Trekking in Cusco Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the incas

The originality of this journey allows us to discover (using Inca pathways) various uncharted archaeological sites. Choquequirao, Vitcos, Ñustahispana,one of the last archeological expeditions revealed that the site of Espiritu Pampa, which we will visit, were those of the mythical Vilcabamba - last Inca capital. This long trek across the Cordillera Vilcabamba also brings us fauna and flora of different ecological zones of the Andes, from the high mountains to the Amazon Rain Forest.
For experienced trekkers it is the ideal means to let one-self be enveloped by the mystery of the Incas and the magic of the Andes and Amazonian forest.

Itinerary

Day 1 CUSCO - CACHORA - CHIQUISCA

Transfer in bus to the beginning of the trek in Cachora, passing by the ruins of Saywite. Then we meet our "arrieros" (mule-drivers of Andes) before we head toward the first buttresses of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, not far from the Apurimac River. (5 hr hike - Camp at 1800m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - L, D

Day 2 CHIQUISCA - CHOQUEQUIRAO

After an early breakfast, we continue on our path climbing towards the site. On the way we will find a Trapiche, a system to distill alcohol out the sugar canes. After a short break there, we continue climbing to Maranpata where we stop for lunch. From here we can spot the ruins already. (7 hr hike - Camp at 3084 m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D

Day 3 CHOQUEQUIRAO - RIO BLANCO

After an early breakfast we visit the site enjoying the first lights on top of this Inca site. The terraces, buildings and many other constructions make this archaeological complex an enigma.
A few last views of the amazing site then we continue on our way into the bushes. We follow a trail down to the valley of Rio Blanco. If we arrive early to our campsite we can take a refreshing bath in the river. (5 hr hike - Camp at 1864m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D

Day 4 RIO BLANCO - MAIZAL

We cross the typical cloud shrubby forests and climb right into some houses in middle of bushes. These families have some animals and cultivate sugar cane for a living. Today we can spot some orchids and enjoy the amazing views of the Vilcabamba range with the Marcana mountain in front of us. (5-6 hr hike - Camp at 3000m)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D

Day 5 MAIZAL - YANAMA

Today we continue our climb to reach the pass of san Juan at 4200 m, passing by the abandoned mines of Victoria then we descend into Yanama. All around us shine the glacial summits of Mts Pumasillo, Choquetacarpo and Kaiko at more than 5000m.
(6 - 7 hr hike - Camp at 3460m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 6 YANAMA - TOROYOC

This day of hiking brings us to a sector where many condors hover above the valleys. Underground caves and curious rock formations in human form punctuate the landscape.
(6-7 hr hike - Camp at 3680m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 7 TOROYOC - CHOQUETACARPU - COLLPA

Near the base of the pass a paved Inca trail leads us to theChoquetacarpu pass at 4610m, Then we continue the trail to the valley. We camp in the agricultural valley of Collpa. (7 hr hike - Camp at 3675m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 8 COLLPA - HUANCACALLE

We reach an area of Inca mines at Yurac Rumi. Not far away is the site of Rosaspata, place of residence of the emperor Manco Inca II. Dominating the Vilcabamba Valley is Mt Quenuarco.
(3 hr hike - Camp at 2970m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 9 HUANCACALLE - VILCABAMBA

After a short hike we reach Vilcabamba La Nueva. We camp in a hamlet where there is an Italian Mission. (3 hr hike - Camp at 3300m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 10 VILCABAMBA - UTUTO

We reach (by the Colquecasa Pass) 3860 m. the " Bosque de Nubes " which are the tropical forests, typically situated between 2000m and 3000m. One can see many birds there including the famous hummingbirds. (5-6 hr hike - Camp at 2960m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 11 UTUTO - VISTA ALEGRE

We descend progressively hiking over some inca paths until we are between the forests and the prairies.
(7 hr hike - Camp at 2000m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 12 VISTA ALEGRE - ESPIRITU PAMPA

After a long day, we discover the Inka ruins of Vilcabamba La Vieja (Espiritu Pampa). If we are lucky we will see the Cock-of-the-Rock, the National Bird of Peru. We are much lower now and the temperatures are higher. (7-8 hr hike - Camp at 1405m).
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 13 ESPIRITU PAMPA - CHUANQUIRI - QUITENI

We are now in a truly tropical region. The climate is hot and humid. A bus waits for us in Chuanquiri (1020 m) to take us to Quiteni (5 hr. hike and 4.5 hr bus).
ACCOM - Hostel / Food - B, L, D

Day 14 QUITENI - PONGO DE MAINIQUE

From Quiteni, we travel for 2 hrs. in our Bus to where we take a dugout canoe at Ivochote down the river Urubamba to the Pongo de Mainique - the last section of the river before the Amazon. We make camp on a beach. The night is full of the sounds of screaming of Toucans and Parrots as well as of the other innumerable hosts of the forest. (camp at 475 m)
ACCOM - Tent / Food - B, L, D

Day 15 PONGO DE MAINIQUE - QUILLABAMBA

We return by canoe back to our waiting Bus which will take us to Quillabamba. .(3 hrs. boat and 6 hours bus)
ACCOM - Hostel / Food - B, L, D

Day 16 QUILLABAMBA - SACRED VALLEY

We ascend the Andean buttresses in bus using impressive roads dominating the canyons far below. We then descend again to the Sacred Valley after crossing the Malaga Pass (4300m).
ACCOM - Hotel / Food - B, L, D

Day 17 SACRED VALLEY - AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO

We take a train to the village of Aguas Calientes, Morning in Machu Picchu with the possible ascension of Huayna Picchu. In the afternoon, we travel back by train to Cuzco where our transport will be waiting to transfer you to your Hotel.
ACCOM - Hotel / Food - B, L, D

What is Included:

  • Private Transfer Cusco-Cachora & Chuanquiri-Sacred Valley
    Boat Trip to the "Pongo de Mainique"
    "Backpacker" Train Service Sacred Valley-Aguas Calientes-Cuzco
    Bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes (2 Days)
    Transfer Station-Hotel in Cuzco
    Hotel in the Sacred Valley     1 night + Continental Breakfast
    Hotel in Aguas Calientes 1 night + Continental Breakfast
    Hostel in Quiteni     1 night + breakfast
    2-Person Tents
  • Foam Mattresses
  • Dining Tent
  • Camp Tables & Chairs
  • Cooking Tent
  • Cooking & Eating Utensils
  • Toilet Tent
    Guide
  • Assistant Guide (for 9+ PAX)
  • Cook
  • Assistant Cook (for 7+ PAX)
  • Donkey Drivers
  • Mules
  • Horses
  • Emergency Horse with Saddle
    All Food from Lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 18
    First Aid Kit

What is not Included:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Entrance Fee to "Machu Picchu"
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Tips to Staff
  • Hotels & Food in Cusco
  • Alcoholic Drinks, Laundry and any other Personal Expenses

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