The Vilcabamba Trek takes you to the jungle of Cusco where the Incas made their last position. After the Spanish conquest, the Incas retreated to the jungle from where they continued to resist the occupation. Vilcabamba was the last Inca city and this hike takes you to some of the last domains of this once-great empire. With beautiful landscapes, Inca sites and a great variety of flora and fauna the Vilcabamba Trek is a great option. The route is as interesting as unexplored, as it is not a tourist or commercial route, and it is full of beautiful landscapes and archaeological remains, including towns such as Vilcabamba new, or sacred Inca centers, such as Vitcos and Rosaspata. Our expedition follows in the footsteps of such famous explorers as Hiram Bingham scientific discoverer of Machu Picchu in 1911 or Gene Savoy, who finally found the real site of Vilcabamba in 1964. Our trip is an unforgettable experience characterized by the striking landscape of the Andes, high passes, and crumbling semi-hidden cities in rainforests. Salkantay Trek Machu shows the world this new alternative to reach Machu Picchu in 6 days and 5 nights, Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu is a hidden treasure for more than 500 years, since this route was not affected by civilization and tourism, This hike covers many kilometers of original and well preserved Inca trail, the landscapes, nature, snow-capped mountains, peculiar flora and fauna, it will go back 500 years. This hike connects Vilcabamba (the last Inca refuge) with Machu Picchu, along the walk you will visit the archaeological remains of Vilcabamba and surroundings, where you can better understand the Inca and Pre-Inca Culture.This tour is designed for lovers of walking and culture, without a doubt it will be the experience of your life, especially if you do not want to meet tourists along the way, we recommend taking this new route to reach the new Machu Picchu World Wonder.
Day 01: Cusco - Chaullay - Huancacalle - Vitcos
Day 02: Huancacalle - Racachaca
Day 03: Racachaca - Mutuypata
Day 04: Mutuypata - Yanatile - Santa Teresa
Day 05: Santa Teresa - Hydro - Aguas Calientes
Day 06: Machu Picchu
Starting Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu, we will pick you up at 5:00 a.m at your Hotel, driving to Huancacalle in a private transportation. During this route, we will appreciate some archeological centers as Chincheros and Ollantaytambo to then climb the famous Abra Malaga at 4170 m. Our descend will take place through traditional villages of Alfamayu, Amaybamba, Huyro, Huayopata, Quintalpata to finally arrive at Santa Maria an small Town located crossing Urubamba river to Chaullay. From this point begins the upward path that leads to Lucuma, the district capital of Vilcabamba, Subsequently Huancacalle to arrive where we rest and have lunch, after the lunch, we will visit Vitcos and Rosaspata which is half hour walk from Huancacalle.
This second day we will wake up very early and enjoy a delicious breakfast, to then start our walk to Asutina Pass, where we will stop for lunch. Then we will descend until Racachaca, where we will find a nice view of the snow covered peak of Lasoma, to finally ascend to our second campsite at Racachaca
After our breakfast we will start our day climbing again to Pumaccasa pass where we will have the opportunity to see the beautiful Yanacocha Lagoon. Then we will go up to Mojon Pass (the highest pass during Vilcabamba Trek). From here we can appreciate snowy peaks as Veronica and Salkantay and also the known Huayna Picchu. To finish our day, we will descend until Mutuypata and find our third campsite. Please take note that this day is the most difficult and we will experiment many changes in altitude, but we will enjoy the spectacular views as beautiful lakes, snow capped mountains waterfalls and the original Inca Trail route.
During the day we will observe the great natural richness of flora, species such as orchids, bombings, bromeliads and others that are still unknown to science. The town of Yanatile (2000m), is the place where we have the possibility of continuing by truck to Santa Teresa (1850m). We spend the night in family accommodation of Santa Teresa. This is also the place where we can take advantage of the hot springs.
Taking the breakfast, we will walk around four hours until reach Urubamba River and have lunch at the Hydro-electric station there.Hydro-electric is actually farther than Machu Picchu town on the train. It is mainly used by locals. There we follow trails leading us to Aguas Calientes town located at the foothill of Machu Picchu Mountain!. Walking along the train line is much more enjoyable than we anticipated as a wide path undulates beside the tracks. Almost the entire distance is shaded by jungle foliage, trees and flowers, the incline is very gradual. Arrived to Aguas Calientes and basic hotel.
We will start the day very early and start hiking to Machu Picchu and see the fantastic sunrise over the lost city of Machu Picchu.We will have a guided tour of 2 hours at ruins of Machu Picchu then you can discover the magic of Machu Picchu by your own or if you want you can climb Huayna Picchu and take amazing pictures (extra cost).Afterwards we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. You can have lunch at Aguas Calientes (not included in the cost). In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Remember: Get to know Machu Picchu with us, recharge your energies in this magical city of the Incas and enjoy! that we will have everything organized for you.
