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on this truly spectacular and special hike - the vilcabamba to machu picchu trek- enjoy a wealth of flora, fauna, snow peaks, impressive valleys while at the same time visiting the last refuge of the Incas – Vilcabamba and it's archaelogical sites. After we leave the charming village of Huancacalle, we trek along some excellent examples of the Qhapaq Ñan – or royal roads of the Incas before heading off into “unknown territory”. We cross three consecutive passes, often covered in snow before descending to the wonderfully warm jungle. Crossing a great mountain chain, we finally arrive at Machu Picchu. This custom designed itinerary was the first of its kind when Apus Peru started to offer it in 2005. the vilcabamba trek is one of the hidden treasures in peru!

please note: this trek used to be titled the "crossing the cordillera trek" we now use that name for the grande traverse of the vilcabamba range - crossing the cordillera vilcabamba (choquequirao to espirtu pampa in 15 days)

Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba - Full Itinerary & inclusions

from Vilcabamba to Machu picchu trek

DAY ONE: 1pm we pick you up to your hotel and transfer you to a public taxi to Quillabamba. You pass through the pretty Sacred Valley before beginning to climb to the Abra de Malaga - a very spectacular and very windy road! Often the pass (4300 m) is snow covered. You then begin to descend towards the high jungle, with its different smells and plants. We arrive in Quillabamba at about 7pm where you will be transferred to a 2 star hotel. We will have dinner in a typical Quillabamba restaurant.

DAY TWO: After breakfast in your hotel, from Quillabamba we take another bus or taxi- usually departs at 8am - over winding back roads to Huancacalle, where we will arrive around lunchtime. (approx 4 hours travel) After lunch, we will have a guided visit of the archaeological sites of Vitcos-Rosaspata and the Ñustahispana (or White Rock). From there we will hike for approximately 3 hours, walking on an impressive Inca trail that was part of the Qhapaq Ñan (Network of Inca Trails that criss crossed the Inca Empire).
Accommodation: Camping Pillaupata.

DAY THREE: After an early breakfast we begin our expedition by climbing, all the while observing flora and fauna. We observe a variety of snow capped mountains, and follow crystal clear rivers. It is spectacular walk as you leave the high jungle and arrive in the Andes. We will cross the Asuntina pass (approx 3870 metres/ 12693 feet ) during this day. Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours.
Accommodation: Camping Raccachaca.

DAY FOUR: We climb today above altitudes more than 4000 metres/ 13120 feet, and pass over consecutive passes that are often snow covered, especially in winter. We pass by high alpine lakes and appreciate deep cavernous valleys. We begin to descend late in the afternoon after crossing the Pumacasa Pass and can appreciate the different levels of the mountains and admire the flora and fauna. This is the most difficult day of the hike. Hiking time 8 -9 hours. Accommodation: Camping Mutuypata.

DAY SIX: Breakfast included at hotel. Early in the morning (before dawn) we will take a bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu. (Bus included in price) so that you can appreciate sunrise from the Watchman's Hut (or Inti Punku if you get up very early). You will then have a three hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. After your tour you can further explore the ruins by yourself or climb Huayna Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. This hike takes about 1 hour to climb, and less to descend and offers awesome views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding terrain. Please note that you need to start climbing Huayna Picchu by 12 noon. Also try to fit in a visit to the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for the vegetation and also the audacity of its builders. Its a 1-2 hour walk back to the village of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can take the bus ($7 - not included). We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes.

Itinerary Notes

If you wish to do this tour in 5 days and 5 nights you can leave at 7pm of "Day One" as listed in the itinerary.

NIGHT ONE: 7.00 pm Pickup from your hotel. You should eat dinner early.
8.00pm After collection from your hostel, we travel in public bus from Cusco to the jungle town of Quillabamba, arriving in the early morning. Your guide takes you to a 3 star hotel for several hours sleep and a shower. Travelling time: 8 hours.

• 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.
• 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!
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.

What's included?

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 in Huancacalle.
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
• Entry fees: Machu Picchu and Vitcos-Rosaspata.
• 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
• 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.
• Hostal in Quillabamba after your bus arrives at approx 4am, so you can rest and shower until your next bus trip.

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 4, 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 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 .

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I see my path, but I don't know where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it. Rosalia de Castro

Plaza de Armas, Quillabamba

prices 2008 Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu trek

ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page.

22 August 08 report 1/ 22 August 08 report 2/ 27 July 08 report 1/ 29 August 08 report 1/

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 How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 8

How would you rate your guide? 9

How were your meals? 7

What did you think of the route? (Cordillera Vilcabamba) Tough but well spread per day and very rewarding. Rainy season made the trip less enjoyable.

What was the highlight of your trip? Reaching the summit of the 2nd pass (highest point) and viewing the enormous ground covered behind us.

USA, March 2008

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  How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9 Was really hard - not "difficult" by regular standards but "difficult" by Machu Picchu rainy season standards.

How would you rate your guide? 9 (Felix)

How were your meals? 6

What did you think of the route? (Cordillera Vilcabamba) Very difficult in the rains. Some great views. The part with no path was a little frustrating. The passes were great.

What was the highlight of your trip? The selva/jungle was great fun.

Any other comments : Felix and Ruben were great.

Nick, USA, March 2008, Email: nbarr@sas.upenn.edu

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? 10 (Eulogio)

How were your meals? 7

What was the highlight of your trip? sliding down all the slush and the rocks on the third day (second part of the day after lunch from 4500m). we were supposed to do it in 3 hours, we did it in 1.3o hours.

Any other comments : I think I am coming back!

Venka, India, August 2007

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  How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide? 8 (Eulogio)

Great trip. Guide is very knowledgeable about local plants and animals, and friendly.

How were your meals? 10 Victoriano was an amazing cook.

What did you think of the route? Great route, very diverse. I highly recommend it, just make sure you are in good shape.

What was the highlight of your trip? Experiencing such a wide part of Peru from the jungle to the high altitude tundra.

Any other comments : Good company, good service. I recommend it to all. I would totally book with them again.

Chris, USA, September 2007

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Route Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba

  How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

How would you rate your guide? 9

Awesome trip! Very well done! The meals were great, the trek epic and the guide very good.

What did you think of the route? Awesome! Great views, very difficult day 2. Enjoyed the contrast of mountains and jungle.

What was the highlight of your trip? Chris getting altitude sickness. The views.

Ben, USA, September 2007

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We absolutely loved the trek, and we both think your hike is spot on. We didn´t come across a single other tourist on the hike and we really felt that we got off the beaten track. Horhay (sp?) the chef did a fantastic job and we were quite overwhelmed at the level of food we were served. We were expecting sandwiches and fruit for lunch but got 3 course meals on top of the mountain.
Jen & Darren, Australia, June 2006, Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.