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Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu

Vilcabamba, Machu Picchu

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Hike from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu, this is a hike like no other, which will take you to the last Inca city, Vilcabamba. As you walk off the beaten track, through a unique route to Machu Picchu passing the beautiful forest to the remote villages of Huancacalle and Racachaca. You will walk through the ruins of Vitcos (the last remains of Vilcabamba) and along what is believed to be the same route traveled by Manco Inca when he fled from the Spanish in 1537. Vilcabamba was conquered after two invasions in 1539 and 1572. For anyone Trying to avoid the tidal wave of crowds that surge along the Classic Inca Trail and the popular alternative treks to Machu Picchu, while at the same time learning an extensive history of Peru, this remote trek is perfect for you.

This walk connects Vilcabamba (the last Inca refuge) with Machu Picchu, throughout the walk you will visit the archaeological remains of Vilcabamba and its surroundings, where you can better understand the Inca and Pre-Inca Culture.

This tour is designed for lovers of walking and culture, without a doubt it will be the experience of a lifetime, especially if you do not want to meet many tourists along the way, Inkas Destination recommends taking this new route to get to the new one. wonder of the world Machu Picchu.

Details:

  • Activities: Trekking adventure
  • Difficulty levels: 4 out of 5
  • Maximum altitude: 4650 masl / 15255 feet.
  • Accommodation: 3 nights of camping + 1 night of hostel
  • Departure day: Daily departures.
  • Starts: Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:30 AM
  • Ends: Drop off at your accommodation in Cusco around 9:45 PM

Itinerary:

We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and we will begin to enter the remote path in Huancacalle, which will take approximately 7 hours. On the way we pass several small towns before reaching Huancacalle (3,123 m / 10,233 ft) at noon.

Here we will meet our riders, load the horses and take our bags to the camp.

About an hour later, we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our trekking chef. Afterwards, we walk an hour to the last capital of the Incas, Vitcos. Here we will take an informative tour and learn how and why the Incas fled from Cusco to this site specifically and other fascinating stories that Vitcos possesses.

Then we continue another hour to the religious site of Ñusta Hispana (La Roca Blanca) with beautiful Inca carvings. The surrounding areas here have many ruins to explore. We will have an extensive tour of the area to learn about the rich history and importance of all these sites.

We then continue to our camp at Pillaupata (3,630m / 11,909ft) which is located along a part of the original Inca trail. We set up camp and share a nutritious hot meal and relax to prepare for the next day’s adventures!

  • Transfer to Huancacalle: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
  • Hiking distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
  • Walking time: 3½ to 4 hours approximately.
  • Difficulty levels: Easy
  • Climate: hot in the day and warm at night.
  • Accommodation: Camping.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (plus snacks and afternoon tea)
  • Maximum altitude: 3630 masl / 11909 feet.
  • Minimum altitude: 2954 masl / 9694 feet.

Your day will start with a hot cup of tea in your tent and magnificent views as soon as you open the door! We will share breakfast and pack to go out on a part of the original Inca trail. We start with a 5 hour moderate climb through the impressive Andes traveling through lush vegetation and wildlife until we reach the Hasuntina pass (4,500m / 14,763ft). Here we rest in spectacular views of snowy peaks and crystal clear rivers and have lunch.

We then descend for three hours following the beautifully preserved Inca trail to our next campsite in the picturesque town of Racahaca (3,570m / 11,712ft). Here we will eat a delicious dinner prepared by our trekking chef and admire our impressive surroundings.

Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles

Walking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.

Difficulty levels: Challenging

Climate: hot in the day and warm at night.

Accommodation: Camping.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (plus snacks and afternoon tea)

Maximum altitude: 4500 masl / 14763 feet.

Your day will start with a hot cup of tea in your tent and magnificent views as soon as you open the door! We will share breakfast and pack to go out on a part of the original Inca trail. We start with a 5 hour moderate climb through the impressive Andes traveling through lush vegetation and wildlife until we reach the Hasuntina pass (4,500m / 14,763ft). Here we rest in spectacular views of snowy peaks and crystal clear rivers and have lunch.

We then descend for three hours following the beautifully preserved Inca trail to our next campsite in the picturesque town of Racahaca (3,570m / 11,712ft). Here we will eat a delicious dinner prepared by our trekking chef and admire our impressive surroundings.

  • Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
  • Walking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
  • Difficulty levels: Challenging
  • Climate: hot in the day and warm at night.
  • Accommodation: Camping.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (plus snacks and afternoon tea)
  • Maximum altitude: 4500 masl / 14763 feet.
  • Minimum altitude: 2750 masl / 9022 feet.

Once again, we will wake you up with a cup of hot tea and a nutritious breakfast to get us ready for the day. Today we hike in three passes (4,500 m / 14,763 ft). From the Mojon pass, we will have the first views of the magical Machu Picchu and the Urubamba mountain range. Of course, we will stop and take advantage of these perfect photo opportunities. This climb will take us extremely close to the snow capped mountains of Pumasillo (6,012m / 19,724ft) and Sacsarayoc (6,026m / 19,770ft), all day you will be amazed by the breathtaking 360 views.

Today is by far the most physically demanding day, yet the majestic mountains and landscapes will take you to our home for the night in Mutuypata (3,200m / 10,498ft). At our camp we feast in the middle of the mountains and kick back and relax. rejuvenate for the next day.

  • Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
  • Walking time: 9-10 hours approximately.
  • Difficulty levels: Challenging
  • Climate: hot in the day and warm at night.
  • Accommodation: Camping.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (plus snacks and afternoon tea)
  • Maximum altitude: 4500 masl / 14763 feet.
  • Minimum altitude: 3200 masl / 10498 feet.

Today we welcome the day with fresh mountain air, stunning views, and of course a delicious breakfast. We start with a short walk downhill to the beautiful town of Yanatile, passing coffee and fruit plantations. From here, we take a car for about 3 hours to the train station at Hidroelectrica. We take the train through the beautiful high jungle to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

Once in Aguas Calientes, we will check into the charming and comfortable hotel where you will be staying. You will have time to explore, whether it is to explore the artisan markets, take a dip in the hot springs, or enjoy the mighty river that flows through the city. Once you rest and relax, we will have dinner at the best restaurant in town.

  • Walking distance: 10 km. / 6.2 miles
  • Walking time: 5 to 6 hours approximately.
  • Difficulty levels: Easy
  • Climate: warm tropical.
  • Accommodation: Lodge.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (plus snacks)
  • Maximum altitude: 3200 masl / 10498 feet.
  • Minimum altitude: 2000 masl / 6561 feet.

Today we reach the long-awaited end of our trek, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu! We will get up early after a refreshing night at our lodge to beat the crowds to the top of Machu Picchu and enjoy its serenity in the soft morning light. The entrance control point to Machu Picchu is open from 06:00 a.m. at 17:00 p.m. We will walk to Machupicchu (a bus trip is optional for $ 12.00) and we will enter the hidden Royal Citadel of the Incas. Here we will have a 2-hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city to visit temples, terraces, palaces, priests’ houses, the sundial, the industrial sector and the farm fields. Be amazed at the engineering ingenuity of the Incas that was so far ahead of its time and is still partially a mystery today! Without having modern tools or even steel and iron to work with, the people who built this city were great at organizing this community in a sustainable and beautiful way on a mountainside, even bringing water in canals through its streets for the people can use. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered with thick vegetation and in poor condition. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by the world at large!

After this tour, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (be sure to book in advance to get tickets for these!). Each mountain takes about 3 hours to go up and down. Another low-impact option for which you don’t need an additional ticket is to walk to Puerta del Sol, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes around 2 or 2.5 hours round trip). Another option is to walk to see the Inca Bridge. You will be able to stay and enjoy this magical city for more than 7 hours before returning to Aguas Calientes for the train ride at 6:20 p.m. (subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick up our group and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco around 9:30 p.m. Rest your feet and your body now, but we can assure you that your heart will still race for weeks and years to come!

  • Distance traveled: 6 km. / 3.7 miles
  • Walking time: approximately 3 to 4 hours.
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu: 2½ hours.
  • Climate: warm tropical.
  • Transfer to Cusco: 3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Maximum altitude: 2429 masl / 7972 feet.
  • Minimum altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 feet.

It includes

  • Pick up from the hotel
  • Transportation Cusco – Santa Maria – Huancacalle
  • Camping equipment, double layers, kitchen diner, inflatable mattresses, chairs, table
  • Horses and muleteer
  • Kitchen equipment
  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Snacks
  • Transportation Yanama – Santa Teresa
  • 1 night of lodging Santa Teresa
  • 1 Night at Aguas Calientres hostel
  • Entrance to all the archaeological remains to visit on the walk
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Chef
  • Professional guide
  • Return train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo

Not included:

  • Entrance to the thermal baths
  • Last lunch

What should I bring for the tour?

  •  Original passport
  •  For students: Original Student card
  •  Insurance card / certificate
  •  Walking stick (highly recommended)
  •  Mountain boots
  •  Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  •  Warm jacket
  •  Hat and gloves
  •  2-4 t-shirts
  •  2 pairs of pants (1 for hiking, 1 for camping)
  •  Long underwear for sleeping
  •  Hand sanitizer
  •  Comfortable pants
  •  Hat or cap for the sun
  •  Sunscreen
  •  Insect repellent
  •  Water
  •  Toiletries / Toilet paper
  •  Personal medication
  •  Camera
  •  Flashlight or headlamp
  •  Extra money for tips / snacks / beer.

Frequent questions:

How much does it cost to enjoy Cocalmayo Hot Springs?

In Santa Tereza – Cocalmayo, you will find the best places in the area, it only costs 10 soles or 3.5 dollars.

How much time will we have in Machu Picchu?

Usually people stay in Machu Picchu for 5 hours and then prefer to go to Aguas Calientes for lunch or spend some time in the city.

Do you serve vegetarian food on the tour?

Yes, When you book these tours, don’t forget to tell us if you are a vegetarian or have any allergies.

How difficult is the hike?

The entire hike is about 72 kilometers (about 45 miles), and this hike runs for 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent in Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be a bit more difficult than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered a bit more difficult than Salkantay.

Huayna Picchu VS Machu Picchu Mountain

Many people ask about Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain and few people know the difference about these 2 climbing mountains in Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu:

It is located in the northeast area and is famous because from the summit you can enjoy a beautiful landscape and Machu Picchu.

Huaynapicchu has a steep path and people reach the summit in about 45 minutes of walking. At the summit you can enjoy and take photos for no more than 20 minutes. This is because the huayna Picchu selection does not have a large space and most people cannot log in there.

If you plan to hike to Huayna Picchu, you must book in advance. It costs 25 US dollars per person.

Huayna Picchu Altitude: 2789 masl.

Machu Picchu Mountain:

It is the highest mountain. You need 3:30 hours on the list to enjoy the walk up to this Mountain. This mountain offers a view of different altitudes of Machu Picchu and also an incredible panoramic view of all the areas of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, hydroelectric and others.

At the summit you can spend more time. This is because not many people are going to this mountain yet because the new access is.

If you plan to hike to Montaña, you must book in advance. It costs 25 US dollars per person.

Mountain altitude: 3240 masl.

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Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu
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