VILCABAMBA TO ESPIRITU PAMPA TREK 7 (8Days/7Nights)

From the time of the conquest until 1572, the remnant of the Inca civilisation inhabited the area now known as Vilcabamba, an inhospitable region of mountains and jungle between the Urubamba and Apurimac rivers. In 1539, the first capital of this region, Vitcos, was abandoned by Tito Cusi Yupanqui after the death of his father Manco Inca. He moved his people deeper into the forest where he founded a new capital which came to be known as Vilcabamba la Vieja. This last refuge was finally captured by the Spanish in 1572, when it was depopulated and abandoned. By the beginning of the 20th century, Vilcabamba's original location had been forgotten and its very existence was doubted. Hiram Bingham, the discoverer of Machu Picchu and Vitcos, made a brief visit to the site in 1911, found a few ruins among the dense vegetation and declared the site of little importance. He believed that he had already discovered the site of Vilcabamba Ia Vieja at Machu Picchu.

In 1994 another American, Gene Savoy, retraced the route taken by Bingham to Espiritu Pampa. After a detailed study of the Spanish chronicles, Savoy concluded that Machu Picchu did not match their descriptions of Vilcabamba and that Espiritu Pampa fitted them perfectly.

Today Vilcabamba remains covered by forest and shrouded in mystery. Evidence of its great Inca past is present everywhere, and adventurers are drawn irresistably to the site. It is a beautiful and peaceful place. The Inca road passes through picturesque farms along the way. The nights are cold and the days hot as we follow the great, narrow Consevidayoc valley, descending into the jungle to Espiritu Pampa to see for ourselves the places described by Bingham and Savoy.

We provide you with top quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energetic diet. This is an 8-days expedition that will take you to the limits of the unexplored realm of the Incas. Do not miss this unique trekking experience!!!

Day 1: Bus Trip: Cusco – Huancacalle (13…km / 8… hours approx.)

We pick you up early in the morning at your hotel begin a bus ride across the Cordillera Urumbamba towards the Valleys of Huyro and Maranura and the starting point of our journey at Huancacalle. Leaving the Sacred Valley at Ollantaytambo, we drive towards the summit of the Malaga Pass (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) where you may appreciate the sacred snow-peak of Wakay Wilka (La Veronica 5,850 m / 19,300 ft), considered by the local natives to be the "Sacred Tears of Fertility.” From there, we go down towards the town of Quillabamba, known as the "City of the everlasting summer" and we will experience changes in vegetation as we go down to higher temperatures and a more humid climate. We have lunch in Quillabamba and resume our journey by bus to our campsite at Huancacalle.

Day 2: Visit of Vitcos / Huancacalle – Qollpaq’asa (11…km / 7…hours approx.)

After breakfast, we visit the important and interesting Inca ritual sites at Vitcos and Rosapata. We will see the famous Ñusta Hisp'ana and enjoy the view of the Pumasillo Mountain and the Pucyura hill. We pay our tributes to the Apus or spirits and start the first leg of our journey to The Lost City of the Incas. Short afternoon walk to the campsite at Qollpaq’asa.

Day 3: Qollpaq’asa – Ututo (10…km / 6…hours approx.)

After a nutricious breakfast, we initiate a leisurely hike to our next campsite at UTUTO. It is a day to warm up your legs and enjoy the landscape and tropical vegetation. It is recommended to have binoculars and a camera as we may see some very colorful neo-tropical birds along the way.

Day 4: Ututo – Vista Alegre (…13km / 8…hours approx.)

We wake up to the calls of songbirds and have a hefty breakfast. This is another day of beautiful hiking going downhill through exotic vegetation and stepped valleys. We enjoy a midday bath in the Pampaconas River at lunchtime. In the afternoon, we continue on to our campsite at Vista Alegre.

Day 5: Vista Alegre – Concevidayoc (11…km / 7…hours approx.)

After an early morning breakfast, we hike a short distance before entering the Vilcabamba Valley. We will feel the warm weather of the valley and discover its amazing fauna and flora. This is your opportunity to see the colorful Cocks-of-the-Rock, the national bird of Peru, make its display at Q’asa Cross. After lunch at Tunkimayu, we continue our hike to our campsite at Concevidayoc.

Day 6: Concevidayoc – Espiritu Pampa / Chontabamba (10…km / 6…hours approx.)

After breakfast, we hike the 5 hours distance that separates us from the magnificent site of Espiritu Pampa . When we arrive at the spectacular Espiritu Pampa, we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty and the mystery of this fascinating archeological site. It was for a short time the capital of the Manco Inca. Here Manco Inca lost a bloody battle against the Spanish before fleeing into the jungle. We camp nearby this important historical site where we have dinner.

Day 7: Espiritu Pampa / Chontabamba – Chiwankiri (…9km / 5…hours approx.)

We awake with the breath of nature whispering through the trees. After a refreshing hike through the Cloud Forest, filled with breathtaking nature, we arrive, through farming lands, to Chiwankiri village, where we set up camp. We will treat ourselves to a well-earned cool beer in the atmosphere of this traditional jungle farming village. Later on, we catch the bus back to Cusco.

INCLUDED

1. Official English speaking guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)

2. Horses to carry food and camping equipment

3. 4 capacity tent (four season tent) - 2 persons per tent with plenty space for backpacks

4. A Roll pad mattress

5. Bags for your items from the company for 7 days

6. Experienced cook

7. All meals on the trail

8. Teatime everyday (coffee, tea, popcorn, cookies)

9. Entrance fee to ruins

10. First aid kit and oxygen bottle for any participant and our camp staff

11. Vegetarian food available on request .Vegetarian food u r

NOT INCLUDED

1. Alcoholics drinks

2. Personal clothing for trek and clothes rain

3. First day your breakfast and last day lunch

4. Tips for guide and camp staff

Payment Facilities: Booking Conditions | Credit Cards | Money Transfer