7 Days Vilcabamba: The Lost Kingdom of the Incas

Venture into the untamed region of Vilcabamba, the stronghold where the Inca resistance preserved its traditions and knowledge against Western invasion. Located northwest of Cusco, this route traverses the imposing eastern mountain range, flanked by the Apurímac and Willcamayu canyons. It is a journey of spectacular contrasts that will take you from snow-capped peaks over 6,000 meters high to lush cloud forests, along a complex network of Inca trails in the most remote and sacred landscape of the Andes.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Malaga Pass – Vilcabamba (3350 – 4315 – 3000 m)

At 6:00 AM, I will pick you up from your hotel in our vehicle and head northwest from the city of Cusco (3350 m). Along the way, we will discover the picturesque landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, before taking a short break in the town of Ollantaytambo (2850 m). We will then continue to Malaga Pass (4315 m) and descend to the village of Chaullay at 1450 m. (During this journey, we will discover impressive mountains and snow-capped peaks, eventually passing through the cloud forest of the Amaibamba Valley). Here in Chaullay, we will take the access road to the village of Huancacalle (the next 3 hours are on a steep incline). Huancacalle (3000m) will allow us to discover the archaeological remains of Vitcos Rosaspata and Ñustahispana. Overnight stay in a hostel or camp in the village of Huancacalle.

Transportation time approximately 7 hours.

Includes picnic and dinner.

Day 2: Vilcabamba – Colpacasa Pass – Utullococha (3000 – 3700 – 3400 m)

After visiting the village of Huancacalle, we head towards the town of Vilcabamba Nueva (3450m),and then continue in search of a suitable place for lunch.After a short rest, we cross the highest point of the day, called Colpacasa Pass at 3700m. Here we will discover beautiful mountains such as El Negrilla, Huamanapi, Sillarumi, and Yanantin. Later, we locate our campsite in the Utullococha Valley at 3400m. Hiking time: 6 hours in cold weather

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Day 3: Utullococha – Cedrochaca (3400 – 3000 m)

This day will allow us to discover the allure of the cloud forest of Cedrochaca and its local people,with their own customs and traditions. Here we will meet some families who live in Pampaconas,the Chalca Valley, Ututopampa, Lorofindiyoc, and Cedrochaca (3000 m). Cedrochaca is where wewill camp.

Hiking time: 7 hours in cool weather and with mosquitoes.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Day 4: Cedrochaca – Urpipata (3000 – 2800 m)

During the morning, Cedrochaca is shrouded in a dense fog, making it even more enigmatic as we begin to discover its natural attractions. After a few hours of hiking, the vegetation becomes more abundant, and we encounter several rivers and the constant changes in elevation that we experience throughout the day. The few families who live there are always welcoming, and we pass through the communities of San Fernando and Vista Alegre (2600m). Further into the valley, we find deeper rivers such as El Encuentro and Sucsochincana. During the afternoon, we discover the communities of San Guillermo, Corcumoco, and Urpipata (2800m), the latter being our campsite.

Hiking time: 8 hours in warm weather.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 5: Urpipata – Espíritu Pampa (2800 – 1511 m)

In the morning, we will undertake an uphill trek to Capuliyoq (2,850m). At this location, we will take a brief rest to look out over the Apurímac canyon, a moment that also provides an excellent opportunity to spot the flight of the Condor.

Once we depart from the Capuliyoq pass, the trail becomes less demanding, allowing you to appreciate the views of the mountains and snow-capped peaks belonging to the highest reaches of the range. Upon reaching the town of Cachora, a vehicle will be ready to transport us back to the city of Cusco.

Day 6: Espíritu Pampa – Chihuanquiry – Quillabamba (1511 – 950 – 1050 m)

Very early, guided tour of the Espíritu Pampa archaeological site. Here, our guide will share the history of the last Inca dynasty and recent excavations at Espíritu Pampa.

Currently, the National Institute of Culture and Copesco are restoring the Espíritu Pampa citadel.Afterward, we return to camp to collect our gear for the day and continue exploring the Espíritu Pampa Valley.During the morning, we will pass over the bridges of Espíritu Pampa, Lechemayoc, Villa Carmen,and Resistencia. Upon arriving at the village of Chihuanquiry (950m), we will take a vehicle to the village of Quiteni (where we can find a more comfortable vehicle to continue to the town of Quillabamba at 1050m). Overnight stay in a hotel in Quillabamba.

Hiking time: 5 hours

Transportation time: 7 hours

Includes breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Quillabamba – Málaga Pass – Cusco (1050 – 4315 – 3350 m)

After breakfast, we will explore Quillabamba before taking a vehicle to the city of Cusco.Transportation from Quillabamba to Cusco: 5 hours

Includes breakfast and packed lunch

INCLUDED

Transportation Cusco/Chaullay and Huancacalle – Chihuanquiri/Quillabamba and Cusco
Camping equipment (2-person tent, flask, dining tent, tables with chairs, and toilet tent)
Meals during the tour (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, and 6 snacks / Vegetarian option
available)
Professional bilingual guide (English or Spanish)
Cook and cooking equipment
Entrance fees to the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosaspata, Ñustahispana, and Espíritu Pampa
Hotel in Quillabamba
Emergency horse
Muleteers and horses for camping equipment and personal belongings (8 kg)
First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not Included

Sleeping bags, which are available for rental at a rate of $ 7.5 USD per day.
The first breakfast on Day 1 and the final lunch on Day 4.

We recommended to bring

Backpack, sleeping bag
Clothing for warm and cold weather such as a waterproof jacket, fleece, trekking pants and boots, t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, bandana
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer
Water bottle and disinfectant tablet.
Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag)
Flashlight, and batteries.
Small snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit
Original passport,
ISIC student card, and extra cash in soles.

NOTES:

In our shared services, we will pick-up our clients from your hotel as long as it is located in the downtown.
In our shared services, at the end of the tour, we leave our clients in a place close to the Main Square, because is easier go walking instead the car for the traffic jam. If your hotel is far from the downtown, take some cash with you in order to take a taxi.
Pick-up and drop off times are referential, this will depend on the traffic that can be found in the streets or delay of the other clients, our assistant will be on time but sometimes the transport could delay a few minutes.