On this trek from Vilcabamba to Machu picchu enjoy a wealth
of flora, fauna, snow peaks, impressive valleys while at the
same time visiting the last refuge of the Incas – Vilcabamba
and it's archaelogical sites. After we leave the charming
village of Huancacalle, we follow some excellent examples
of the Qhapaq Ñan – or royal roads of the Incas
before heading off into “unknown territory”. We
cross three consecutive passes, often covered in snow before
descending to the wonderfully warm jungle. Crossing a great
mountain chain, we finally arrive at Machu Picchu
This is a unique expedition, off the beaten path into the
Vilcabamba range, visiting the last Capital of the Incas
during the Conquest. This area has a tremendous scenic variety,
with snow-capped mountains and a high jungle. There are
many archaeological sites to visit on the way such as; Ñusta
Hispana, a classic ceremonial plaza lined with massive Inca
stone work. Vitcos, is the residence of the last Inca Manco
Inca, and this is the place where the Spaniards murdered
him. From this point, we enjoy a great panoramic view of
the Vilcabamba valley.
Day 01: Cusco - Huancalle - Vitcos
We leave from Cusco at 4:00 a.m. in our private bus and
pass small villages like Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo,
We'll make the ascent to a cold place close to the snow
caps, where we'll see huge stones covered with snow, and
then we'll ascend until Abra Malaga (4170 m.s.n.m). Then
we will descend to La Convencion and pass along Alfamayu,
Amaybamba, Huyro, Huayopata, Quintalpata, arriving to Santa
Teresa. The group will rest in Huancacalle around 3:00 pm
for lunch. Just 30 minutes away, we'll find an archaeological
site at Vitcos (Rosaspata). After lunch, we will have a
guided visit of the archaelogical sites of Vitcos-Rosaspata
and the Ñustahispana (or White Rock). where we will
spend the night. (B+L+D).
Day 02: Huancalle - Jasutina - Racachaca
After an early breakfast we begin our expedition by walking
on an impressive Inca trail that was part of the Qhapaq
Ñan (Network of Inca Trails that criss crossed the
Inca Empire). After 4 hours of walking, the group will arrive
at Totora Huayco (1890 meters). We will ascend for 1 hour
to Jasutina Pass, where we'll stop for lunch. We can observe
a variety of snow capped mountains, and follow chrystal
clear rivers. It is spectacular walk as you leave the high
jungle and arrive in the Andes. Hiking time. From there,
we will descend for 3 hours until Racachaca, where we will
find a nice view of the snow-covered peak of Lasoma and
our second campsite. (B+L+D).
Day 03: Racachaca, Pumaccasa Abra Mojon - Mutuypata
We climb today Pumaccasa pass, where we can see Yanacocha
Lagoon above altitudes more than 4000 metres, and pass over
three consecutive passes that are often snow covered, especially
in winter. We'll descend to Soyrococha lagoon to enjoy lunch
and continue on to Mojon Pass, the highest pass in our trek
from this altitute we'll see the snowy peaks of Verónica
and Salkantay and also the Huayna Picchu, we descent almost
4 hours until Mutuypata, where we’ll find the third
campsite. (B+L+D).
Day 04: Mutuypata, Yanatile, Santa Teresa, Aguas
Calientes
We leave from Mutuypata at 7:00 am, descending to the town
of Yanatile, our hike is all downhill as we enter once again
the high jungle, and already the climate is temperate. We
pass by a canyon filled with roaring water and continue
by coffee and fruit plantations, before arriving at the
village of Yanatile. From Yanatile, the group takes a local
transportation to Santa Teresa (it's around 40 minutes by
bus). When we reach a suspension bridge, we'll walk for
15 minutes until La Oroya and here we’ll take a local
bus to Hidroeléctrica de Machu Picchu where we have
lunch. We will take the local train to Aguas Calientes which
will lasted 45 minutes. In the evening we have dinner at
a nice Restaurant, Accommodation in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation based in a DWB or TWB. (B+L+D).
Day 05: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Early wake up (by 05: 30a.m.), Breakfast and after to leave
our Luggage at the Hotel, we will take the early Tourist
bus Up to Machu Picchu, of Course with a guide English speaking,
Usually we use to get Machu Picchu by 6: 50 a.m., so from
this time we will be able to visit Machu Picchu of course
at this time Machu Picchu is pretty empty and we will have
the best chance to enjoy the beauty and the magic of Machu
Picchu, because at this time is quiet. A guided tour of
about 2:30 hours, and then you will have "happy hour
time", to explore by yourself the whole site for about
3 hours and there is time as well to climb Huayna Picchu
mountain and get the best view over Machu Picchu it takes
1: 40 minutes round trip time, or option to go to the temple
of the moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain.
(B).
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
Prices per person 2008: US$ On
Request
Daily Departures: Departures are available
along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended
period for this trek is April to November.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Transportation by
vehicle to start and from the end of trek to the city, two-man
tents including sleeping pads, pack animals, kitchen crew
and commissary gear with all meals included as well as a
bilingual guide on the trek, who will handle the first aid
kit.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Meals in the cities
alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, laundry service, additional
tours, insurance and airline tickets (where applicable)sleeping
bags, hiking boots and other personal gear.
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