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Day by day…
In the heart of the Vilcabamba Cordillera, surrounded by many high mountains, at the edge of the jungle there are trees, rivers, uneven peaks and an incredible richness of flora and fauna. We will cross this zone on an Inca path.
Espiritu Pampa – the ghost plain and Vilcabamba – the Incas´ last capital. Under attack by the Spaniards, the Inca kings, Saire Tupac, Tito Cusi Yupanqui, Tupac Amaru I and Manco Inca were forced to seek refuge in the depths of the mountain ranges and the jungle. Manco Inca, one of the last Incas, feeling over-controlled by the Spanish had no other option: he had to rebel against the conquistadors and formed an army from the last elements of resistance against the Spanish. He took a group of military leaders and formed a neo-political empire, respecting the Inca traditions and culture of religion and astronomy. At this time, this zone was the most difficult to access because of tribes living in the area: Ashaninkases and Cañarises. This province was dominated by the brave warriors from the region of Antis, for the last 30 years of the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyo)
Day 1: CUSCO - OLLANTAYTAMBO – HUANCACALLE
We will leave Cusco early in the morning, and on the way to Ollantaytambo, we will pass by the villages of Cachimayo, and Chinchero (3760 m.a.s.l.). As we travel deep into the rich valley and the region called Sacred Valley of the Incas, the whole area is characterized by a permanently warm climate; the Valley hovers at between 2800 to 2900 m.a.s.l. We will arrive at the village of Ollantaytambo (2850 m.a.s.l) and enjoy a small rest as we look around the ancient fortress-village. Then, we will continue on toward our final destination of Malaga (4313 m.a.s.l.) We will descend into the semi-tropical Vilcabamba Valley and after another 3 hours of travel, we will get to the town of Huacacalle (3000 ma.s.l.) where we will
Day 2: HUANCACALLE – COLPACASA - UTULLOCOCHA
There are three archeological sites surrounding the town: Vitcos Rosaspata (3080m) and Nustahispana (3050m). After visiting these sites we will return to Huancare to continue our trek. We will have lunch in the town of Vilcabamba Nuevo (3450m). From this vantage point we will see the peaks of the Negrilla, Huamanapis, Sillarunis and Yanantins mountains, which are more than 5000 m.a.s.l. We will continue our trek to the Colpacasa Pass (3700 m.a.s.l.) and from there we will have a magnificent view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. We will spend the night at the Tullococha Camp (3400m).
Altitude Change: +650/-300 meters
Duration: 6 hours
Day 3: UTULLOCOCHA – CEDROCHACA
On Day 3 we will walk for 7 hours and in the first part of our trek we will descend and cross over rivers and through different local communities located in the rainforest, including the community of Pampaconas, a town of about 200 people of Inca descent. We will arrive for lunch at Ututopampa by the Chalca River and after crossing a suspended bridge called Ututopuente, we will follow an original Inca trail through the very dense and narrow Ututopampa valley. We will continue to the Puente Cedrochaca (3000 m.a.s.l.). We will camp at night.
Altitude Change: -400 meters
Duration: 7 hours
Day 4: CDROCHACA – URPIPATA
Day 4 will be marked by a feeling of literally being in the clouds, as we pass through the Cloud Forest. The trek will last 8 hours and will take us through a wide range of flora and fauna, which changes with the climate. We will also encounter typical bridges that have been built by the local communities with logs brought from the Zapatero River. The views are incredible and we will have lunch in the community of San Fernando (2600m) We will continue and cross the Encuentro, Vista Alegres and Sucsuchicanas rivers, located in the Vista Alegre district. Afterwards, we will pass through the communities of San Guillermo and Corcumoco Cafetal, which are located along a steep road going towards Urpipata (2800 m.a.s.l.). We will camp at night.
Altitude Change: -400/+200 meters
Duration: 8 hours
Day 5: URPIPATA – ESPIRITU PAMPA
On Day 5 we will hike for 7 hours descending down to the Palomayoc River. This river is quite difficult to cross for both locals and travelers alike. From the Locomayoc campsite, we will ascend to the Cerdrocasa Pass arriving at a rocky area which will take us to the Concevidayoc River. After lunch we will continue climbing to the Pajonal section in order to get to Espiritu Pampa. From that vantage point we can see the trees and the natural wonders of the area. At night, we will make camp at Espiritu Pampa (1511m).
Altitude Change: -1290 meters
Duration: 7 hours
Day 6: ESPIRITU PAMPA – CHIHUANQUIRI – QUILLABAMBA
Day 6 will be spent visiting the Espiritu Pampa archeological site. We will return to the campsite and continue our trek crossing several bridges: Espiritu Pampa, Lechemayoc. La Villa Carmen and Resistencia, finally arriving at Chihuanquiri (950 m.a.s.l.), which is the end of our trek. We will catch public transportation to Quiteny where will come to the main road and then take a bus to Quillabamba (1050m). We will camp at night.
Altitude Change: -560/+100 meters
Duration: 5 hours
Day 7: QUILLABAMBA. CUSCO
Day 7 is devoted to our return by bus to Cusco.
Included:
Transport and subsequent transfers from your hotel in Cusco, English speaking guide, food during the treks, mountain equipment (tents, camping equipment, ropes), transport of collective equipment (by porters), entrance fees to national parks.
Not Included:
International and domestic flights; Hotels in Cusco; Airport tax ($28 per person); Food purchases in the towns not included in the trek (food costs approximately $8 per person in a good restaurant). Personal equipment is also NOT included, such as a sleeping bag rated to –10˚ C; Mattresses; Hiking/Walking shoes; Helmut with light; Pick; Crampons, etc. These items CAN be rented.
Note: Personal insurance is obligatory.
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