Description of the experience
The detailed itinerary is an example. Hiking times are averages and will vary depending on the group. Additionally, lunch and camp sites may change to meet the needs of the group and current weather conditions.
This tour begins in the last Incan city of Vilcabamba and ends in the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu. It is a trek where history meets wilderness. We visit three important Incan sites including Vitcos, Ñustrahispana, and Machu Picchu, as well as follow miles of well-preserved Inca roads in the largely unmapped and unexplored Vilcabamba region. In addition to discovering these last refuges of the Incas, we will pass through a variety of spectacular scenery, from sub-tropical rainforests to snow-dusted mountain passes. This is an area that is sparsely visited, providing for a unique and adventurous trip.
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
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
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
Via Llactapata
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.
