A unique journey into a region filled with wondrous natural beauty and history, this is a trip that few travelers to Peru get the chance to experience. The area known as Vilcabamba is located in the high jungle area that links the most rugged part of the Andes with the Amazon Rainforest. The Incas chose this place as their final refuge from the Spanish conquistadores for its strategic remoteness and aesthetic landscapes. Traversing Andean cloud forest and high mountain jungle, we discover the mysterious archaeological remains of a lost time along the way.

Primitive trails and original stone paths lead us on an alternative route to Machu Picchu, surrounded by the towering snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba range and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco – Huancacalle

We depart Cusco early in the morning and drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoying incredible scenery and passing tranquil Andean farming villages on the way. After a brief rest in the town of Ollantaytambo, we continue on the road to the Malaga Pass (4310m.) and then down into the semi-tropical Vilcabamba valley. In the afternoon we arrive to the village of Huancacalle, the starting point of our amazing journey ahead. We camp for the night at a beautiful spot near Huancacalle. Picnic lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Huancacalle – Inca Wasi

In the morning we visit the notable archaeological sites of Vitcos and Nusta Hispana (3050m.), built during the Incas’ flee from the Spanish conquistadors. From here we begin our climb toward the Azutina pass (3900m.), with exceptional views of the stony river valleys below. We continue down along an original and forgotten Inca trail to the small village of Pumachaca (3150m.), where trails linking Choquequirao, Espiritu Pampa, Vitcos, Nusta Hispana, and Machu Picchu converge. We camp for the night at the ruins of Inca Wasi. B, L, D snacks

Day 3

Inca Wasi – Mutuypata

Today we continue on the Inca stone path to the community of Racachaca (3650m.), situated in front of the Lazuna glacier (5470m.). Later we arrive to the picturesque area of Hatun Pampa. On this day we reach the highest point on the trek, the Yanacocha pass (4600m.). From this high mountain perch we have a spectacular view of the Vilcabamba range, including Salkantay peak (6264m.), Machu Picchu mountain (2430m), and Mojon peak (4500m). After, we descend into a humid forest area until we reach the glacial lagoon of Laccococha and then to Mutuypata (3000m), our camping place for the night. . B,L,D snacks

Day 4

Mutuypata – Yanatile-Santa Teresa

We begin this day following the Sacsarayoc River through the vibrant Mutuypata valley. After a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot thermal springs, we continue down through the Yanatile valley where we can appreciate a more lush and sub-tropical vegetation. Our hike ends at the small village of Santa Teresa, where we camp for the night. B, L, D snacks

Day 5

Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

On this day we have a short hike in the morning to the Urubamba River, where we cross a footbridge to the other side and to the hydroelectric dam. From here we take the train to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing night in a comfortable hotel. B, L snacks

Day 6

Machu Picchu – Cusco

We take the early bus up to the stunning archeological complex of Machu Picchu for a tour of these mysterious remains. Then we have time to explore on our own before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. B

Andina Travel offers: travel to machu picchu, machu picchu trek, treks peru, ausangate treks, trekking machu picchu, Choquequirao treks, inca trail and numerous archeological sites along the way, including the marvelous Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.