Wild trek in the footsteps of the last Inca empire

The city of Cusco is located at an altitude of 3400m and is an excellent place to acclimatize before starting your trek to Vilcabamba. You will have plenty of time to explore this charming city and soak up the local atmosphere.

We leave Cusco at 4:00 AM for our trek's starting point, crossing the picturesque Sacred Valley. We stop for a break in the village of Ollantaytambo before climbing a steep, winding road to reach the Abra Malaga pass at 4,315 meters. We then descend to Chaullay at 1,890 meters before heading to Huancacalle, where we'll have lunch. From there, we can hike to the archaeological sites of Vitcos-Rosaspata and Ñustahispana (or White Rock). After another hour and a half of walking, we'll reach our campsite at Pillaopata.

After an early breakfast, we begin our trek to the Asutina Pass (3915m), after which we descend rapidly along well-preserved Inca trails to Pillaukasa (3860m). From there, we have magnificent views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Lasoma as we leave the high jungle and enter the Andes. We spend the night in Racachaca.

Today is a very demanding day of hiking with numerous changes in altitude, as we cross three high Andean passes. We begin by climbing to Hatun Pampa at 3860m. From there, we continue ascending to reach the first pass of the day, Yanococha at 4420m. We then begin a steep descent to Lake Yanococha, before climbing again to the second pass, Tullu Tacanca at 4500m, and then to the third and final well-known pass, Abra Mojon at 4510m. After descending from Abra Mojon, we will camp at the Lajo site.

After breakfast, we begin our descent, re-entering the high jungle. Our route for the day will take us through deep canyons and plantations of coffee, fruit, and passion fruit, before arriving at the village of Yanatile. From there, we will be transferred by vehicle to the hydroelectric power station, where we will have lunch, after which we will begin the final section of our journey, following the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a hotel.

An early departure will take you by bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel, where you'll enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours. There's also the option to climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu, but you'll need to book a permit in advance. After visiting the ruins, we'll take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you'll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting there to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

After a well-deserved night's rest, we will say goodbye. We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cusco airport for your departure flight.