After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca and his successors dominated the region of Vilcabamba. It included several centers 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-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 of Apurímac on the left and 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 of our Andean region.
Information:
- Altitude: 1550 – 4670 m/5085 – 15322f
- High season: May – November
- Duration: 08 Days – 07 Nights / 09 Days – 08 Nights
- Level of difficulty: Difficult
1st Day: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca
We will leave Cusco early in the morning at about 5:30am. First we will head for the little village Cachora (2850m/9350f), a nice place surrounded by beautiful mountains and the majestic glacier Padreyoc (5571m/18278f). Here we will also meet our horsemen who will accompany us during the trip. After having passed the overlooking Capuliyoc (2800m/9186f), we will continue descending to our campsite called Chiquisca (1930m/6332f).
- Climate: warm
- Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
2nd Day: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao
After breakfast we will first descend to La Playa Rosalina (1550m/4921f) and then climb up to the village of Marampata (2850m/9350f). From here we will have a nice view of the archeological complex of Choquequirao (3033m/9951f). If we are lucky we will even see a condor fly at nightfall. Our campsite in Choquequirao is located about 25 minutes from the ruins at 2950m/9678f.
- Climate: both warm and cold
- Hiking time: 7 hours
3rd Day: Choquequirao – Choquequirao Pass – Río Blanco
At dawn we will first head for the citadel of Choquequirao (3033m/9950) called “Cuna de Oro” – the ‘Cradle of Gold’ – and enjoy the quietness at this place. Beyond we will explore this archaeological site, of which only 30 % is restored, in more detail: we will visit the section of the palaces, the liturgic fountains, the temple of the high priest, the section of the llamas and the Usnu. Thereafter our trek continues towards the pass of Choquequirao (3270m/10728f) and passes the archeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m/8038f). Finally we will head down to the deepest point of the small canyon known as Río Blanco (1900m/6234f) or Río Silvestre, where our campsite is situated.
- Climate: warm with mosquitoes
- Hiking time: 6 hours
4th Day: Río Blanco – Maizal – San Juan Pass – Yanama
Due to the ecosystem’s constant changes, this day is the most arduous and also the most spectacular one. In Maizal (3000m/9843f) we will have a short break to catch some breath and to enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape. Since the Inca trail in this region is not in good conditions during the rainy season, we ask you to watch your steps carefully. In San Juan (4170m/13681f) we will enjoy the beautiful view of the valleys, the mountains and the glaciers, from which some peak is higher than 5000m/16404f. Our campsite will be in the little village of Yanama (3530m/11581f).
- Climate: warm and cold with mosquitoes
- Hiking time: 9 hours
5th Day: Yanama – Yanama Pass – Totora Pampa
Early in the morning we will head for the highest pass of this trip – the Yanama Pass (4670m). If we are lucky we will even see a condor fly. During the day we will enjoy frequently the view of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay (6264m) and Pintuyu (5450m). Our campsite will be in the valley of Totora Pampa (3200m).
- Climate: warm with mosquitoes
- Hiking time: 8 hours
6th Day: Totora Pampa – La Playa
In Totora Pampa we will get the chance to meet Quechua-speaking Andean people who live from agriculture and cattle breeding. The vegetation on our way gets more and more bizarre and reveals its diversity of orchids, bromeliads and other plants. We will also see some plantations for coffee, papaya, passion fruit and avocado. Our campsite will either be in La Playa (2100m/6890f) or in Lucmabamba (2020m/6627f).
- Climate: warm with mosquitoes
- Hiking time: 7 hours
Note: According to the group’s wishes, it is possible to change the itinerary a bit and visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa (1830m/6004f) this day.
7th Day: La Playa – Llactapata – Hydroelectric station – Aguas Calientes
Our journey starts early in the morning. First we will follow the Inca Trail till Llactapata (2650m/8694f). This archaeological site is situated amidst rare vegetation and offers an exceptional view of the mountain Machu Picchu. Our trek continues towards the hydroelectric station (1950m/6398f), from where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f). In Aguas Calientes we will spend the night in a hotel.
- Climate: warm
- Hiking time: 6 hours
8th Day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) 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 Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55pm or at 6:10pm. 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
Notes:
- If you are not that accustomed to walk far distances and are as well a nature fancier, we recommend to book an extra day and to do the trek in 9 days and 8 nights. So you will have more time to enjoy the nature and me better with your expectations.
- From the first to the seventh day (from Cachora to La Playa) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 8 kg). On the seventh day all luggage (included your own bags) will be transferred to the hydroelectiric station by car.
- Visit to Huayna Picchu: The visit of the Huayna Picchu mountain requires a booking long time in advance. However we charge an additional US $ 15.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July, 2011).
- Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.