6-day adventure trekking along Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu

Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu trek

06 Days / 05 Nights

After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca and his successors dominated the region of Vilcabamba. It included several centres and settlements built to honor the last dynasty of the Inca: Manco Inca, Sayre Tupac, Titu Cusi Yupanqui and Tupac Amaru I. According to customs and traditions of other pre-Inca cultures, a Neo Imperial state was created to preserve all knowledge in religion and astronomy.

Vilcabamba is located northwest of Cusco, in the province Convención, in the eastern mountain range of the Andes. It has a chain of snow-covered peaks and high forest mountains with constant climatological changes. The region is bounded by two very deep canyons, the canyon Apurímac on the left and the canyon Willcamayu on the right. Through both run very fast-flowing rivers which have carved and still carve one of the most beautiful and spectacular landscapes.

• Altitude: 1850 – 4500 m./6070 – 14764 feet.
• High season: May – November
• Duration: 06 days and 05 nights
• Level of difficulty: Difficult

Itinerary:  

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Malaga Pass – Chaullay – Vilcabamba (Huancacalle)

Our journey starts early in the morning by bus. First we will head towards the northwest of Cusco and pass the ancestral towns of Chinchero (3760 m./12336 ft.) and Ollantaytambo (2850 m./9350 ft.), situated in one of the most fertile regions to cultivate maize. Thereafter the road leads us to the highest point of the trip: the Malaga Pass (4315 m./14157 ft).

While descending through the valley of Amaybamba, we will enjoy the exceptional view of snow- caped mountains and cloudy forests. Then we will pass Chaullay (1200 m./3937 ft.) and head for Huancacalle (3000 m./9843 ft). Here we will spend the night in a domestic hotel.

Transport time: 7 hours

Day 2: Vilcabamba (Huancacalle) – Vitcos Rosaspata – Pumachaca Pass – Azutina Pass – Inka Wasi – Racachaca

On this day we will visit the archeological sites of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080 m./10105 ft.) and Ñustahispana (3050 m./10007 ft).

Furthermore our trek leads us through beautiful vegetation to the mountain pass of Azutina (3900 m./12795 ft.) and Pumachaca (4000 m./13123 ft). Our campsite will be in the community of Racachaca (3700 m./12139 ft).

Climate: mild, cold climate and mosquitoes
Hiking time: 8 hours

Day 3: Racachaca – Hatún Pampa – Mojon Pass – Laccococha

During this day some curious andean people will welcome us and will tell us about their customs and traditions. Thereafter we will cross three passes (highest points) known as Yanacocha (4420 m./14501 ft), Tullu Tacana (4500 m./14436 ft) and Mojon (4500 m./14763 ft), where you will get an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264 m./20551 ft). After lunch we will descend towards Laccococha (3600 m./11811 ft), the place where we will spend the night.

Climate: cold
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 4: Laccococha – Mutuy Pata – Yanatile – Santa Teresa

Our day starts early in the morning with a nice breakfast and an exceptional view of the mountains. While passing the forest of Mutuypata (3250 m./10663 ft), we will enjoy the region’s rich flora consisting of a variety of orchids and other beautiful plants. Moreover, we will see coffee and fruit plantations.

In the little village Yanatile (2000 m./6562 ft) we will take a local transport and head for Santa Teresa village (1850 m./6070 ft), where we will spend the night in basic accommodation.

Climate: cold and warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 5: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric station – Aguas Calientes

This day is going to be exciting and the hottest. After a nice walk along the Willcamayu River, we will cross a bridge and we will enjoy the view of a waterfall of Mayubamba. Thereafter, we will get to the hydroelectric station from where we spend walking to Aguas Calientes town (2050 m./6726 ft).

We stay at the hostel of Aguas Calientes town.

Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 4 hours

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head for Machu Picchu (2400 m./7874 ft) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (2750 m./9022 ft) on your own.

We will leave Aguas Calientes by train around 18hrs 20; 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 little bit.

Climate: moderate warm
Hiking time: 2 hours

**Prices may vary depending on travel dates. For more information, fill in the form to get in contact with a Travel Advisor.

What’s included:

Private transport from the hotel to Huancacalle.
High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light / 4.5kgs, both for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / vegetarian option).
Professional bilingual guide.
Cook and assistant.
Horseman and mules, for all our camping and personal equipment of customer.
Emergency horse.
Transport from Yanatile to Santa Teresa.
Transport from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station.
Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Cusco by bus.
Familiar hostel in Huancacalle.
Familiar hostel in Santa Teresa.
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
Bus 2 ways, from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Hostel in Aguas Calientes.
First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope.

Not included:

Breakfast on the first excursion day.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
Sleeping bag (If you don’t have this, we can offer it).

Important information:

What you need to bring:

Backpack with rain shelter.
Sleeping bag.
Clothing for warm and cold climates like a waterproof jacket.
Rain pants and lightweight pants.
Trekking shoes.
Slippers or sandals (for showers).
Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
Long and short-sleeved shirts.
Rain poncho and a hat.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
Camera (wrapped in plastic bag).
Flashlight and batteries.
Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.