Vilcabamba and Machu Picchu 7 days
Code: XA - 13.
Altitude: 1850 - 4500 meters / 6070 - 14764f.
High season: May - November.
Duration: 7 days - 06 nights or 06 days - 05 nights.
Level: 7 days: Moderate, 6 days: Hard.
*A minimum of 2 people is needed for this trek.
The region of Vilcabamba is located northwest of Cusco, in the province de la 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. It is demarcated 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. This region has a big number of microclimates, snow-covered peaks above 6000m (19685f), passing by high Andean plateaus terminating in never-ending forests.
Whether you do this trail in 7 or 6 days, the route will stay the same, therefore the level is moderate doing the trail in 7 days and hard when doing it in 6 days. Also this trek ends in Machu Picchu. More information about Machu Picchu, click here.
Program
1st Day - Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Malaga Paso - Chaullay - Vilcabamba (3350/10991 - 2850/9350 - 4315/14157 - 1200/3937 - 3000/9843 meters/feet).
Very early in the morning we will leave the hotel to head northwest of Cusco. On the way we will observe the ancestral town of Chinchero (3760m / 12336f), and shortly after that we will arrive in a zone rich of maize production, known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, having a very pleasant climate throughout the year. Ollantaytambo will be the place to have a short rest. Continuing our transport we will arrive at the highest point of the trip called Abra Málaga (4315m/ 14157f), and after this we will descend through the valley of Amaibamba, with an impressive view of snow-white mountains and cloudy forests, to the lowest part, the town of Chaullay (1200m / 3937f), where we will change our direction to walk down for about 3 hours to Huancacalle (3000m / 9843f).
Traveling time: 9 hours.
2nd Day - Vilcabamba - Vitcos Rosaspata - Abra Puma Chaca or Azutina- Inka Wasi (3000/9843 - 3080/10105 - 4000/13123 - 3600/11811 meters/feet)
Today we will visit the archeological centres of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m / 10105f) and Ñustahispana (3050m / 10007f) and we will explore the resent excavations that are being restaured. The Inca Trail network is visible between the vegetation and all go in the direction of Vilcabamba ´the last dynasty of the Incas´. We will arrive at the highest passes of the day, which are Pumachaca (4000m / 13123f) and Azutina (3900m / 12795f). After this we will go to the valley where our camp will be, called Inca Wasi (3600m / 11811f).
Hiking time: 7 hours. Mild, cold climate and mosquitos.
3rd Day - Inca Wasi - Racachaca - Hatún Pampa (3600/11811 - 3700/12139 - 4000/13123 meters/feet)
During this day we will again be seeing a part of the Inca Trail that leads to the community of Racachaca (3700m / 12139f). We will also have a magnificent view on the snowed peaks of Lazuna (5470m / 17946f), part of the chain of Sacsarayoc. The population of Racachaca is generally very nice and will welcome us and share their knowledge with us about the customs and traditions of our Andean ancestors. Our camp will be in Hatumpampa (4000m / 13123f).
Hiking time: 5 hours in a cold climate.
4th Day - Hatún Pampa - Abra Yana cocha - Soyro cocha - Abra Mojón - Mutuy pata (3800/12467 - 4420/14501 - 4400/14436 - 4500/14763 - 3250/10663 meters/ feet)
Today we will be the most arduous and wonderful because of the ecological irregularities we will go through, the passes of Yanacocha (4420m / 14501f), Tullu tacana (4500m / 14436f) and Mojón (4500m / 14763f), with an excellent view on the snow-peak Salkantay (6264m / 20551f) and the Machupicchu.
We will descend observing the trail that is not very well, because of the rain season and the erosion of the mountains. This region is solely of the farmers, where groups of tourists sporadically are to be found. On the way we will pass by the lagoon of lake Cocha (3600m / 11811f) to later enter the dimmed forest of Mutuypata (3250m / 10663f), where we will be camping.
Hiking time: 9 hours in a cold and warm climate with mosquitos.
5th Day - Mutuy pata - Yanatile - Santa Teresa (3250/10663 - 2100/6890 - 1850/6070 meters/feet)
Going through the valley of Mutuypata, we will get to see a great sight of flora and fauna, having the course down the river Sacsara and we will go to the town of Yanatile (2000m / 6562f). Here we will have the possibility of continuing to Santa Teresa (1850m / 6070f) in a public transport ´truck´. In the town of Santa Teresa we will spend the night by a host family and we will have the possibility of visiting the thermal medical baths.
Hiking time: 5 hours in a warm climate with mosquitos.
6th Day - Santa Teresa - Hydro electric - Aguas Calientes (1850/6070 - 1950/6398 - 2050/6726 meters/feet)
In the morning we will have a long walk by the edge of the Willcamayu river, arriving at a typical transport of this region called Oroya which will bring us to the other side of the river. During this trail you can also see the Mayubamba waterfall and the mountain of Machu Picchu. Arriving at the Hydro electric station (1950m / 6398f), the train will be ready to go to Aguas Calientes (2050m / 6762f), where we will spend the night.
Hiking time: 4 hours in a warm climate with mosquitos.
7th Day - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco (2050/6762 - 2400/7874 - 3350/10991 meters/feet)
It is recommendable to visit the lost city of the Incas early in the morning; we will go by tourist bus to Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874f), to after arriving being told about the policy and ancestral technique in agriculture, astronomy and religion that our ancestors left us. After this the participants have enough time to walk through Machu Picchu themselves before returning to the village of Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco. The climate in Machu Picchu is warm with mosquitos.
What one needs to bring
Backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, sweater, trekking shoes and trousers, polo's/ t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, sun block cream, insect repellent and disinfecting alcohol and gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablet, camera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport, ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles.
Also the Practical information might be good to read.
Private service Vilcabamba 7 days & 6 nights
Included:
- Private tranport from the hotel to Huancacalle
- High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light / 4.5kgs, both for 2 persons. Air beds, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
- Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Option vegetarian).
- Professional guide (English or Spanish)
- Satellite telephone
- Cook and assistant
- Carriers and mules, for all our camping and personal equipment
- Emergency horse (for every 3 persons)
- Truck from Yanatile to Santa Teresa
- Truck from Santa Teresa to the hydro electric station
- Train from the hydro electric station to Aguas Calientes
- Tourist train from to Cusco or Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
- Host family in Huancacalle
- Host family in Santa Teresa
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus up, from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Bus down, from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
- First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope
Not included:
- Breakfast on the first excursion day
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Sleeping bag (If you don't have this, we can offer it)
