Vilcabamba: The Last Inca Stronghold – 5-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable journey through history with the Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu Trek, a 5-day adventure that traces the steps of the last Incas. Vilcabamba, known as the final refuge of the Inca Empire, played a pivotal role in the empire’s resistance against Spanish conquistadors.
In 1539, after fierce battles, the remaining Incas retreated to this remote region, establishing the Neo-Inca State with Vilcabamba as its capital. Under the leadership of Emperor Manco Inca, the Incas sought to preserve their culture and resist Spanish domination. However, in 1572, the Spanish launched a decisive attack on Vilcabamba, conquering the jungle capital—a city of approximately 400 homes—and marking the fall of the Inca Empire.
Why Choose the Vilcabamba Trek?
This 5-day trek is more than just a hike; it’s a chance to explore ancient Inca trails, awe-inspiring ruins, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Along the route, you’ll visit historic sites such as Vitcos and Ñusta Hispana, connecting deeply with the heritage and enduring legacy of the Incas. The trek offers a truly immersive experience, allowing you to walk the very paths used by the last Inca rulers.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an avid adventurer, or someone seeking a unique way to experience Machu Picchu, the Vilcabamba Trek is the perfect choice. It combines fascinating history, cultural immersion, and stunning scenery, making it a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Plan Your Vilcabamba Trek Today!
If you’re looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure to Machu Picchu, the Vilcabamba Trek promises an unforgettable experience. Book your trek now and discover the story of the last Incas in one of the most remarkable corners of Peru.
Vilcabamba, Peru: Exploring the Last Refuge of the Inca Empire
Hidden deep within the Andes, Vilcabamba is a region steeped in history, mystery, and breathtaking natural beauty. Known as the “Last Stronghold of the Inca Empire”, Vilcabamba served as the final refuge for the Incas during their resistance against Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Today, this remote destination offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, history, and culture, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique Peruvian experience.
Trek Highlights:
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – HUANCACALLE – VITCOS
We will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning for travel to Huancacalle, the trek departure point. We will pass through Ollantaytambo before continuing on to Abra Malaga, then continue on to Huancacalle. We will break for lunch before setting out on the trail. The first stop are the ruins of Vitcos and Ñusta Hispana. We will tour these impressive and interesting ruins, then hike along an original Inca trail. After approximately two hours we will stop for the night at our campsite.
DAY 2: VITCOS – RACACHACA
After an early breakfast we begin our day by walking on an impressive Inca trail. After 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at Totora Huayco at 1890 msnm. We will ascend for one hour to Jasutina Pass, where we will stop for lunch and a break. We can observe a variety of stunning snow capped mountains from our lunch spot. From there, we will descend for 3 hours to Racachaca, where we’ll make our second campsite and enjoy a great view of Lasoma peak.
DAY 3: RACACHACA – MUTUYPATA
Today we will climb three passes, then proceed to a steep descent to our campsite. Be prepared for a beautiful and challenging day! From our campsite at Racachaca we will climb for two and a half hours to Yanococha Pass before reaching Yanacocha Lake. From there we will climb the second pass at Tullutacanca and continue on for about two hours along high alpine lakes and medows to the final pass, Abra Mojon. From Abra Mojon, we descend around an hour more before breaking for lunch. From there, Mutuypata is two hours of continuing descent. We will stop here and camp for the evening.
DAY 4: MUTUYPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES
In the morning we walk approximately three hours through increasingly warm and lush surroundings. The trail is primarily gentle descent or even, and we will pass through small coffee, yucca and granadilla farms. Our transportation will be waiting for us outside of the town of Yanatile, where we will travel to Santa Teresa for lunch. If there is time, we can visit the Cocalmayo hot springs before walking another two hours to Aguas Calientes. We will spend the night in a hostal in Aguas Calientes before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU
After an early breakfast, we will depart for majestic Machu Picchu! The bus trip takes about 20 minutes, and you have the option of hiking up as well (1.5 hours). Our goal is to get to Machu Picchu as early as possible, because at this time the site is less crowded, and we will have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace. You will take a guided tour for about 2.5 hours, and then you will have free time to explore the site on your own.
There is also time to climb Huayna Picchu and get the best views of Machu Picchu from above, or you may choose to visit the Temple of the Moon, which is located behind Huayna Picchu. After a later lunch, we will board our return train toward Cusco. Our driver will meet us at the train station for transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Our adventure begins when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. It will be an early start, as we have plenty of ground to cover before we reach Vilcabamba. We will take the road to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the town of Ollantaytambo before rising up over a mountain pass called the Abra Málaga. We’ll then descend through the puna towards the high jungle and the Vilcabamba area.
Our first stop will be at the archaeological site of Huamanmarca in La Convención Province. Here we will see an important usnu, or ritual platform, and a structure with four double-jamb doorways facing the four cardinal points. We’ll then move on to the settlement of Santa María in the Vilcabamba Valley, where we can have a short rest before continuing on to Huancacalle. Here we will leave our motorized transport and meet our arrieros (mule-handlers) and mules which will accompany us on our trek.
After lunch, we’ll start our trek, first visiting the Rosaspata-Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archaeological Park. Vitcos was a preferred residence of Inca nobles and a ceremonial center of the Neo-Inca State. Even after they moved their capital to Vilcabamba (Espiritu Pampa), the Inca nobility still spent time at Vitcos, which had a better climate. We will explore one of the most famous features at Vitcos, the Ñusta Hispana, discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. We will also see an intriguing carved rock at the site, known as the Yurac Rumi (White Rock). Some archaeologists suspect that the tomb of Manco Inca might be located in this part of the Vilcabamba region.
Heading on, we’ll trek to Casapata, arriving around dusk. This is where we’ll set up our camp for the night and enjoy a tasty dinner before going to sleep in this beautifully rugged and remote location.
Day 2 begins early in the morning, as we have a lot of trekking ahead of us, on what is probably the hardest day of all. We’ll first climb up through the ravine of the Pumachaka River to the Chupana sector of Vilcabamba, where the river begins. Here we will find sections of an old Inca trail, which we will follow, passing through different ecological zones: Quechua montane valleys, cold and dry Suni, and puna shrub lands. Among the diverse local flora we’ll see plants used to dye textiles produced in the area. After a steady uphill trek we will arrive at the Pillaujasa mountain pass, from where we’ll have spectacular views of the dramatic Andean landscape.
Moving on, we’ll follow a trail that descends into the valley of the Racchchaka River, which we’ll follow upstream until we reach Hatunpampa. This is where we’ll camp and have dinner while enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped Tuytubamba Mountain.
After an early breakfast, we’ll set of on another tough trek through some mountain passes. First we’ll take the path that climbs to the Yanacocha mountain pass, where we’ll walk through a forest of native qeuña and kiswar trees, at about 4,500 m. From the pass, we’ll have wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and across Yanacocha Lake. Next we’ll hike to the Mojon pass, the last high pass on our trek. Standing here on the rugged puna, you’ll get a real sense of how far we have come, leaving modern civilization far behind us.
We will then descend through the Mutuypata ravine. Here we’ll have lunch and a well-deserved rest, before continuing on to the Saqsarayoq River Valley. We’ll cross the Saqsarayoq and soon arrive at Nogalpampa, where we’ll set up camp and have dinner.
On Day 4 we’ll cover the most distance of any day so far, but now we’ll be at a lower altitude, making things much easier. There are also no more mountain passes to tackle! After breakfast we’ll begin our trek with a downhill hike through a spectacular native forest, heading towards the town of Yanatile. The environment will slowly change as we make our way along the trail, turning from temperature jungle into the coffee and fruit plantations that are typical of this area.
Once we arrive in Yanatile, we’ll board our waiting minibus for the trip to the hydroelectric station located not far from Aguas Calientes, the town that sits below Machu Picchu. From the hydroelectric station, we’ll hike along a trail parallel to the railway tracks that run to Aguas Calientes. This final stage of our trek is mercifully flat and very pretty. It will take about two hours before we arrive in Aguas Calientes (alternatively, if you’re feeling too tired for more trekking, you can take the train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes, but it will cost at least $25 for the 45 minute journey). We’ll spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, to be ready for the next day and our tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu.
To best appreciated Machu Picchu, we’ll wake up early in the morning on Day 5 so we can get to the citadel in good time. You’ll have time for breakfast in Aguas Calientes first, and then your guide will pick you up from the hotel at around 5:40 a.m. We’ll then walk to the bus departure point for the short but zigzagging ascent up the road to Machu Picchu.
We’ll then pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll begin your guided walking tour with an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide. Our tour of Machu Picchu will last about two hours, and will take you to all the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as we walk around, we’ll have spectacular views of the agriculture terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges. After the guided tour you’ll have time to explore Machu Picchu as you please, perhaps walking to some less visited parts such as the Inca Bridge.
Once we’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before we board the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, we’ll be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll finish the entirety of your incredible Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions use the best tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g. Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Ware tents).
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
On days 1,2and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Salkantay Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances.
Plastic-Free Vilcabamba Trek
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free Vilcabamba Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Vilcabamba Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The muleteers and porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Vilcabamba Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 850.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 650.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to info@tunquiexpeditions.com.
Vilcabamba, Peru: Exploring the Last Refuge of the Inca Empire
Hidden deep within the Andes, Vilcabamba is a region steeped in history, mystery, and breathtaking natural beauty. Known as the “Last Stronghold of the Inca Empire”, Vilcabamba served as the final refuge for the Incas during their resistance against Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Today, this remote destination offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, history, and culture, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique Peruvian experience.
Trek Highlights:
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – HUANCACALLE – VITCOS
We will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning for travel to Huancacalle, the trek departure point. We will pass through Ollantaytambo before continuing on to Abra Malaga, then continue on to Huancacalle. We will break for lunch before setting out on the trail. The first stop are the ruins of Vitcos and Ñusta Hispana. We will tour these impressive and interesting ruins, then hike along an original Inca trail. After approximately two hours we will stop for the night at our campsite.
DAY 2: VITCOS – RACACHACA
After an early breakfast we begin our day by walking on an impressive Inca trail. After 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at Totora Huayco at 1890 msnm. We will ascend for one hour to Jasutina Pass, where we will stop for lunch and a break. We can observe a variety of stunning snow capped mountains from our lunch spot. From there, we will descend for 3 hours to Racachaca, where we’ll make our second campsite and enjoy a great view of Lasoma peak.
DAY 3: RACACHACA – MUTUYPATA
Today we will climb three passes, then proceed to a steep descent to our campsite. Be prepared for a beautiful and challenging day! From our campsite at Racachaca we will climb for two and a half hours to Yanococha Pass before reaching Yanacocha Lake. From there we will climb the second pass at Tullutacanca and continue on for about two hours along high alpine lakes and medows to the final pass, Abra Mojon. From Abra Mojon, we descend around an hour more before breaking for lunch. From there, Mutuypata is two hours of continuing descent. We will stop here and camp for the evening.
DAY 4: MUTUYPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES
In the morning we walk approximately three hours through increasingly warm and lush surroundings. The trail is primarily gentle descent or even, and we will pass through small coffee, yucca and granadilla farms. Our transportation will be waiting for us outside of the town of Yanatile, where we will travel to Santa Teresa for lunch. If there is time, we can visit the Cocalmayo hot springs before walking another two hours to Aguas Calientes. We will spend the night in a hostal in Aguas Calientes before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU
After an early breakfast, we will depart for majestic Machu Picchu! The bus trip takes about 20 minutes, and you have the option of hiking up as well (1.5 hours). Our goal is to get to Machu Picchu as early as possible, because at this time the site is less crowded, and we will have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace. You will take a guided tour for about 2.5 hours, and then you will have free time to explore the site on your own.
There is also time to climb Huayna Picchu and get the best views of Machu Picchu from above, or you may choose to visit the Temple of the Moon, which is located behind Huayna Picchu. After a later lunch, we will board our return train toward Cusco. Our driver will meet us at the train station for transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Our adventure begins when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. It will be an early start, as we have plenty of ground to cover before we reach Vilcabamba. We will take the road to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the town of Ollantaytambo before rising up over a mountain pass called the Abra Málaga. We’ll then descend through the puna towards the high jungle and the Vilcabamba area.
Our first stop will be at the archaeological site of Huamanmarca in La Convención Province. Here we will see an important usnu, or ritual platform, and a structure with four double-jamb doorways facing the four cardinal points. We’ll then move on to the settlement of Santa María in the Vilcabamba Valley, where we can have a short rest before continuing on to Huancacalle. Here we will leave our motorized transport and meet our arrieros (mule-handlers) and mules which will accompany us on our trek.
After lunch, we’ll start our trek, first visiting the Rosaspata-Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archaeological Park. Vitcos was a preferred residence of Inca nobles and a ceremonial center of the Neo-Inca State. Even after they moved their capital to Vilcabamba (Espiritu Pampa), the Inca nobility still spent time at Vitcos, which had a better climate. We will explore one of the most famous features at Vitcos, the Ñusta Hispana, discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. We will also see an intriguing carved rock at the site, known as the Yurac Rumi (White Rock). Some archaeologists suspect that the tomb of Manco Inca might be located in this part of the Vilcabamba region.
Heading on, we’ll trek to Casapata, arriving around dusk. This is where we’ll set up our camp for the night and enjoy a tasty dinner before going to sleep in this beautifully rugged and remote location.
Day 2 begins early in the morning, as we have a lot of trekking ahead of us, on what is probably the hardest day of all. We’ll first climb up through the ravine of the Pumachaka River to the Chupana sector of Vilcabamba, where the river begins. Here we will find sections of an old Inca trail, which we will follow, passing through different ecological zones: Quechua montane valleys, cold and dry Suni, and puna shrub lands. Among the diverse local flora we’ll see plants used to dye textiles produced in the area. After a steady uphill trek we will arrive at the Pillaujasa mountain pass, from where we’ll have spectacular views of the dramatic Andean landscape.
Moving on, we’ll follow a trail that descends into the valley of the Racchchaka River, which we’ll follow upstream until we reach Hatunpampa. This is where we’ll camp and have dinner while enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped Tuytubamba Mountain.
After an early breakfast, we’ll set of on another tough trek through some mountain passes. First we’ll take the path that climbs to the Yanacocha mountain pass, where we’ll walk through a forest of native qeuña and kiswar trees, at about 4,500 m. From the pass, we’ll have wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and across Yanacocha Lake. Next we’ll hike to the Mojon pass, the last high pass on our trek. Standing here on the rugged puna, you’ll get a real sense of how far we have come, leaving modern civilization far behind us.
We will then descend through the Mutuypata ravine. Here we’ll have lunch and a well-deserved rest, before continuing on to the Saqsarayoq River Valley. We’ll cross the Saqsarayoq and soon arrive at Nogalpampa, where we’ll set up camp and have dinner.
On Day 4 we’ll cover the most distance of any day so far, but now we’ll be at a lower altitude, making things much easier. There are also no more mountain passes to tackle! After breakfast we’ll begin our trek with a downhill hike through a spectacular native forest, heading towards the town of Yanatile. The environment will slowly change as we make our way along the trail, turning from temperature jungle into the coffee and fruit plantations that are typical of this area.
Once we arrive in Yanatile, we’ll board our waiting minibus for the trip to the hydroelectric station located not far from Aguas Calientes, the town that sits below Machu Picchu. From the hydroelectric station, we’ll hike along a trail parallel to the railway tracks that run to Aguas Calientes. This final stage of our trek is mercifully flat and very pretty. It will take about two hours before we arrive in Aguas Calientes (alternatively, if you’re feeling too tired for more trekking, you can take the train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes, but it will cost at least $25 for the 45 minute journey). We’ll spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, to be ready for the next day and our tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu.
To best appreciated Machu Picchu, we’ll wake up early in the morning on Day 5 so we can get to the citadel in good time. You’ll have time for breakfast in Aguas Calientes first, and then your guide will pick you up from the hotel at around 5:40 a.m. We’ll then walk to the bus departure point for the short but zigzagging ascent up the road to Machu Picchu.
We’ll then pass through the gates into the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll begin your guided walking tour with an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide. Our tour of Machu Picchu will last about two hours, and will take you to all the most famous and most spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza and other key locations. And as we walk around, we’ll have spectacular views of the agriculture terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges. After the guided tour you’ll have time to explore Machu Picchu as you please, perhaps walking to some less visited parts such as the Inca Bridge.
Once we’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before we board the train back to Poroy and Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, we’ll be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll finish the entirety of your incredible Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions use the best tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g. Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Ware tents).
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
On days 1,2and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Salkantay Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances.
Plastic-Free Vilcabamba Trek
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free Vilcabamba Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Vilcabamba Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The muleteers and porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Vilcabamba Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 850.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 650.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to info@tunquiexpeditions.com.
