With the name of Vilcabamba is known an isolated region, surrounded by mountains that rise above 6000 m.s.n.m. and acts as a dividing line between the departments of Cusco and Apurímac. In addition to being an extraordinary haven of dazzling flora and fauna, the region is home to interesting and little known archaeological sites, such as Espiritu Pampa, Rosaspata, Choquepalta and Yuracrumi (white stone). These archaeological sites are believed to have been redoubts of the rebellious Incas who resisted to the conquistadores between 1536 and 1572. Access to Vilcabamba means undertaking a long but spectacular journey approx. 70 km from the detour on the route to Quillabamba, and ascends the affirmed road that runs through the scenic valley of the Vilcabamba River to the towns of Huayurrán, Yupanca, Pucyura and Huancalle.
Cusco
05:30 am
Very early in the morning we left the hotel in transport northwest of the city of Cusco (3350m). On the way we observe the ancestral town of Chinchero (3760m), and in a short time more arrive to the richest area in the production of corn, known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In Ollantaytambo (2850m) we have a short relax. Continuing through the pass of Malaga (4315m), we descend deeply through the Amaibamba valley, with a breathtaking view of the Nevados and cloudy forest mountains. Chaullay (1200m), is the place to change the route of ascent to the town of Huancacalle 3000m. Night of lodging. Travel time 9 hours. Cold and warm weather during the day.
We visited the Archaeological Centers of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m) and Ñustahispana (3050m). From this region, the network of the Inca Trail is well known and some vestiges are still among the vegetation of Vilcabamba “the last dynasty of the Incas”. We pass through the pass of Pumachaca (4000m) and Azutina (3900m), then we locate our camp inside the valley of Inca Wasi (3600m). Walking time 7 hours. Temperate and cold weather with mosquitoes.
The hot coca tea will be taken to your tent to wake up and then you have an early breakfast at 6.30am. On our second day we started the real trek that gradually climbs an old Inca trail that has not been restored by the national park. You will see some Andean grass growing on the road and you will really feel like the Incas did, walking down this path. This is the great difference between the classic Inca trail and the Vilcabamba route. Here, there are no other groups walking with us to enjoy nature: the beautiful flowers, the orchids, the birds singing and the sound of the river.
The sunrise is spectacular in the middle of impressive snow-capped mountains, so we take the steps of Yanacocha (4420m), Tullu Tacana (4500m) and Mojon (4500m). While we are entering the valley of Laco Cocha (3600m), we observe the mythical Salkantay snow (6264m). The last stage of the Inca road to Mutuypata, is not well because it is an Andean commercial road of some families that live and the erosion of tropical forests. Our camp is in the cloud forest of Mutuypata (3250m).
We will wake up at 6.30 am and have breakfast before starting our walk. The whole day will be spent walking gradually downhill. We will walk in the high forest and the tropical forest, which will be exciting for those who are interested in flora and fauna. There will be no other people walking on the road to disturb the wildlife. On this day we will see incredible flowers, orchids, including the forever young orchid, begonias, bromeliads, strawberries and the oldest trees in the cloud forest. We will also see wildlife such as parrots, quetzals, thongs and many others that your guide will tell you. We will go through some plantations growing bananas, coffee, raisins and avocados.
We will get up very early (4:30 am) and we will have our breakfast, then we will start the ascent hike for 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu, upon arrival we will have free time to take pictures and enjoy the architectural beauty of this sanctuary.
The guided tour will be for 2 hours knowing and learning the art of the Inca culture, at the end of the visit with the guide will have free time (3 hours) to make your visit for the places you want and also to go up to Huayna Picchu, from where They will have a beautiful view of the Inca city, then we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to have lunch and rest. At 3: 30pm, we will board the train that will bring us back to the city of Cusco in 4 hours. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will take you to your hotel, ending with our services.
