After the conquest by the Spanish, Manco Inca and his successors dominated the region of Vilcabamba. It was under Incan control for centuries and many settlements were built to honor the last dynasty of the Inca: Manco Inca, Sayre Tupac, Titu Cusi Yapanqui and Tupac Amaru I. According to customs and traditions of other pre-Incan cultures, a Neo-Imperial state was created to preserve all knowledge of 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 regions run very fast-flowing rivers which have carved one of the most beautiful and spectacular landscapes of our Andean region.


Day 1: Cusco – Cachora – Chiquisca    

We will leave Cusco at 5:30am and head to the little village of Cachora (2850m/9350ft), a nice place surrounded by beautiful mountains and the majestic glacier Padreyoc (5571m/18278ft). Here we will meet our horsemen who will accompany us during the trip. After hiking through the village of Capuliyoc (2800m/9186ft), we will continue descending to the Chiquisca campsite (1930m/6332f).


Day 2: Chiquisca – Playa Rosalina – Marampata – Choquequirao

After breakfast, we will descend to La Playa Rosalina (1550m/4921ft) and then climb up to the village of Marampata (2850m/9350ft). At this point we will have a nice view of the Choquequirao  archeological site. If we are lucky, we will see condors fly at nightfall. Our camping site in Choquequirao is about 25 minutes from the ruins.


Day 3: Choquequirao – Choquequirao pass – Pinchaunuyoc

At dawn, we will head to the citadel of Choquequirao called “Cuna de Oro” - the ‘Cradle of Gold’ - and enjoy the quietness and scenery. Then we will explore this archaeological site: we will visit the section of the palaces, the liturgics fountains, the temple of the high priest, the section of the llamas and the Ushnu. Our trek continues to the pass of Choquequirao (3270m/10728ft) and finally we will head to our campsite close to the archeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m/8038ft).



Day 4: Pinchaunuyoc - Silvestre river – Maizal

After breakfast, we will pass down to the deepest point of the small canyon known as the Silvestre river (1900m/6234ft). We will then begin the difficult ascent towards the tropical forest of Maizal (3000m/9843ft). After four hours, we will arrive in the community of Maizal where we will spend the night. Maizal is a nice place to enjoy a spectacular view of mountains and glaciers, such as the Qori Wayrachina (5512m/18084f).



Day 5: Maizal – San Juan pass – Yanama

Our journey continues following the Inca trail. Due to erosion, this part of the road is not in good condition so it is important to watch your footing. First, we will ascend to the top of the San Juan pass (4170m/13681ft) where we will have a beautiful view of the valleys, mountains and glaciers. Due to the ecosystem’s constant changes, the mountain range of Vilcabamba is one of the most complex regions you will witness. Our campsite for the night is in the little village of Yanama (3530m/11581ft).

Day 6: Yanama – Yutupata – Lazuna pampa

In Yanama, we will experience the Andean life, its traditions and costumes. Our trek continues up and down through the tropical forests of Urpipata, Yutupata (3300m/10827ft) and Tucarhuay and leads to the cave of Quellccamachay. Lazuna pampa is our camping site for the night (3800m/12467ft).

Day 7: Lazuna pampa – Choquetacarpu pass - Huancacalle 

After breakfast, we will walk up for a while until we get to the Choquetacarpu pass (4600m/15092f). Here we will have a short break and explore the area of the Andean hills. If we are lucky, we will also see condors flying. After our break, we will descend to Huancacalle (3100m/10170ft) to spend the night.

Day 8: Huancacalle – Vitcos, Ñustahispana (Yurac Rumi) – Colpacasa pass – Utullo cocha

In the morning, we will visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m/10105ft), Ñustahispana (Yurac Rumi) (3050m/10007ft) and recent excavations. Next, we will hike towards the village of New Vilcabamba (3450m/11385ft) after what we will stop to have lunch near the black hills of Huamanapi, Sillarumi and Yanantin. Later, on we will reach the highest pass called Colpacasa (3700m/12210ft). This is an excellent place to observe the mountain chain of snowed Vilcabamba. Finally, we will reach the Utullococha campsite.

Day 9: Utullococha – Cedrochaca

Today we will decend into the begining of the cloud forest. We will crossing different communities and rivers along this hike. The Pampaconas community is a community of approximately 100 indigenous Incan decendants. After hiking through a valley we will cross the Chalca river to arrive at Ututopampa. We will continue on part of the original Inca Trail to the campsite of Cedrochaca (3000m/9900ft).

 
Day 10: Cedrochaca – Urpipata

At dawn our campsite will be surrounded by misty clouds known as the cloud forest. These enchanting views is nature at its best. During the day, we will ascend and decend through different climates. Here we will be able to see the typical bridges of this area which were built by the peasants who used the wood from the Zapatero River. We will spend some time in the community of San Fernando Vista Alegre (2600m/8580ft). We will begin hiking again and cross rivers flowing from Vista Alegre and Sucsochicana. Later, we will take the pass to the community of San Guillermo and to the Corcu moco coffee plantation. We will continue on a steep road until we arrive at the Urpipata campsite (2800m/9240ft).


Day 11: Urpipata – Espiritu Pampa

Continuing our trek, we begin by hiking downhill and then continue by hiking uphill to the Cedrocasa pass. We will hike through a rocky landscape and then take a road to the Concevidayoc riverr where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will continue to hike to Pajonal and later to the pass of Espiritu Pampa. Around there you will be able to see wooded and jungle-like landscapes. We will finish the day at the Espiritu Pampa campsite.


Day 12: Espiritu Pampa – Chihuanquiry

We will explore the archiological site of Espiritu Pampa  which is only 15 minutes from our campsite. Here we will have a guided tour and the oppertunity to purchase some textile pieces created by the locals. We will continue our hike to a warmer climate and cross the bridges of Espiritu Pampa, Lechemayoc and Villa Carmen. We will set up camp in Chihuanquiry (950m/3135ft). accommodation.



Day 13 : Chihuanquiry - Quillabamba

After breakfast, we will take public transport to the village of Quillabamba. We will spend the night here in a hotel.


Day 14: Quillabamba – Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes

After a relaxing morning, we will take the bus to the Hydroelectric power plant for lunch. After lunch, we will walk for 3 hours to reach the Mandor Park and finally Aguas Calientes (2050m/6765ft). Here we will settle into the hostel, have dinner, and discuss plans for MachuPicchu for the next day.


Day 15: Aguas Calientes – MachuPicchu - Cusco

After breakfast, we will leave our hotel at 5:30am to head for MachuPicchu (2400m/7874ft) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archeological site, you will have enough time to enjoy MachuPicchu and HuaynaPicchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. Please let us know if you would like a ticket for HuaynaPicchu because it needs to be reserved in advance. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55pm or at 6:40pm. If you have time, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax.