This will be a great walk that combines different types of ecosystems, a variety of flora and fauna throughout these 13 days. It is a route of the Inca Resistance “Manco Inca” who, after the arrival of the Spanish, took refuge in Vilcabamba and from there remained firm in the counterattacks against the invaders. Vilcabamba is northwest of Cusco, in the province of La Convencion and in the Eastern mountain range of the Andes.
We created this extreme hiking itinerary only for people who love to walk for long periods of time, people who like adventure, culture and amazing landscapes. Join this extreme hiking adventure that combines three very important archaeological sites from the Inca era, the most important of which is the great wonder of the modern world “Machu Picchu.”
IMPORTANT DATA:
It is necessary to have a minimum of 02 people to organize this walk.
5:00 AM Approximately, we will be passing by our clients’ respective hotels. We begin this adventure by driving to the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2900m / 9514f), a magical little town surrounded by beautiful mountains and the majestic Padreyoc glacier. It is in this place where our team of muleteers will join our group to begin this great walk. After passing the hamlet of Capuliyoc (3030m / 9940f), here we will begin our descent to our camp called Chiquisca (1950m / 6395f).
Climate: Hot
Walking Time: 7 hours
After a comforting breakfast, we will descend to La Playa Rosalina (1530 m / 50201f) and then ascend to the town of Marampata (2850 m / 9350 f). From here we will have a wonderful view of the archaeological complex of Choquequirao (3033 m / 9950f). If we are lucky, at sunset, we will be able to see condors fly. Our camp in Choquequirao is about 25 minutes from the archaeological site at 2950m / 9678f.
Climate: Warm and Cold
Walking Time: 7 hours
We have an early breakfast and then we will go to the citadel of Choquequirao called “Cuna de Oro”, and we will enjoy the tranquility in this place. Further, we will explore this archaeological site, of which only 30% has been restored, in more detail: we will visit the palaces section, the liturgical fountains, the temple of the high priest, the flames section and the Ushnu. Thereafter, our journey continues towards the Choquequirao Pass (3270m/10728f) and passes the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc (2450m/8038f). Finally, we will head to the deepest point of the small canyon known as Río Blanco or Río Silvestre (1900m / 6234f), where our camp is located.
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Walking Time: 3.5 hours
After breakfast, we will begin a difficult climb to the Maizal tropical forest (3000m / 9843f). After four hours, we will arrive at the community of Maizal, where we will spend the night. Maizal is a nice place to enjoy a spectacular view of mountains and glaciers, such as the Qori Wayrachina (5515m / 18082f).
Climate: Warm and cold with mosquitoes
Walking Time: 5.5 hours
Our trip continues following the Inca trail. There are parts of the road that are risky, we always have to be careful. First, we will ascend to the top of San Juan Pass (4170m / 13681f). From here, we will have a beautiful view of the valleys, mountains and glaciers, from which some reach more than 5000m / 16404f. Due to the constant changes in the ecosystem, the Vilcabamba mountain range is undoubtedly one of the most complex regions. Our campsite will be in the town of Yanama (3530m / 11581f).
Cold weather
Walking Time: 6 hours
In Yanama we will experience Andean life, its costumes and traditions. Our hike continues up and down through tropical forests such as Urpipata, Yutupata (3300m/10827f) and Tucarhuay and leads to the Quellccamachay cave. Our campsite is called Lazuna Pampa (3800m / 12467f).
Cold weather
Walking Time: 7 hours
After the comforting breakfast, we will walk until we reach the Choquetacarpu pass (4600m / 15092f). Here we will have a short break and explore the Andean mountains area. After our rest, we will descend to the town of Pillaupata (3200m / 10499f), where our camp is located.
Cold weather
Walking Time: 8 hours
Early in the morning, we will visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m / 10105f), Ñustahispana (Yurac Rumi) (3050m / 10007f) and recent excavations. Thereafter, we will ascend the Azutina Pass (4000m/12975f) and descend to our campsite located at Inca Wasi (3600m/11811f).
Climate: temperate and cold with mosquitoes
Walking Time: 7 hours
We begin our adventure, during the day we will see parts of the Inca Trail that lead to the community of Racachaca (3700m / 12139f), where we will have lunch. We will also meet some Andean families, who will tell us something about their customs and traditions. Our campsite will be in Hatún Pampa (4000m / 13123f).
Cold weather
Walking Time: 5 hours
This day is characterized by constant ups and downs and changes in the ecosystem. First we will walk towards the Yanacocha pass (4420m / 14501f), Tullu Tacana (4500m / 14764f) and Mojón (4500m / 14764f). Later, we will descend to the Laco cocha lagoon (3600m / 11811f). Our camp site will be in the Mutuypata cloud forest (3250m / 10663f), home of the Andean bear.
Climate: temperate and cold with mosquitoes
Walking Time: 9 hours
After breakfast, we begin our walk, we will enjoy the biodiversity of orchids, bromelains and other plants, and we will see coffee, avocado and papaya plantations. In Yanatile (2100m / 6890f) we will take public transport to Santa Teresa (1850m / 6070f). In this city we will spend the night in a family hotel. If you wish, you can also visit the Cocalmayo hot springs.
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Walking Time: 5 hours
We will get up at 6:30 a.m. and we will have breakfast, then we will continue the walk to the Machu Picchu hydroelectric power plant. We will pass many waterfalls and especially one that falls from 45m. approx. After that, we will arrive at the hydroelectric power plant to rest and have lunch. Then we walked for 3 hours to reach our final destination, the town of Aguas Calientes. Here we will have our accommodation and dinner, then we will have our corresponding talk about the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day.
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Walking Time: 4 hours
Grades:
(1) From the first to the eleventh day (from Cachora to Yanatile) we are accompanied by muleteers and mules who will carry all the camping equipment and the client’s private luggage (up to 9 kg per person). On the twelfth day, all luggage will be transferred to the hydroelectric station by car.
(2) Tips for muleteers, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothing or school equipment for their children.
(3) It is very important that the client takes out travel insurance. In addition to always carrying your personal medicines. This is an extreme hiking route.
A group tour means that it is open for other hikers to join.
2 Travelers: $ 0 per person
3 Travelers: $ 0 per person
4 Travelers: $ 0 per person
5 Travelers: $ 0 per person
6 Travelers: $ 0 per person
7 Travelers: $ 0 per person
8 more Travelers: $ 0 per person
Private tours are available and the price depends on the size of the group.
The tour has a medium to challenging level of difficulty due to the length of the hike and variations in terrain and altitude.
The maximum altitude reached during the tour is approximately 4600 meters above sea level.
Accommodation is offered in basic hostels and hotels at different stages of the route, with basic amenities to rest after a day of walking.
Each participant can carry up to 9 kg of luggage, which will be transported by muleteers and mules for most of the tour.
The tour can be taken all year round, but the peak season is usually from April to October, when weather conditions are usually more favorable.
We are Inca Perú Travel certified tour operator, we offer tours to different destinations in Peru, as well as cultural experiences, adventure tours, gastronomic tourism and our most recent experiential and community tourism tours.
