VITCUS – VILCABAMBA - Hiking Peru Tour Operator

VITCUS – VILCABAMBA

CODE: hike-11
DAYS: 5 days / 4 nights
CIRCUIT: HUANCACALLE–STA TERESA - MACHUPICCHU

This is a hike that begins in the humid jungle and climbs into the magnificent Andes. There is very little tourism on this route. There is a richness of flora, fauna, snow peaks, impressive valleys, while at the same time we visit the last refuge of the Incas, Vilcabamba and its archaeological sites. Crossing a great mountain chain, we arrive at Machupicchu.

Itinerary:

1st day/night: After pick up from your hotel, we travel by bus from Cusco to the jungle town of Quillabamba, arriving in the early morning. From Quillabamba we take another bus over winding back roads to Huancacalle, where we will arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch, we will have a guided visit of the archaeological sites of Vitcus-Rosaspata and Ñustahispana (or White Rock).

2nd day: After an early breakfast we begin our expedition by walking on an impressive Inca Trail that was part of the Qhapaq Ñan (Network of Inca Trails that crossed the Inca Empire). We can observe a variety of snow capped mountains, and follow crystal clear rivers. It is a spectacular walk as you leave the high jungle and arrive in the Andes.

3rd day: We will climb above altitudes more than 4000m, and pass over three consecutive passes that are often snow covered, especially in winter. We pass by high alpine lakes and appreciate deep cavernous valleys. We begin to descend late in the afternoon and can appreciate the different levels of the mountains and admire the flora and fauna. This is the most difficult day of the hike. We camp in an excellent canyon.

4th day: After breakfast, our hike is all downhill as we enter once again the high jungle, and already the climate is temperate. We pass by a canyon filled with roaring water and continue by coffee and fruit plantations, before arriving at the village of Yanatile. From there, we will take transport to the village of Santa Teresa. There after a short walk we cross the Vilcanota River by flying fox and then take a truck to the Hydro-Electric station. We continue the hike to Aguas Calientes town. Overnight at Aguas Calientes town.

5th day: After breakfast we visit the archaeological site of Machupicchu, returning by train to Cusco city.