- Trek
- 7 days
- From May
to November - Group or
Private - English-
speaking
optional - Moderate
to Difficult
Along the way......
The Vilcabamba Cordillera, the last refuge of the Incas, encompasses the height of the mountains before giving way to the jungle known as Yungas, or cloud forest. Over the course of the 7-day trek, we notably traverse an ancient Inca trail and are able to observe exceptional flora and fauna.
Day 1 :
In the early morning, transfer in a private vehicle to Huancacalle, departure point of the trek. Crossing of the Sacred Valley, via the countryside of Cachimayo and the village of Chinchero (el. 3760 m.a.s.l. / el. 12,335 feet). Arrival in Ollantaytambo, and continuation of the journey to the Malaga Pass, the highest point of the day, elevation of 4315 m.a.s.l. (el. 14,156 feet). Descent into the semi-tropical valley of Vilcabamba, to Huancacalle Camp at an altitude of 3000 m.a.s.l. (el. 3,842 feet). Hiking time: around 9 hours.
Day 2 :
Visit of the surrounding areas of Huancacalle: Vitcos Rosaspata (el. 3080 m.a.s.l. / el. 10,104 feet) and Nusta Hispana (el. 3050 m.a.s.l. / el. 10,006 feet). Arrival in the village of Vilcabamba Nuevo (el. 3450 m.a.s.l. /el. 11,318 feet) for lunch: panoramic view over the peaks of Negrilla, Huamanapi, Sillarumi and Yanatin culminating at and altitude superior at 5000 meters a.s.l. (el. 16,404 feet). In the beginning of the afternoon, we clear the highest pass of the hike, the Colpacasa Pass, at an altitude of 3700 meters a.s.l. (el. 12,139 feet). Lastly, descent into Utullococha and set up of the camp. Hiking time: around 6 hours; Climate: cool temperatures and mosquitoes.
Day 3 :
Descent and crossing of several rivers at the heart of an area of climatic transition, called ‘Ceja de Selva’, or ‘Humid Forest’. On the way, crossing of the community of Pampaconas, populated by an ethnic group descendant of the Incas and counting around two hundred people individuals. Lunch at Ututopampa, in the Valley of Rio Chalca. From this point onwards we walk on a former Incan trail, right after walking on a suspension bridge called Ututopuente. Night at Cedrochaca Camp at an altitude of 3000 meters a.s.l. (el. 3,842 feet). Hiking time: around 7 hours; Climate: cool temperatures and mosquitoes.
Day 4 :
Hike in the fog, through a nature that changes as we walk along. The trail is dotted with bridges of typical construction, built by the peasants of the region with tree trunks transported on the River Zapatero to San Fernando. Lunch. Continuation of the walk crossing successively the rivers Encuentro, Vista Alegre and Sucsuchincana, belonging to the Vista Alegre district. Passage through the communities of San Guillermo and Corcumoco Cafetal, departure point of a steep road to reach Urpipata (el. 2800 m.a.sl. / el. 9,186 feet). Set up of the camp. Hiking time: around 8 hours; Climate: warm.
Day 5 :
Among the highlights of this hiking day: the crossing of the Palomayoc River to reach Locomayoc, which might be difficult in the rainy season for the peasants as for the adventurers. Ascent of the Cerdrocasa Pass, rocky ground leading to a flat trail, near the River Concevidayoc. Lunch and then we continue our ascent through Pajonal, before clearing the Espiritu Pampa Pass, from where we can observe a part of the ruins of the same name. Night at Espiritu Pampa Camp, around fifteen minutes walk from the ruins. Hiking time: around 7 hours; Climate: warm.
Day 6 :
Half day dedicated to the visit of the archaeological site of Espiritu Pampa. Then, continuation of the trek with several stops: Espiritu Pampa Bridge, Lechemayoc, Villa Carmen and Resistencia. Arrival at the last village of the hike; Chihuanquiry, at an altitude of 950 meters a.s.l. (el. 3,116 feet). Journey in public transportation to Quiteni, then to Quillabamba, the capital of the Province of Convencion. Night in a camp. Hiking time: around 5 hours.
Day 7 :
Journey in public transportation to Cuzco Reception and transfer to the hotel. Lunch included. Dinner open. Journey’s length: around 7 hours.