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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 is central to the history of the mighty Inca Empire and the development of Peru’s ancient Andean civilizations. The Vilcabamba is home to some of the most important and most famous ancient 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 was played out.
This 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 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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Contact our team of professionals with any questions you may have at Live Chat Help or write us at travel@latinamericaforless.com
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 trekking adventure through the Vilcabamba.
- After lunch you will take a guided tour of the Rosapata and Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archeological Park, home to the famous White Rock.
- 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 will be stunned by a beautiful view 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 near Machu Picchu, at the base of the world famous citadel.
- You will spend the night in a comfortable Aguas Calientes hotel before your tour of the ruins the next day.
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 on a mountaintop amid cloud forests. You will enjoy a professional 2-hour guided tour during which you will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework of the Incas carved into the fantastic Andean scenery. The giant mortarless stones were hauled by hand to the top of the mountain centuries ago, and yet their foundations still remain. You will have the chance to explore the three zones of this centuries-old city: the urban, agricultural, and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.
- After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site and capture some final photos. Some take advantage of Machu Picchu’s spiritual setting to meditate and whisper a thank you to Pachamama, the Inca’s Mother Nature. If your trek gets you yearning for more, you can take a 90-minute climb up the lush peak of Huayna Picchu.
- An additional trek to Huayna Picchu, or the Temple of the Moon, is included in your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. The extra trek is not for the faint of heart and must be done with extreme caution. But the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from another angle often beckons the more adventurous visitor. Numbers are limited to 400 visitors per day.
- 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.
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.
Check our Trekking & Adventure FAQs to help you prepare for your Vilcabamba Trek and 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 to Hydroelectric Plant to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Train 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
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