THE AMAZING VILCABAMBA & MACHU PICCHU

The Amazing Vilcabamba & Machu Picchu Trek
07 Days / 06 Nights

Day 01: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Malaga Pass – Chaullay – Vilcabamba (Huancacalle)Our journey starts early in the morning by bus. First, we will head forwards the northwest of Cusco and pass the ancestral towns of Chinchero (3760m/12336f) and Ollantaytambo (2850m/9350f), situated in one of the most fertile regions to cultivate maize. Thereafter, the road leads us to the highest point of the trip: the Málaga pass (4315m/14157f). While descending through the valley of Amaybamba, we will enjoy the exceptional view of snow-caped mountains and cloudy forests. Then, we will pass Chaullay (1200m/3937f) and head for Huancacalle (3000m/9843f). Here we will spend the night in a domestic lodging.
Traveling time: 7 hours

Day 02: Vilcabamba (Huancacalle) – Vitcos Rosaspata – Abra Puma Chaca or Azutina - Inka Wasi
On this day we will visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m/10105f) and Ñustahispana (3050m/10007f). Furthermore, our trek leads us through beautiful vegetation to the mountain pass of Azutina (3900m/12795f) and Pumachaca (4000m/13123f). Our camping site will be in Inca Wasi (3600m/11811f).
Climate: mild, cold climate and mosquitoes
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 03: Inca Wasi – Racachaca – Hatún PampaDuring this day, we will see remains of the Inca Trail that lead towards Racachaca (3700m/12139f). The community of this little village will welcome us cordially and will tell us about its customs and traditions. After lunch, we will head for our camping site in Hatumpampa (4000m/13123f).
Climate: cold
Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 04: Hatún Pampa – Mojón pass – Mutuy pataOur day starts early in the morning with a nice breakfast and an exceptional view of the snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, we will ascend the passes of Yanacocha (4420m/14501f), Tullu tacana (4500m/14436f) and Mojon (4500m/14763f). While passing the Valley of Laco cocha (3600 m) we will have a great view of the mystic snow-capped Salkantay (6264m/20551f). Our hike continues towards the forest of Mutuypata (3250m/10663f), the place where we will spend the night in our tents.
Climate: cold and warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 9 hours

Day 05: Mutuy pata – Yanatile – Santa TeresaWhile passing the valley of Mutuypata in the early morning, we will enjoy the region’s rich flora consisting of a variety of orchids and other beautiful plants. Moreover, we will see coffee- and fruit plantations. In the little village Yanatile (2000m/6562f) we will take a local transport - un camión – and head for Santa Teresa (1850m/6070f), the place where we will spend the night in a domestic hotel. If you wish, you can also enjoy the hot springs in Santa Teresa and relax a bit.
Climate: warm climate with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 06: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas CalientesThis day is going to be exciting. After a nice walk along the edge of the Willcamayu River, we will take a typical transport called “oroya” - a cable car - and cross the river to get to the other edge. Before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f) from the hydroelectric station (1950m/6398f), we will visit the waterfall of Mayubamba, one of the great attractions of this region. We will spend the night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Overnight at the Opalo Andino Hostel.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 4 hours

Day 07: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – CuscoWe will leave our hostel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train at 19:24 hrs uptol Ollanta station and then our bus will bring you to Cusco. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit; hiking time: 02 hours

What do I need to bring?Backpack with rain shelter, sleeping back, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, rain pants and lightweight pants, trekking shoes, slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs), woolen or synthetic socks, a sweater, long- and short-sleeved polo’s/t-shirts, a rainponcho, a hat, bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes), sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper, camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport and extra money in soles.

Note: Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes - once gotten wet - won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change

Included:

• Transport:
• Private transport from the hotel to Huancacalle
• Transport from Yanatile to Santa Teresa
• Transport from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station
• Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
• Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu.
• Backpacker Tourist train from Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo and Ollantaytambo / Cusco by bus.
• Basic Lodging in Huancacalle
• Basic Lodging in Santa Teresa
• Lodging in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• High quality camping equipment (we use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light/4.5kgs and Doite, Model Himalaya, extra light/4.5kgs, both for 2 persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
• Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/vegetarian meals are possible), cook and assistant.
• Horseman and mules, for all our camping and personal equipment of customer
• Emergency horse, first-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope

Not included:

•  First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping bag.