Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu 5 days – 4 nights
After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca and his successors dominated the re-gion of Vilcabamba. It included several centres and settlements built to honour 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-Incan 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 climatologic 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.
Information:
Day 01 – Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Malaga Pass – Chaullay – Vilcabamba / Overnight – Camping
Day 02 – Vilcabamba (Huancacalle) – Vitcos Rosaspata – Pumachaca Pass – Azutina Pass – Inka Wasi – Racachaca / Overnight – Camping
Day 03 – Vilcabamba Trek 5D-4N / Overnight – Camping
Day 04 – Vilcabamba Trek 5D-4N / Overnight – Aguas Calientes
Day 05 – Machu Picchu Excursion
DAY 01 – 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 (3760m/12336f) and Ollantaytambo (2850m/9350f), 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 (4315m/14157f). While descending through the valley of Amaybamba we will enjoy the exceptional view of snow-capped mountains and cloudy forests. Then we will pass Chaullay (1200m/3937f) and head for Huancacalle (3000m/9843f). Here we will spend the night in a domestic hotel or camping.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 02 – VILCABAMBA (HUANCACALLE) – VITCOS ROSASPATA – PUMACHACA PASS – AZUTINA PASS – INKA WASI – RACACHACA
On this day we will visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m/10105f) and Ñustahispana (3050m/10007f). Furthermore, our trek leads us through beautiful vegetation to the mountain pass of Azutina (3900m/12795f) and Pumachaca (4000m/13123f). Our campsite will be in the community of Racachaca (3700m/12139f).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03 – RACACHACA – HATÚN PAMPA – MOJON PASS – LACCOCOCHA
During this day some curious Andean people will welcome us cordially and will tell us about its customs and traditions. Thereafter we will cross three passes (highest points) known as Yanacocha (4420m/14501f), Tullu Tacana (4500m/14436f) and Mojon (4500m/14763f), where you would get an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m/20551f). After lunch, we will descent towards Laccococha (3600m/11811f), the place where will spend the night in our tents.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04 – LACCOCOCHA – MUTUY PATA – YANATILE – HYDROELECTRIC STATION – AGUAS CALIENTES
Our day starts early in the morning with a nice breakfast and an exceptional view of the mountains. While passing the forest of Mutuypata (3250m/10663f) 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 (2000m/6562f) we will take transport and head for the hydroelectric station, where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05 – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about the life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What do I need to bring?