After the Spanish conquest, Manco Inca and his successors ruled the Vilcabamba region — building several centers and settlements in honor of the last Inca dynasty. Vilcabamba lies northwest of Cusco in the province of La Convención, in the eastern Andes. This tour begins in Vilcabamba and culminates at Machu Picchu, traversing a chain of snow-capped peaks and high-jungle mountains with constantly changing climate zones. The region is flanked by two deep canyons: the Apurímac on the left and the Willcamayu on the right.
Early morning bus departure from Cusco, passing through Chinchero (3,760 m) and Ollantaytambo (2,850 m). Continue to the Málaga Pass (4,315 m) — the highest point of the journey — with exceptional views of snow-capped peaks and cloud forests. Descend through the Amaybamba valley, pass Chaullay (1,200 m), and arrive in Huancacalle (3,000 m). Overnight at a local hotel. Transport: ~7 hours.
Visit the archaeological sites of Vitcos Rosaspata (3,080 m) and Ñustahispana (3,050 m). Hike through beautiful vegetation, crossing the Azutina Pass (3,900 m) and Pumachaca Pass (4,000 m). Camp at the community of Racachaca (3,700 m). Climate: temperate to cold. Hiking time: ~8 hours.
Local Andean community members give a warm welcome and share their customs and traditions. Cross three high passes: Yanacocha (4,420 m), Tullu Tacana (4,500 m), and Mojón (4,500 m) — with exceptional views of Salkantay (6,264 m). After lunch, descend to Laccococha (3,600 m) for overnight. Climate: cold. Hiking time: ~7 hours.
Early start with views of the mountains. Pass through Mutuypata forest (3,250 m) with diverse orchids, coffee, and fruit plantations. Reach Yanatile (2,000 m) and take transport to the Hidroeléctrica station. Board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo for overnight in a hotel. Climate: cool to warm, with mosquitoes. Hiking time: ~7 hours.
Leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m. and take the tourist bus to Machu Picchu (2,400 m), arriving by 6:00 a.m. Enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological zone. Free time to explore Machu Picchu and optionally hike Huayna Picchu (2,750 m). Return by train from Aguas Calientes (2:55 p.m. or 6:45 p.m.) to Ollantaytambo, then bus to Cusco. Climate: moderately warm. Hiking time: ~2 hours.
