos, an important Inca center and the stronghold of Manco Inca. We will also see Ñustahispana, the White Rock, which was once the most sacred site in the area. After a tour of these sites, we will camp near the river. 2 hours walking, 3600m

DAY 2: HUANCACALLE-RACACHACA

In the morning we begin the trek by climbing a well-preserved Inca road for about four hours out of the high jungle and into mountainous terrain. At the pass (4000m), we can see the snow-capped Pumasillo, and the other mountains of the Vilcabamba range. Descending, we reenter the forest where there are a variety of orchids and other interesting plants. Crossing a stream, we continue to the small settlement of Racachaca, where we camp near the school. 7 hours walking, 3600-4000-3600m

DAY 3: RACACHACA-MUJUN

There are more mountains today as we traverse multiple. First we climb past a few farms to the high puna. Here the vegetation is sparse, mostly bunch grass called “ichu,” but you can see Andean geese and other native birds who inhabit the high mountains. After the first pass, we reach four glacier-fed lakes before continuing to our highest pass of the day (4200m) and then onto Mujun pass (4000m). From here, with a good pair of binoculars, you can see the ruins of Machu Picchu. After a long day of mountain vistas, we camp just below the pass. 8 hours walking; 3570-4200-3800m

DAY 4: MUJUN-YANATILE-SANTA TERESA

In comparison to the previous day, today is mostly down hill. After breakfast and watching the sunrise over the mountains we descend into the forest along an Inca trail. We pass through jungle thick with bamboo to plantations of coffee, oranges, bananas, avocados, pineapples, and other fruits to the town of Yanatile. From there we take a bus to our camp near the town of Santa Teresa, where we can visit the hot springs. 6 hours walking, 3800-1550m

DAY 5: SANTA TERESA-AGUAS CALIENTES

There are two option for this day, depending on the weather conditions and the energy of the group.
Via Llactapata
A we take a short bus ride to the trailhead at a royal Inca road, which we follow uphill. At the pass there is an excellent view of the city of Machu Picchu, and just downhill is the archaeological site of Llactapata. Unlike Machu Picchu, the site is still mostly covered with vegetation, giving you an excellent idea of what Machu Picchu must have looked like when Hiram Bingham first saw it. After exploring the site, we walk downhill for about 3 hours and then catch the afternoon train for Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel. 6 hours walking, 1550-2550-1900m
Walking from Hidroelectrica
This is a good option if the weather is adverse or the group does not want to climb anymore hills. We take a bus to Hidroelectrica and walk the flat trail from there to Aguas Calientes. 3 hours walking, 1900-1900m

DAY 6: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO

After enjoying the tourist amenities of Aguas Calientes and getting a full night’s sleep at a hotel, we catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu in order to see the awe-inspiring view of the city at sunrise. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to climb Huayna Picchu, explore the ruins, or simply relax. In the early afternoon we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you catch the train to Cusco.
Notes:
-(1) Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu mountain requires to be booked long time in advance however we charge additional $ 20.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July, 2011).
-(2) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.