Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights
Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is an off the beaten track adventure and the best alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. On this exclusive 5 days Vilcabamba trek from the City of Cusco, you will be visiting the lost Inca city of Vilcabamba, the last refuge of Incas and continue to the iconic lost city of Incas, Machu Picchu.
Walk through the valleys, jungles and mountains of the Vilcabamba mountain range. An amazing adventure along part of an original Inca trail; this path will take you from the last capital of the Inca to the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu!!!
Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights is a hike will allow you to see the amazing combination of important Inca ruins and diverse natural scenery. You will be able to experience hiking along traditional Inca roads, ruins and tropical glaciers. Vilcabamba is the original capital of the Incas that were left behind after the Spanish conquest. By booking the Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights with Cusco Journeys & Adventure you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!
You will have a detailed briefing with your guide one or two days before your Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights. The guide will meet you at our office in Cusco, giving you the chance to ask any final questions and make sure you’re fully prepared for the trek. We begin our adventure very early in the morning, heading towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we pass through the town of Ollantaytambo, we make our way to the Abra Málaga mountain pass, where we cross over before descending through the vast Puna region, gradually transitioning into the lush high jungle. Our first stop along this remarkable journey is the archaeological site of Huamanmarca, a site of great historical significance. Here, we find an impressive Usnu, or ritual platform, along with a precinct featuring four double-jamb doorways, each facing one of the four cardinal points—a testament to the spiritual and architectural ingenuity of the Inca civilization. After exploring this fascinating site, we continue our journey to the settlement of Santa María, where we will take a brief rest. Refreshed, we press on to Huancacalle, a small village where we will leave our motorized transport behind. Although the journey has been long, the reward is the sense of solitude and tranquility we experience, as this region is relatively untouched by tourism. Upon arrival, we meet our arrieros (mule handlers) and their mules, who will accompany us on foot for the remainder of our trek. After a well-earned lunch, we prepare for the next phase of our journey. Following a short break, we set off on foot towards the Rosaspata-Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archaeological Park, where we will explore the area, including the famous Ñusta Hispana. It is believed that the tomb of the legendary rebel leader Manco Inka II may lie hidden somewhere in this remote area of the Vilcabamba cordillera. As we wander through this rich historical site, we will also encounter the iconic white rock, an enduring symbol of the region’s past. As dusk falls, we arrive at Casapata, where we will set up camp for the night. Here, we will enjoy a well-deserved dinner, rest, and reflect on the day’s discoveries. We begin our journey early in the morning, embarking on a steady climb through the Pumachaka River ravine, gradually making our way to the Chupana sector, where the river originates. Along the way, we’ll encounter sections of the ancient Inca Trail, which we will follow, allowing us to step back in time and connect with the path that once linked ancient Andean civilizations. As we ascend, we have the opportunity to observe the rich local flora, which plays an important role in the region, particularly in the dyeing of textiles that are still produced here today. Our trek takes us through three distinct ecological levels: Quechua, Suni, and Puna, each offering its own unique landscapes and biodiversity. As we continue, we reach the Pillaujasa mountain pass, where we are treated to an incredible panoramic view. From here, we can spot the nearby Azuntina pass, nestled in the heart of the Andean mountains, creating a stunning backdrop that seems almost too perfect to be real—truly a scene worthy of a postcard. After taking in the breathtaking views, we begin our descent along the trail, heading toward the valley of the Racchchaka River. We follow the river upstream, gradually making our way to the peaceful village of Hatunpampa, where we will set up camp for the night. From our campsite, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Tuytubamba snow-capped peak, adding to the magic of this unforgettable day. We begin our ascent along the path leading to the Yanacocha mountain pass, passing through a forest of native trees, including the distinctive Qeuña and Kiswar, at an altitude of over 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). As we reach the pass, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Yanacocha Lake, a serene and tranquil spot that marks a highlight of our journey. From here, we will begin our descent towards the Mojon Pass, which represents the final high point of our Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights. The landscape of the Puna, with its vast, open plains and rugged beauty, serves as a stark reminder of how remote we are from civilization. As we make our way down, we descend through the Mutuypata ravine, a lush and picturesque area that offers a welcome change of scenery. Here, we will take a well-deserved break and enjoy our lunch, recharging for the next part of the trek. After resting, we continue on, following the winding trail that leads us to the valley of the Saqsarayoq River. Upon crossing the river, we make our way to the quaint village of Mutuypata, where we will set up camp for the night, surrounded by the beauty of the Andean landscape. We will continue our journey by descending through a stunning native forest, immersing ourselves in the rich biodiversity of the area. As we make our way downhill, the path will lead us toward the charming town of Yanatile. Here, we will pause for a moment to catch our breath before boarding our transport that will take us to the Hidroelectrica (hydroelectric plant) station. From there, we will board the train that will take us to the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes, nestled at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve experienced so far. On our final day, you will rise early to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu. At 5:30 a.m., we will head directly to the line to catch the first buses up to the ancient site. As we arrive at the entrance, the sky will begin to light up, offering the perfect opportunity to ascend to the top of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the Inca city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is truly magnificent—an unforgettable moment that will stay with you forever. Once we reach the summit, your expert tour guide will lead you on a 2-3 hour exploration. During this time, we will visit iconic landmarks such as the Sun Temple, the Royal Palace, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sun Dial. This experience promises to be a truly memorable one. For those of you who have booked Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, it’s important to coordinate with your guide to ensure your Machu Picchu visit fits with your scheduled hike. If you are not hiking the mountains, there are other optional activities you can enjoy at your own pace (please note these are not included in the price). In the afternoon, we will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the journey back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, you’ll be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.
We offer departures every day of the week, subject to availability of permits. Please note that permits are only required for your chosen start date. Prices are valid from March 2025 to January 2026. All prices are quoted in USD. A group tour means you’ll share the trek with others, so your group may include people with different fitness levels and hiking speeds. Our experienced guides manage the pace to ensure everyone enjoys the journey, no matter their speed. ***The tour requires at least 3 participants to operate, with a maximum of 8 people in the group for a more personalized experience. Private tours are available and priced by party size. Important: The price for the Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings carried by the mules, so there is no need to hire an additional porter. Hotel Upgrades: Train Upgrades:
1.- What is the Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights? 2.- How difficult is the trek? 3.- When is the best time to go? 4.- What’s included in the trek? 5.- How long is the trek? 6.- Do I need to acclimatize? 7.- What type of accommodation is there? 8.- Can I visit Machu Picchu after the trek? 9.- What should I bring? 10.- Is the trek suitable for beginners? 11.- How much does it cost? 12.- What can I see on the trek?
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Booking: Cancellations: ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE. Inca Trail Tours: Medical Information: Tours and Treks: Delays: Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!Overview
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Itinerary
Itinerary:
Pre-trek briefing:
Day 1: Cusco – Huancacalle – Vitcus – Casapata
Day 2: Casapata – Azuntina Pass – Pillaujasa – Hatumpampa
Day 3: Hatumpampa – Mojon Pass – Nogalpampa
Day 4: Mutuypata – Yanatile – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Inclusions
Included:
Not Included:
What do you need to bring:
Prices
Prices:
Group Price: $699 Per person
Private Tour:
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Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
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FAQ's
The Vilcabamba Trek is a 5-day hike through the Peruvian Andes, connecting Incan sites and leading to Machu Picchu. It offers a quieter, scenic alternative to the Inca Trail.
The trek is moderate to challenging, with steep terrain and high altitudes, suitable for hikers with a good fitness level and prior experience.
The ideal time is during the dry season, from April to October. The rainy season (November to March) can make the trail more challenging.
The trek typically includes a guide, porters, camping equipment, food, and transportation. You’ll stay in tents along the route.
The Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights, covering around 70 kilometers (43 miles).
Yes, it’s important to acclimatize for 2-3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Accommodation is in tents at campsites, providing basic comfort after a day of hiking.
Yes, the Vilcabamba Trek 5 Days 4 Nights ends at Aguas Calientes, from where you can take a bus to Machu Picchu.
Key items include hiking boots, a sleeping bag, warm clothing, a rain jacket, and sunscreen. A camera is also recommended for the views.
The trek is not recommended for complete beginners due to its difficulty and altitude. It’s better for those with some hiking experience.
The trek costs between $700 and $1000 USD per person, depending on the operator and services.
Expect stunning landscapes, Incan ruins, and remote villages, with panoramic views of the Andes mountains.Terms & Conditions
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
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