Vilcabamba Trek between Cusco and Machu Picchu

You'll take another domestic flight to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, perched at an altitude of over 3,300 meters. This free day is ideal for gently acclimatizing to the altitude and soaking up the Andean atmosphere before your mountain adventure begins.

Meals are at the customer's expense.

Your day begins with a visit to Tambomachay, a ceremonial site dedicated to water and the deity Unu, famous for its elegant waterfalls. You then continue to Puka Pukara, a strategically located former Inca military outpost.

The route then leads you to the temple of Q'enqo, a sanctuary carved into the rock and dedicated to the Earth goddess, Pachamama. The visit continues with the impressive ruins of Saqsaywaman.

After descending gently back towards the historic center of Cusco, passing through the charming artisan quarter of San Blas, you will attend the departure briefing for the upcoming trek.

Early in the morning, you'll set off for the Apurimac region, a land of contrasts rich in historical remains. Along the way, you'll explore the fascinating archaeological sites of Quillarumiyocet and Tarawasi.

A little further on, in Conoc, a short hike will take you to a spectacular suspension bridge dating from the Inca era, an impressive testament to ancestral know-how.

Before reaching your destination, one last stop is a must: the mysterious site of Saywite. You then travel to the village of Cachora (2,850 m), where you will spend the night with a breathtaking view of the Padreyoc glacier.

Early in the morning, you begin your walking adventure by getting to know the muleteers who will accompany you throughout this high mountain journey.

Gradually, the majestic peaks and glaciers reveal themselves as you progress. The route then leads you on a long descent to the valley floor, passing through Chiquisca (1,930 m), and then on to Playa Rosalina (1,550 m), nestled on the banks of the mighty Rio Apurimac.

After crossing the river, the climb resumes towards Santa Rosa, where you will spend your first night bivouacking under the stars of the Andes.

The day begins with a steady climb to the hamlet of Marampata (2,850 m), where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the enigmatic Inca city of Choquequirao (3,033 m), perched in the heart of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

With a bit of luck, you will witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, soaring above the peaks.

The afternoon is devoted to exploring the archaeological site of Choquequirao, a true hidden gem, with its impressive agricultural terraces and forgotten remains overgrown with vegetation.

At dawn, you will explore the archaeological site of Choquequirao, partially restored and often called the "Cradle of Gold" for its beauty and historical importance.

Your hike continues towards the Choquequirao pass, perched at 3,270 meters, before descending into a wild valley where the more confidential Inca site of Pinchaunuyok (2,450 m) is hidden.

Upon reaching the banks of the Rio Blanco (1,900 m), you begin another ascent towards the opposite slope to reach Maizal (2,900 m). This is where you will spend the night, admiring the grandeur of the Andes mountain range.

This day's hike will take you through diverse environments, offering ever-changing and impressive views. You will reach Maizal (3,000 m) by mid-morning, a charming rest stop.

The route then continues along a partially degraded Inca trail to San Juan, perched at 4,170 meters. From there, you will enjoy a spectacular panorama of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

After this exceptional stop, you will begin the descent towards the village of Yanama (3,530 m), where you will spend the night in the heart of the Andes.

Early in the morning, you will cross the village to reach the bridge spanning the Yanama River. You will then begin the ascent towards the hamlet of Yutupa, before crossing the ridge overlooking the Oriyoc Valley, offering a spectacular panorama of the surrounding plains.

Your route will take you through a lush forest, then along the Oriyoc River, to the Quellcamachay cave. Finally, you will reach Lazuna Pampa via a remarkably well-preserved Inca trail.

In the morning, you continue your trek by following the path that runs along the bottom of the Oriyoc river valley, before beginning a gradual climb towards the San Juan pass.

A section suspended along the mountainside offers breathtaking panoramas, heralding the final ascent to the Choquetacarpo pass (4,595 m). From this high point, you will enjoy a striking view of the nearby glacier.

The descent, steep and demanding, is made via majestic Inca staircases, winding through the valley which stretches as far as the eye can see.

You will then join the track that will lead you to the village of Huancacalle, where this stage ends.

At dawn, accompanied by a guide, you will explore the archaeological site of Vitcos Rosaspata (3,080 m), a stop rich in history before resuming your walk.

Along the way, a visit to the Ñusta Hispana site (3,050 m) awaits you, followed by impressive panoramas of the Tincoc and Ccaccacarcel rivers as you gradually climb towards Pacchac.

In the afternoon, your trek continues along the Inca trail towards the Azutina pass (3,900 m), before reaching the Inka Wasi camp (3,720 m), where you will spend the night.

This day's trek first takes you through the community of Raccachaca, nestled beneath the majestic Lazuna Glacier (5,470 m). A short but sustained climb will then lead you to the Yanacocha Pass, perched at 4,420 meters altitude.

The trail continues towards the Tuyutacana pass, skirting the Yanacocha and Suyrococha lagoons, before reaching the Mojón pass. From this high point, the view opens onto the Sacred Valley and offers a magnificent spectacle of the glaciers of the Urubamba and Vilcabamba mountain ranges.

The day ends with a descent to the Laco Cocha lagoon, nestled on a peaceful plateau.

In the morning, you will begin a long descent through the cloud forest, or "bosque nublado", at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, until you reach the Sacsara river.

You will then follow the trail to Pampa Brasil (2,770 m), where a transfer will take you to the valley floor. There, an unforgettable break awaits you with a spectacular zipline that soars over the Sacsara Valley — an adrenaline-pumping experience!

Back on the ground, you will continue on foot along the railway to Mandor, a village steeped in history, where the explorer Hiram Bingham spent the night before revealing to the world the legendary site of Machu Picchu.

This morning, you will have the chance to discover the famous Machu Picchu site during a detailed guided tour in the heart of this mythical city.

Depending on the available schedule, you can choose one of two short optional hikes: the ascent to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes round trip, or the hike to the Inca Bridge (Puente Inca), a walk of about 45 minutes round trip. Both of these trails were once strategic access routes to Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, you will walk to the village of Aguas Calientes, before taking transfers to Ollantaytambo and then Cusco, where you will spend the night.

Meals at your leisure.

Your incredible journey to the heart of the Andes is coming to an end. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to France, your head filled with unforgettable memories.

That's the end of the trip! Back to France