| true adventure treks quick menu |
| Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9 days/ 8 nights |
|
A true adventure to the last bastion of the Incas 8 days/ 7 nights |
|
Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu 6 days/ 5 nights |
| Inka Jungle Trail 4 days/ 3 nights (also known as the Inca Jungle Trek ) |
|
The
Back Door to Machu Picchu non-
hiking option - 3 days/ 2 nights |
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The four angles of Machu Picchu 4
days/ 4 nights |
|
Inca ruins & jungleEspiritu
Pampa & Pongo de Mainique 7 days/6 nights |
|
Puncuyoc: A journey to the end of the earth Vilcambamba region - 5 days/ 4 nights |
| In the footsteps of Explorers Huancacalle - Puncuyoc -Espirtu Pampa 9d/8n |
| Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba GRANDE TRAVERSE 1 5 days/ 14 nights |
| Christmas Chocolatada Treks |
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this is a truly extraordinary hike through the spectacular cordillera vilcabamba... you begin through tough but awesome crossing of the apurimac canyon to the beautifully located city of Choquequirao. Onwards you hike through some of the most little visited parts of the Andes before arriving in Vilcabamba. After resting you will continue downwards into the high jungle and the final city of the Incas - Espiritu Pampa.
| crossing the cordillera vilcabamba trek- at a glance |
Contactnos
para la version castellano  |
| highlight: visiting the mystical ruins of Choquequirao and then continuing on down to the high jungle at Espirtu Pampa. |
| location: departs from cachora (4 hours from cusco, peru) returns from aguas calientes |
duration:15 days/14 nights you can add a three day extension to Machu Picchu if you wish. |
| level: Difficult |
| adventure rating: this is a very adventurous and challenging hike! |
| departs: any day with two people. |
| Full itinerary |
| What's included/What should I bring |
| Prices |
| Testimonials - what people who have done the trip say! |
| Reservations - to make a booking or enquire about availability, please read our making a booking page and then email us for reservation forms! |
Day 1: We depart Cusco at 7am in a private car for a 4 hour drive to the charming village of Cachora, situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks. After lunch, it is a 2 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915 metres/ 9561 feet) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. Our total hiking time today is about five hours. Accommodation: Camping at Chiccisqa 1950 m
Day 2: Departing early, we descend to the magnificent Apurimac River (1550 metres/ 5084 feet) before beginning our climb to Santa Rosa and then onto Maranpata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the ruins of Choquequirao, from here we have two hours more hike to the ruins. (3110 metres/ 10120 feet) We will spend the late evening in the ruins, where we will watch the sunset and have the chance to see condors. Accommodation: Camping at Choquequirao campsite 3033m
Day 3: We have a chance to more fully explore the ruins and have a little rest in the morning. In the afternoon we will climbing over a ridge hike to the ruins Pinchinuyoc, where we will camp the night. This is definately the easiest day of the trip! Accommodation: Camping at Pinchinuyoc about 3000m
Day 4: After 2 hours of walking, we will arrive at the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1990 metres/6527 feet) where will have a rest before starting a difficult climb to our campsite of Maizal. The climb is 3- 4 hours. Accommodation: Camping at Maizal 3000m
Day 5 : We depart at 7am, and walk uphill for about 3 hours through semi-jungle, to the Victoria Mines. We visit the ancient mines and some Inca Ruins before climbing an hour more to the pass of Abra Victoria. (4130 metres/ 13 546 feet). The newly discovered Coryhuayrachina ruins are between Yanama and Maizal and we do follow well constructed inca steps at an area that we call "Mina Victoria" (we started calling it this because that's what the muleeteers called it)
the newly discovered ruins of Coryhuarachina are nearby
http://www.adventurespecialists.org/victoria_report.html
There
are spectacular views from the pass as we descend to the charming village
of Yanama. (about 2 hours walk). Accommodation: Camping at Yanama 4100m
Day 6: We depart at 7am and will walk on the pretty paths along the edge of mountainsides to our lunch spot, which is surrounded by craggy mountains. After lunch we will walk 2 hours more to our campsite of Quellqca Machay. Surrounded by snowcapped peaks, this is a spectacular, yet cold, place to spend the night! Accommodation: Camping at Quellqca Machay
Day 7: We depart Quellqca Machay at 6am, and after about 4 hours climb will arrive at the Choquecatarpo Pass (4600m), the highest and most spectacular of the passes during the trip. We will have lunch at the Lagunas during the descent and will arrive in the town of Huancacalle (2900m) about 5.30pm. The total walking time for this day is between 8 to 9 hours.
Accommodation: Hostal Huancacalle
Day 8: Rest day. During the day (according to the group's wishes) we will visit the interesting ruins of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Nustahispaña. We will spend the rest of the day in the hostal in Huancacalle where we can recharge camera batteries, wash dirty clothes and generally rejuventate ourselves before continuing.
Day9: 6:00am. Take taxi or local transport to the village of Yupanqa. Begin the hike from Yupanqa toward an unforgettable site of the Incas, Puncuyoc. Arrive at campsite at head of Rio Upamayo approximately 3pm. Accommodation: Camping
Day 10: 7:00am Depart campsite for Puncuyoc. At around 10:00am the group wiill arrive in the archaelogical ruins. After a visit to the ruins, descend to campsite where you will have lunch. Head off cross country.
Day 11: departure from campsite and hike cross country through wild and uninhabited landscapes until you reach the stones of the Inca trail. Continue to Vista Alegre, which will take us 8 hours of walking. We will cross bridges and we will even see some inca trails, here we will stay for the night (1,550 meters above sea level.).
Day 12: We will hike from Vista Alegre to Concevidayoc (8 hours of hiking). We will cross Inca trails and will have the opportunity to s ee the Tunki bird, which is family of "gallito de las rocas". In Concevidayoc we will overnight (1,420 meters above sea level.)
Day 13: From Concevidayoc we will hike in 3 hours to EspirituPampa. Here we can admire the remains of the archeological site Espiritu Pampa the last Inca Capital. We will camp at Espirtu Pampa and spend most of the day there. (1,200 meters above sea level). This place is
still covered by vegetation, just a small part has been cleaned by INC.
Day 14: After breakfast we will hike from Espiritu Pampa to Chuanquiri, which will take us around 5 hours. We will enjoy a lot of different landscapes and a huge diversity of flora and fauna in this tropical area, which is located at 800 meters above sea level. The lunch will be in Chuanquiri. Afterwards we will go by car to the seven Tinajas (6 hours of travelling) where we will stay for the night.
Day 15: After visiting the Siete Tinajas we will visit Quillabamba, a high jungle town. We will then take the bus back to Cusco, an eight hour journey.
OPTIONAL ITINERARY, VISITING MACHU PICCHU
Day 16: Departing at around 8am we will visit the interesting ruins of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Nustahispaña, returning to Huncacalle around 11am. From here will travel to Santa Theresa (via Santa Maria) and then onto La Playa. (You are going in reverse from what people on the Salkantay hike do!) We will climb for about 3 hours before descending to the interesting, but largely covered ruins of Llactapacta. Orginally discovered by Hiram Bingham at the same time that he discovered Machu Picchu, modern day explorers Vincent Lee and Gary Ziegler recently established that these ruins are much bigger and more important than previously thought. We camp at the ruins of Llactapacta with a view of Machu Picchu.
Day 17: After breakfast we start our hike to Aguas Calientes. We descend steeply, passing the artificial waterfalls created by the Hydroelectric system. We have our boxed lunch at the Hydroelectric Plant. Here, we will visit an unrestored small Inca ruin named Intihuatana, which has an important role in the relationship between Llactapata and Machu Picchu. In the afternoon we will hike alongside the railway tracks for about two hours, during which time we will be able to look upwards and admire the ruins of Machu Picchu. We spend the night at a Hostel in Aguas Calientes. *If you are very tired upon arrival at the Hydroelectric Train Station you can go by train to Aguas Calientes, an extra cost of $8 per person.
Day 18: After breakfast we take an early bus up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where we have a guided visit of approximately two hours. After this you are free to explore this famous site, and if you feel energetic we recommend you to climb Huayna Picchu, however you must leave before 12 noon. This hike takes about 1 hour to climb, and less to descend and offers awesome views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding terrain. You have the option to walk down from Machu Picchu, or to take the bus. (Not included). In the late afternoon (about 4pm) we will return to Cusco by train, arriving around 8pm.
Itinerary Notes
- The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
- This is an adventurous trip. You should be sure to bring an open mind, flexibility and a sense of humor. Most of all you should be prepared to go with the flow.
- If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.
- An
extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged. We can change
the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotels costs and
costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are
additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to
Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins
on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase the ticket again,
valued at approx $40 US.
- It is possible to start or finish your trip in either Urubamba or Ollayantatambo, in order to make it easier for you to visit the Sacred Valley.
- A reasonable level of fitness is required for this hike in a 8 day/ 7 night itinerary. If you would like to do this tour but feel that you need more time, a longer tour is recommended
- This
region is not frequently visited by tourists, therefore tourist infrastructure
is limited. This tour incorporates public transport, and use of local
facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not
go to plan. This is all part of the adventure!
For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!
- Pre Trek Briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Transport from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek.
- English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
- Entry fees: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.
- Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
- Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
- Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
- Toilet tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $8 per day.
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
- Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
- Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses plus a budget for their meals.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle - but not blister treatments as known in western countries.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu. We highly recommend walking down from the ruins at the end of the day… it's an excellent opportunity to really get a feeling for the location of Machu Picchu. If you chose to catch the bus, it costs $6.
- Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Train ticket (Backpacker service) Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.
What is not included?
- Breakfast on the first morning.
- Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you will have the choice to further explore Machu Picchu on your own, dine at the restaurant in Machu Picchu or return to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to the thermal springs
- Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters
- Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $8US per day.
- Bus down from Machu Picchu - cost $6US. We give you the option to hike if you wish.
- You have the option of catching the train from the Hydroelectric System to Aguas Calientes on Day 8, which costs $8. If you wish to take this option, you should pay on the day, yourself.
- You
should bring:
- A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
- Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
- Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable
canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams. - Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, specialised blister protection like second skin etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
- Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
- Original passport & ISIC card (if you have one).
- Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
- Binoculars
(if you have them)
optional extras We can hire the following.
- Sleeping Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
- Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day)
- Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
- Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
- Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
- Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule .
Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.
Saint Augustine
\
prices 2010 crossing the cordillera vilcabamba trek 15 days
| # people departing | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5+ |
|
price (per person) |
$poa | $poa | $poa | $poa | Please email us for a discount price |
price notes:
- If you are travelling alone, you can still depart on this tour, any day. If you wish to join a group tour, please see Trekkers Wanted.You can also form your own tour to be advertised on this page.
- If you have a group of four or more people, please contact us for a special rate.
-
To make a booking you need to email
us to make a reservation. For our payment conditions and booking
please refer to our page Payment & booking
Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):
- Students: US$ 17.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
- Teenagers: US$ 17.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
- Children: US$ 34.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
| Testimonials from people who have done the "Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba trek" |
APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...
366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au
© A.Svenson 2005-2010. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.