Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba

Huancacalle – Machu Picchu via Abra Muhun

LEVEL:  Moderate-Tough

5 days / 4 nights

I see my path, but I don't know where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it. Rosalia de Castro

The Crossing the Cordillera Vilcabamba hike begins in the humid jungle and climbs into the magnificent Andes. There is very little tourism on this route. There is a wealth of flora, fauna, snow peaks, impressive valleys while at the same time we visit the last refuge of the Incas – Vilcabamba and it's archaelogical sites. After we leave the charming village of Huancacalle, we follow some excellent examples of the Qhapaq Ñan – or royal roads of the Incas before heading off into “unknown territory”. We cross three consecutive passes, often covered in snow before descending to the wonderfully warm jungle. Crossing a great mountain chain, we finally arrive at Machu Picchu.

To read more about this fascinating area, check out the story

In the footsteps of the Conquistadors

Itinerary

Night 1/Day 1: After collection from your hostal, we travel in public bus from Cusco to the jungle town of Quillabamba, arriving in the early morning. From Quillabamba we take another bus over winding back roads to Huancacalle, where we will arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch, we will have a guided visit of the archaelogical sites of Vitcos-Rosaspata and the Ñustahispana (or White Rock). Accomodation: Hostel or camping. Hostal extra cost to passenger.

DAY 2: After an early breakfast we begin our expedition by walking on an impressive Inca trail that was part of the Qhapaq Ñan (Network of Inca Trails that criss crossed the Inca Empire). We can observe a variety of snow capped mountains, and follow chrystal clear rivers. It is spectacular walk as you leave the high jungle and arrive in the Andes. Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours.

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For organisational reasons, we require one week to organise your booking, prior to departure.

DAY 3: We climb today above altitudes more than 4000 metres, and pass over three consecutive passes that are often snow covered, especially in winter. We pass by high alpine lakes and appreciate deep cavernous valleys. We begin to descend late in the afternoon and can appreciate the different levels of the mountains and admire the flora and fauna. This is the most difficult day of the hike. We camp in an excellent canyon. Hiking time 7-8 hours.

DAY 4: After breakfast, our hike is all downhill as we enter once again the high jungle, and already the climate is temperate. We pass by a canyon filled with roaring water and continue by coffee and fruit plantations, before arriving at the village of Yanatile. From there, we will take transport to the village of Santa Theresa. After a short walk we cross the Vilcanota River by flying fox and then take a truck to the Hydro-Electric station. (It is also possible to walk this section). We will then walk for two and a half hours following the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. We spend the night in a hostal, and it is optional to bathe in the famous medicinal baths.

DAY 5: After a continental breakfast, we visit the archaelogical ruins of Machu Picchu, returning by train in the evening to Cusco.

INCLUDED:

• Transport by public bus to Huancacalle
• Return transport by Backpacker train to Cusco
• English speaking guide
• Muleteer
• Cook
• Pack horses or mules
• Cooking equipment
• Sleeping Tent
• Dining tent
• Camping mattress
• Meals during the hike
• Hostal in Aguas Calientes
• Return train to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED

• Entry fee to Machu Picchu (approx. 100 soles). Holders of ISIC cards can receive a discount with both entries.
• Entry to Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Bus up or down to the ruins of Machu Picchu. ($6 each way).
• Train from Hydroelectric system to Aguas Calientes ($8)
• Sleeping Bag
• Rubber/Wellington boots. You MAY hike through snow for several hours and your feet may get very wet and cold. Please consider your options (eg. Bring lots of socks or plastic bags) in order to avoid this inconvienience.)
• Hostal in Huancacalle if required
• Food in Aguas Calientes (Night Day 4 and all of Day 5)

What you should bring :

• Sleeping bag
• Changes of cothes for cool and hot, humid weather
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Good trekking footwear and socks
• Plastic poncho, as well as other suitable rain protection
• Special medication
• Any special or high energy snacks that you might wish on the trail,
• Swim-suit & towel
• Waterbottle and purifying tablets
• Toiletpaper,
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunblock and sunhat
• Walking cane (if you wish)
• Extra rolls of film or well charged batteries for your digital camera.

You should remember that though we will be passing through towns regularly, only limited and basic supplies are available.

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
• It is possible to start or finish your trip in either Urubamba or Ollayantatambo, in order to make it easier for you to visit the Sacred Valley.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required for this hike.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.
• You have the option of catching the train from the Hydroelectric System to Aguas Calientes on Day 4, which costs $8. If you wish to take this option, you should pay on the day, yourself.
• You are able to receive $14 OFF the price of your tour if you wish to stay in Aguas Calientes an extra night (paid for by yourself) and take the 5.45am Backpacker Cerrojo train to Ollantaytambo. From here you can either explore the Sacred Valley or pay 5 soles for a bus back to Cusco.

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists

Copyright A.Svenson 2005. All material used within this web site is original work and is subject to international copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.