7 Days
Daily Tour
8 people
English
Vilcabamba to Espiritupampa Trek: The last capital of the Incan resistance; known by them as Vilcabamba, it was named Espiritu Pampa by the Spanish. Manco Inca retreated from Ollantaytambo to Vitcos, and finally to Vilcabamba. Manco Inca brought together all those of the royal blood he could find; men and women alike, and retired to the wild forest of the Antis; to a place called Villcapampa where he lived in exile and solitude as one can imagine a dispossessed and disinherited prince would live. Until one day he was slain by a Spaniard whom he had sheltered and protected from enemies who had sought his death.
Enjoy an adventure taking you along historic trails used by the rebel Incas, as well as their pursuers. This is the ultimate Machu Picchu Alternative trek. The route typically traverses South to North; to Espiritu Pampa and onto Chaunquiri (approx. 11-12 days trekking).
From here trekkers are transported by vehicle to Quillabamba where you can overnight should you wish to head to Machu Picchu on the final day. So then; the following day, you’ll take a bus to the Hydroelectric Station via Santa Theresa; and onto Aguas Calientes before heading up to the Incan Citadel.
Leave the city of Cusco very early in the morning to travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, up to Abra Malaga (4,300m), from where you begin your steep descent into the high jungle of the southern Andes. Crossing pampas of fruit trees, cocoa, tea, coffee, etc., in a nice climate. Then arrive at Santa Maria, a small town where you’ll take a rest, then continue your journey passing by Chaullay, a turning in the road which leads to the welcoming city of Quillabamba.
Soon arriving in the town of Huancacalle (2,995m), time for lunch and rest before your trek in the afternoon. Starting this trek takes a trail that leads you to the archaeological site of Rosaspata – Vitcos. This important ritual site is where the leader Manco Inca II was killed. Next visit the site of Vitcos with its ceremonial rocks, on the way to Ñusta Hispana.
Here you’ll find water channels, some ruined buildings, and the White Rock or Yurac Rumi: an amazing carved stone with a representation of the Chakana or Inca Cross, as well as other carvings. Returning to Huancacalle by following an original Inca trail, to have dinner and spend the night.
Min/Max Altitude: 2,995 – 3,041m
Distance Travelled: 6.5 km / 4 ml
Approx. Walking Time: 3 hr
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Huancacalle for the town of New Vilcabamba, founded by the Spanish. You’ll follow the path uphill, crossing the ecological levels Quechua and Suni to the Collpajasa pass, the highest point on our trek. You will begin your descent, finding along your way ancient crossroads that have sadly been destroyed by the road.
Following a beautiful path along the banks of the Pampacona River, entering the high jungle. Arriving at the site named Ututo, where you’ll spend the night after a long day’s walk.
Min/Max Altitude: 2,960 – 3860 m
Distance Travelled: 21.65 km / 13.45 ml
Approx. Walking Time: 10 hr
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll leave camp to descend to the Huayna Pukara sector, the last point of resistance by the Inca army. A spectacular location for this last stand through an ambush, which was betrayed by the previous Spanish victory. The trek is through a semi-tropical forest. The trail finally leads us to the school of Vista Alegre, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Min/Max Altitude: 2,017 – 2,960m
Distance Travelled: 14.25 km / 8.85 ml
Approx. Walking Time: 7 hr
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing your path by following the legendary route where the last rebel Incas fleed the Spanish invasion. You’ll enjoy this Inca Trail as it passes a fascinating rainforest where the flora and fauna join the historical stories associated with this hike. Arriving at camp in Concebidayoq, you’ll take dinner and camp for the night.
Min/Max Altitude: 1,498 – 2,017m
Distance Travelled: 16.42 km / 10.20 ml
Approx. Walking Time: 7 hr
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a short walk to the campsite of Vilcabamba (Espiritu Pampa). You’ll leave the campsite to follow the trail towards Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Tawantinsuyo. Walking the “Thousand Steps”, an Inca trail that leads to Vilcabamba.
Arriving at the site, the camp is set up and you begin your tour of the archaeological complex, visiting all the sectors that are open. Here you’ll stop to eat, then continue touring. Later on return to camp, where you’ll enjoy a good dinner, followed by a good rest
Min/Max Altitude: 1,449 – 1,498m
Distance Travelled: 4.46 km / 2.77 ml
Approx. Walking Time: 2 hr
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving your campsite at Vilcabamba, you’ll walk towards Azulmayo, private transport will be waiting to take you to the town of Kiteni, where you’ll have lunch, dinner, and camp down for the night.
Min/Max Altitude: 593 – 1,449m
Distance Travelled: 8 km / 4.97 ml
Approx. Walking Time: 3 hr
From Azulmayo to Kiteni (Private Transport)
Distance: 21 km / 13.04 ml
Duration: 4 – 5 hr
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a visit to “Siete Tinajas”, a series of waterfalls with many small pools. Leaving in private transport for the city of Cusco, where you’ll arrive at check-in to your hotel for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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