The region of Vilcabamba is located northwest of Cusco, in the province of 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.

Both fast-flowing rivers make 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.

• Activities: Archaeological sight-seeing, experience the culture, learn about the ecological aspects of Peru, and Hiking.
• Distance: 67 km. / 41.63 miles.
• Average hiking time: 6 - 7 hours per day.
• Duration: 07 days / 06 nights.
• Maximum height: 4500 meters (14,764 ft.), above sea level.
• Departures: contact us.
• Number: Minimum 2 passengers.
• Months of Operation: All year except February.
• Service Type:
  Private: This service is exclusively for groups of friends, couples, families, coworkers, etc. And the itinerary is planned according to your requirements, and on the dates that choose
  Shared: Usually this is a large group where the tourists are all different nationalities and the itinerary is fixed.
  
• Degree of difficulty: High.

OVERALL INFORMATION

Day 01 .- Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Malaga Paso - Chaullay – Vilcabamba

Very early in the morning we`ll leave our hotel and head northwest of Cusco. On the way we`ll see the ancestral town of Chinchero (3760m / 12336ft.), and shortly after that we`ll arrive in a zone famous for its huge corn production. Chinchero is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which has a pleasant climate all through the year. When we reach Ollantaytambo we stop for a moment for a short rest. Continuing our journey we`ll arrive at the highest point of the trip called Abra Málaga (4315m/ 14157ft.), after this we`ll descend through the valley of Amaibamba, with an impressive view of snow-white mountains and cloudy forests, and we´ll reach the lowest part of the town of Chaullay (1200m / 3937ft.), where we`ll change our direction to head to Huancacalle for about 3 hours (3000m / 9843f).

Meals: L, D
Estimated Driving time: 9 hours.
Estimated walking time:   0-0 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,350 m 14.271 ft.
Campsite altitude: 3000 m / 9843ft.

Itinerary

Day 02 - Vilcabamba - Vitcos Rosaspata - Abra Puma Chaca or Azutina- Inka Wasi

Today we`ll visit the archeological site of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m / 10105ft) and Ñustahispana (3050m / 10007ft) and we`ll explore the recently excavated sites that are in the process of being restored. The Inca Trail network is visible between the vegetation and all go in the direction of Vilcabamba ´the last dynasty of the Incas´. We`ll arrive at the highest passes of the day, which are Pumachaca (4000m / 13123ft) and Azutina (3900m / 12795ft). After this we`ll go to the valley where our camp Inca Wasi is located (3600 m / 11,811 ft.).

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance:  12 Km / 7.46 miles.
Estimated walking time:   5-7 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 4000 m / 13123ft.
Campsite altitude: 3600 m / 11811ft. 

Itinerary

Day 03 .- Inca Wasi - Racachaca - Hatún Pampa

During the day we`ll again see a part of the Inca Trail that leads to the community of Racachaca (3700m / 12139ft). We`ll also have a magnificent view on the snowed peaks of Lazuna (5470m / 17946f), part of the chain of Sacsarayoc. People of Racachaca have the customs and traditions of the Andean ancestors. Our camp will be in Hatumpampa (4000m / 13123f).

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance:  11 Km / 6.84 miles.
Estimated walking time:   5-6 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 4000 m / 13123 ft.
Campsite altitude: 4000 m / 13,123 ft.

Itinerary

Day 04 .- Hatún Pampa - Abra Yana cocha - Soyro cocha - Abra Mojón - Mutuy pata

Today will be the most arduous part of our trip, but also the most wonderful because of the ecological wonders we`ll go through, the passes of Yanacocha (4420m / 14501ft), Tullu tacana (4500m / 14436ft) and Mojón (4500m / 14763ft), which will give us an excellent view on the snow-peak Salkantay (6264m / 20551ft) and then Machu Picchu.

We`ll descend down, observing the trail that is not in great condition, because of the rainy season and the erosion of the mountains. This region is populated soley by farmers, where only small pockets of tourists can be found. On the way we`ll pass by the lagoon of lake Cocha (3600m / 11811ft) and later enter the dimmed forest of Mutuypata (3250m / 10663ft), where we`ll camp for the night.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance:  18 Km / 11.18 miles.
Estimated walking time:   8 - 9 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 4500 m / 14763 ft. 
Campsite altitude: 3250 m / 10663 ft.

Itinerary

Day 05 : Mutuy Pata - Yanatile - Santa Teresa

Going through the valley of Mutuypata, we`ll get to see the great variety of flora and fauna, and we will travel down the river Sacsara and we`ll go to the town of Yanatile (2000m / 6562ft). Here we will be able to continue to Santa Teresa (1850m / 6070ft) in a public transport ´truck´. In the town of Santa Teresa we`ll spend the night in the camping site and there will be canopies available.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance:  12 Km / 7.45 miles.
Estimated walking time:   5 - 6 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 3250 m / 10663 ft. 
Campsite altitude: 1850 m / 6070 ft.

Itinerary

6th Day - Santa Teresa - Hydro electric - Aguas Calientes

In the morning we`ll have a short walk to the rim of the Willcamayu. During this trail you can also see the Mayubamba waterfall and the mountain of Machu Picchu. We will get to the Hydroelectric station (1950m / 6398ft), and from there we’ll take the local train to the Aguas Calientes town which will take around 45 minutes, and in Aguas Calientes we´ll 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. We recommend that you allow 3 hours to really enjoy them, and they are open Until 9.00 p.m.

Meals: B, L, D
Total distance:  07 Km / 4.34 miles.
Estimated walking time:   3 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 2050 m / 6726 ft.
Campsite altitude: 2050 m / 6726 ft.

Itinerary

7th Day - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

With another early rise, we go to the bus station to take the bus to Machu Picchu. This bus takes 25 minutes by uneven track, where we will do tour of the Inca citadel, your tour guide will guide you around for about two and a half hours, to show you the most important sectors of this beautiful and enigmatic Inca citadel and then you will have some free time to wander, explore and take photos. Or alternatively you could decide to climb the mountain of Huayna Picchu (tickets required), where you can see spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the great Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we will meet in the town of Aguas Calientes, where if you want, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to Cusco, and we drop you off at your hotel / hostel. Travel time 4 hours. End of our services.

Meals: B
Total distance: 4 km / 2.49 miles.
Estimated walking time:  2 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft.
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m / 7,872 ft.

Itinerary

• Your original passport, student card ISIC (if applicable)
• A Sleeping bag, a backpack for hiking, 2 pairs pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 4-poles (long and short), several pairs of socks, Sandals, towels, toilet paper, gloves, thermal jacket, a hat for cold days, sunglasses and sunscreen for when the sun comes out.
• A liter bottle of water.
• A Flashlight with spare batteries, matches, knives.
• Hiking boots (preferably waterproof with ankle protection).
• Insect repellent, cream to hydrate the face and/or body.
• A Raincoat (poncho for rain).
• Energy foods (dried fruits, candies, chocolates, cookies, etc...).
• Soap and other toiletries and clothes to change.
• Swimsuit (recommended for the hot springs).
• You should bring appropriate clothing for both hot and cold days of the tour.
• Also, depending on your interest, you could bring a camera or camcorder, binoculars, compass; all such equipment should be lightweight.
• Basic medical supplies.
• Extra money in soles and dollars.
• Optional: walking sticks.

WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING

• Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes town.
• Bus up and down Aguas Calientes town - Machupiqchu - Calientes town 7th day.
• Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus service Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Portable Radio (Walkie Talkies).
•  Basic first aid and oxygen bottle.
• Assistance Service 24 hours.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDED

• An orientation to clarify all the details of the tour, 1 or 2 days before departure.
• Private transportation from your hotel to Huancacalle.
• Entrance ticket to Vilcabamba Trail and Machupiqchu.
• Guided Tour for the Vilcabamba Trail and Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
• Professional Guide: Bi-lingual, speaks both English and Spanish, 2 guides from more than 9 passengers.
• A Cook responsible for meals. (06 breakfasts, 06 lunches, 06 dinners) - Please notify us if you are a vegetarian.
• Horsemen and mules will be in charge to carry the camping equipment and food.
• Boiled water for each meal, and for the places where there are no shops to buy water.
• Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
• Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff.
• Camping equipment: Tents 04 people capacity for 02 persons, sleeping pad, dining tent with table and chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent, cutlery.
• Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
• Mules will carry 7 kg maximum from your personal stuff.
• Local truck transportation from Yanatile to Santa Teresa town.
• Train ticket from the Hydroelectric power plant to Machu Picchu town (6th day)
• One night accommodation in Machu Picchu town.
• Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – 7th day.
• Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus service from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Portable Radio (Walkie Talkies); Basic first aid and oxygen bottle.
• 24 hours assistance.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDED

• Meals: breakfast and lunch 1st day and 7th day.
• Sleeping bags (please note that you can rent them from us).
• Foods that are not listed.
• Admission to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal expenses.
• Tips.

WE DO NOT INCLUDE

• Sleeping bag US$ 35.00 complete tour.
• Thermal-rest mattresses or inflatable sleeping pad for US$ 35.00.
• Discount of US$ 20.00 with International Student Card (ISIC Card).
• You can rent an extra horse if you are tired or you can`t walk any more for. US$ 40.00 per Day.
• Bag pack for, US$ 17.50 whole tour.
• When you reserve and then specify the type and category of hotel (2 **, 3 ***, etc.). Prices range from US$ 25 to US$ 750. This will modify the published tour price.
• If you want to return to the ruins the next day, you have to pay admission again. (Only the first entry to Machu Picchu will be included in the tour).
• All our programs are with the Expedition train service (for a comfortable price), but if you want another type of service, like the Vistadome train service (first class service) or Hiram Bingham (exclusive luxury Orient Express service), each train service is a different price, which obviously modify the published tour price. We can customize your travel, all you need to do is contact us.

OPTIONAL

• We request that you give us all your relevant personal information to proceed with your booking.
• For each tour or service that you book, our online staff will send you an email of confirmation for your booking tour within 24 hours of you making the booking, which you must print and present before the beginning of the tour.
• Confirmation of your booking will be issued once the payment has been made. Upon our receipt of you payment, our on line staff will send you a Trip Boucher.
• Our staff on line will send you all the tour information you will require, such as office address, telephone number and name of the person who will provide you the services, by e-mail.
• ANDEAN TERRITORY EIRL is a tourism company with extensive experience in the tourism service and provides a high quality service, ensuring that our customers enjoy their respective trips or tours without having to worry about organizing and planning everything – We do that for you.

>> Andean Territory’s terms and conditions

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