Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu - 5 Days

Day 1: Cusco - Casapata

Leaving very early in the morning, taking the road to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Passing the town of Ollantaytambo, we head towards the Abra Málaga (mountain pass) which you cross, and then descend through the Puna towards the high jungle. Continuing to the settlement of Santa María, where you can rest for a few minutes, to then continue on to Huancacalle, the village where we will leave our motorized transport. Here we meet our arrieros (mule-handlers) and mules which will accompany us on our walk. Lunch time. After a short break, beginning your walk to visit the Rosaspata – Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archaeological Park. It is suspected that the tomb of the rebel leader Manco Inka II can be found in this area of the Vilcabamba cordillera. By dusk arriving at Casapata, which will be your campsite, where you'll enjoy dinner and rest.

Day 2: Casapata - Hatumpampa

Again leaving early in the morning, climbing up through the ravine of the Pumachaka river to the Chupana sector where this river begins. Here you'll find segments of Inca trail which you'll follow. Arriving at the Pillaujasa mountain pass, you'll see the Jasutina pass nearby. Beginning the trail which descends to the valley of the Racchchaka river and following the river upstream, arriving at Hatunpampa, where you'll camp and enjoy a beautiful view of the Tuytubamba snow-capped peak.

Day 3: Hatumpampa - Nogalpampa

Taking the path which climbs to the Yanacocha mountain pass, you'll find a forest of native trees (Qeuña y Kiswar) at over 4500 masl. At the pass itself, you can enjoy a view of the Yanacocha lake, and then begin your walk to the Mojon pass, the last high pass on this trek. The landscape of the Puna reminds us of how far you are from civilisation. Descending through the Mutuypata ravine, where you'll have lunch, and after a rest continuing to the valley of the Saqsarayoq river which you'll cross to reach Nogalpampa, where camp will be setup.

Day 4: Nogalpampa - Aguas Calientes

Resuming your walk downhill through a spectacular native forest, towards the town of Yanatile. Here you'll take transport to the train station at the Hidroelectrica (hydro-electric plant), where you'll board the train that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes, overnight in a hotel.

Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cusco

At sunrise, taking the bus to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, where you will have the chance to climb up to the summit of Huayna Picchu, from where the view is spectacular; Inti Punku (the sun-gate) and the archaeological complex itself. Afterwards the train will take you back to the town of Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will await to go back to Cusco.

We can help design your whole stay, all treks and tours are fully customisable.