THE LAST REFUGE OF THE INCAS (VILCABAMBA) AND MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

Altitude : 1850 - 4500 meters / 6070 - 14764f.
High season : May - October.
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.

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 go 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. People  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 in the camping site  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 short walk by the rim of the Willcamayu. During this trail you can also see the Mayubamba waterfall and the mountain of Machu Picchu. Arriving at the Hydro electric station (1950m / 6398f), We will take the local train to Aguas Calientes town which will be last 45 minutes where we spend the night in a nice hostel,  you may also wish to pay a visit to the town's famous thermal springs which feel great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs is a small fee of $US 3.00. Allow 3 hours to really enjoy them, which is open Until 9.00 p.m. Hiking time: 3 hours in a warm climate with mosquitoes.  Meals: B, L, D

7th Day - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco (2050/6762 - 2400/7874 - 3350/10991 meters/feet)

We are going up to the Archeological site of Machupicchu 2400 masl and we will explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours, where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. After the explanation of the guide you can climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or we can visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the City of Cusco. (B).

             

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