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Trek to Machu Picchu: Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu
Trek across the magnificent Vilcabamba range (5 days / 4 nights ) from $2,629 €1,998 £1,648
Tour Highlights
- Vilcabamba
- Machu Picchu
Trip Style
- Adventure
- Culture / History
- Nature
- Trekking
Physical Difficulty
- 3-Challenging
- Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu trek
- We offer a price guarantee for Peru vacation packages
- Top testimonials, safety, and comfort
- Daily departures and fully customizable Latin America tours
The Vilcabamba mountain range occupies a central place in the history of the rise and fall of the mighty Inca Empire. The Vilcabamba is home to some of the most important and most famous of Peru’s ancient Andean sites, including the glorious mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu. This sumptuous and majestic range also provided a final stronghold for the Incas as they retreated from the Spanish. On your way to Machu Picchu, you’ll pass by the final cities that were constructed by this fascinating culture and see where the last-ditch resistance effort was played out.
The Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu trek is one of the most remote and adventurous Peru treks available. The route offers endless opportunities for genuine adventure and exploration, all the while supported by a first rate team of guides, cooks, and porters offering the very highest quality of service, comfort, and safety.
Day 1 : Begin the Vilcabamba trek - Casapata
Day 2 : Casapata to Hatunpampa
Day 3 : Hatunpampa to Nogalpampa
Day 4 : Nogalpampa to Aguas Calientes
Day 5 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco
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Day 1 : Begin the Vilcabamba trek - Casapata
- Leaving Cusco early in the morning, you will begin your journey by driving into the Sacred Valley and towards the high mountain pass at Abra Malaga, before descending through the puna and into the high jungle of the Vilcabamba.
- You will begin your trek at Huancacalle where you will meet the porters and cooks who will accompany you on this epic Peru trek from Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu.
- After lunch you will take a guided tour of the Rosaspata and Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archeological Park, home to the famous White Rock, believed to have been an Inca oracle.
- By nightfall you will have arrived at your first campsite at Casapata, where you will relax and enjoy a delicious evening meal.
Distance: 3.10 miles (5 km)
Maximum Altitude: 10,039 feet (3,060 m)
Approximate Time: 3 hours
Gradient: moderate
Day 2 : Casapata to Hatunpampa
- After an early breakfast you will climb a trail leading up towards the ravine of Pumachaka River. On the way, you will spot segments of original Inca roads, as well as a variety of local flora including the sources of dyes used in traditional textile weaving in this area. The route brings you up to the Pillaujasa mountain pass, not far from the impressive Jasutina pass, offering breathtaking Andean views.
- Eventually your trail begins to descend into the valley of Racchchaka, which you will follow until arriving at the campsite at Hatunpampa where you will stop for the night in the shadow of the snow-capped Tuytubamba Mountain.
Distance: 10.56 miles (17 km)
Maximum Altitude: 13,406 feet (4,086 m)
Approximate Time: 10 hours
Gradient: challenging
Day 3 : Hatunpampa to Nogalpampa
- Following a trail over the Yanacocha mountain pass, you will enter a cool, fresh forest of native trees. At the pass itself you can take in stunning views of the Yanacocha Lake before attempting the Moon Pass, the last high pass of the trail. At this point you are deep within the Peruvian Andes, and many hours from civilization and human contact.
- The trail begins to descend the Mutuypata ravine, where you will stop for lunch before continuing along the Saqsarayoq River, which you will cross in order to reach your camp at Nogalpampa where you’ll spend the night.
Distance: 8.69 miles (14 km)
Minimum Altitude: 9,147 feet (2,788 m)
Maximum Altitude: 14,764 feet (4,500 m)
Approximate Time: 8 hours
Gradient: challenging
Day 4 : Nogalpampa to Aguas Calientes
- After breakfast at the camp you continue along the trail as it winds downhill through dense native forests, towards the town of Yanatile. From here you’ll take a private transfer to the train station at the hydroelectric plant for the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the world famous citadel, Machu Picchu.
- You will spend the night in a comfortable Aguas Calientes hotel before your tour of the ruins the next day. See our Machu Picchu Guide for more information on what see and do, as well as Machu Picchu restaurants that we recommend for tasty dining.
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Minimum Altitude: 6,890 feet (2,100 m)
Maximum Altitude: 9,147 feet (2,788 m)
Approximate time: 5 hours
Gradient: moderate
Day 5 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco
- Rise early and head to the bus station for the drive up to the citadel itself, which is hidden amid cloud forests on a saddle between two mountain peaks.
- Once at Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a professional 2-hour tour of the Inca city, which explorer Hiram Bingham mistakenly identified as Vilcabamba. Your guide will recount the history of Machu Picchu and lead you to its important sites.
- After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site on your own and capture some final photos. If your trek has got you yearning for more, you can take a 90-minute climb up the lush peak of Huayna Picchu. Admission to this second peak is limited to 400 visitors per day and tickets must be purchased in advance. Speak to a travel advisor if you want to pursure this option.
- In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes.
Our Trekking & Adventure FAQs includes answers to common questions about preparing for the Vilcabamba Trek. Contact your travel advisor for any additional questions.
| Type | Group | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Double | $ 2629 | $ 3239 |
| Single | $ 4309 | $ 5159 |
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information. | ||
| Type | Group | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Double | $ 2629 | $ 3239 |
| Single | $ 4309 | $ 5159 |
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information. | ||
Top Pick Machu Picchu Hotel
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel 5*
Kilometer 110 Via Ferrea, Aguas Calientes
The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a naturalist's haven. Conveniently nestled in the verdant Andean cloud forest, this lovely hotel is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the astonishing flora and fauna of the region. The eco-friendly hotel resembles an Andean village and is comprised of charming white-washed cottages decorated with modern indigenous art as well as authentic pre-Columbian artifacts. With a commitment to indulging the whims of its guests, this luxury hotel expertly combines nature and comfort to create a one-of-a-kind Machu Picchu experience. Try some regional dishes at the excellent restaurant overlooking the Urubamba River.
Restaurant Room Service Internet Laundry Service Parking
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Photos & Info »
El MaPi Hotel 4*
Av. Pachacutec 109 - Aguas Calientes
Ideally located near the Aguas Calientes train station and close to where the buses depart for the short ride to Machu Picchu, the recently renovated El MaPi Hotel is perfect for travelers who want to catch the sunrise over the ruins. The modern and stylish hotel aims to be the best in its category and offers great value services and décor. It also boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and a hot tub where guests can relax at night with a cocktail after a delicious dinner.
Restaurant Room Service Laundry ServiceInternet
Andina Luxury Hotel
Avenida Imperio de los Incas S/N, Aguas Calientes
Travelers looking for convenience and a touch of luxury during their Machu Picchu travels will be pleased with this excellent hotel. Situated just 200 meters from the train station, this wonderfully appointed establishment boasts 31 fully-equipped and tastefully decorated rooms. Each accommodation features wooden furnishings, a large bed covered with comfortable bed linens, and some rooms even feature breathtaking views of the river. Three walls are an immaculate white, while one wall is left in its natural exposed brick state to give the room an elegant but rustic appeal. Andean art adds the finishing touch to the room. All accommodations come with Internet, an LCD screen cable TV, and air conditioning, while the hotel itself serves guests with a restaurant, bar, sauna, and gym. Guests cannot ask for more modern convenience and comfort during their Machu Picchu vacation.
Restaurant Room Service Internet Laundry Service Gym Parking Spa Swimming Pool
Andina Luxury Hotel Photos & Info »
Have you ever wondered how we choose the Peru For Less Top Hotel Picks? Well, this is the job of our Destination Manager, one that is envied by all the staff at LAFL. Throughout the year our Destination Manager travels to all our destinations to check out our hotels and make sure they are up to par. His role is to help us get the best rates at the best value hotels so we can, in turn, offer them to you.
Included
- Private transportation Cusco to Huancacalle
- English-speaking guide
- Sleeping Bag (-10 ºC)
- Cook & cooking equipment
- All meals on the trek
- Snacks
- Cooking, eating and bathroom tents
- Two person tents (3-people capacity) & single tents available for extra cost
- Porters & mules
- Saddled horse (one saddled horse for every 6 passengers)
- First-aid kit & emergency oxygen bottle
- Train from Hydroelectric Plant to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Not Included
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Extra food
- Optional tip for field staff
- Extra costs
Packing List
- Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
- Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
- Waterproof clothing (poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Sun cream and insect repellent
- Water bottles
- Any required medications
- Walking sticks
- Swimsuit and towel
- Personal items
- Personal snacks
We do have the lowest prices. We will meet or beat any internet published rates from companies outside Peru
for all package tours. All HOTELS and TOURS are based on US standards. No late booking fees.
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within 24 hours. While traveling in Peru you will have access to our local 24/7 emergency number.
