INKATRAIL: VILCABAMBA TO MACHUPICCHU (6 DAYS - 5 NIGHTS)
The history of the Inca's Paths

We recommend two days predeparture to aclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

The Inca road system was the most extensive and highly advanced transportation system in pre-Columbian South America. The network was based on two north-south roads, with numerous branches. The best known portion of the road system is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Main routes The eastern route ran high in the puna and mountain valleys from Quito, Ecuador to Cusco, Peru (The capital of the Inca Empire) to Mendoza, Argentina. The western route followed the coastal plain except in coastal deserts where it hugged the foothills. More than twenty routes ran over the western mountains, while others traversed the eastern cordillera in the mountains and lowlands. Some of these roads reach heights of over 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) above sea level. The trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south. The Inca road system linked together about 40,000 kilometres (25,000 mi) of roadway and provided access to over 3,000,000 square kilometres (1,200,000 sq mi) of territory.

Situated between 500 to 800 meters (1,600 to 2,600 ft) above sea level, this monumental road, which could reach 20 metres (66 ft) in width, connected populated areas, administrative centers, agricultural and mining zones as well as ceremonial centers and sacred spaces. These roads provided easy, reliable and quick routes for the Empire's civilian and military communications, personnel movement, and logistical support. The prime users were imperial soldiers, porters and llama caravans, along with the nobility and individuals on official duty. Permission was required before others could walk along the roads, and tolls were charged at some bridges. Although the Inca roads varied greatly in scale, construction and appearance, for the most part they varied between about 1 to 4 meters (3.3 to 13 ft) in width.

Much of the system was the result of the Incas claiming exclusive right over numerous traditional routes, some of which had been built centuries earlier. Many new sections were built or upgraded substantially: through Chile's Atacama desert, and along the western margin of Lake Titicaca, serve as two examples. The Qhapaq Ñan (English: Great Inca Road, or Main Andean Road, and meaning "the beautiful road") constituted the principal north-south highway of the Inca Empire traveling 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) along the spine of the Andes.

The Qhapaq Ñan unified this immense and heterogeneous empire through a well-organized political system of power. It allowed the Inca to control his Empire and to send troops as needed from the capital, Cusco.

The most important Inca road was the Camino Real, as it is known in Spanish, with a length of 5,200 kilometres (3,200 mi)). It began in Quito, Ecuador, passed through Cusco, and ended in what is now Tucumán, Argentina. The Camino Real traversed the mountain ranges of the Andes, with peak altitudes of more than 5,000 m (16,000 ft). El Camino de la Costa, the coastal trail, with a length of 4,000 kilometres (2,500 mi), ran parallel to the sea and was linked with the Camino Real by many smaller routes.

Itinerary
Explore the eastern slopes of the Andes searching for one of the last refuges of the Incas. Visit the region of Vilcabamba. Enjoy the beauty of the high jungle; find biodiversity in flora and fauna in such a natural environment. Follow some of the last Inca paths and explore the history of the Incas.

Day one: Cusco to Vilcabamba.
We depart from the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco driving most of the day until the early afternoon for lunch in the countryside. We first pass trough Chinchero high plateau over 3700mts.then we go down to the sacred valley where we will see some Inca remains in Ollantaytambo.Later we ascend to the abra Malaga( at 4315 mts). we will continue down trough the other side of the cordillera of Vilcanota passing through different ecosystem until lunch in a nice spot with beautiful views. Later by middle afternoon we arrive to Huacacalle where we will camp. By early afternoon we will begin our exploration of Vilcabamba, Vitcos and Ñusta hispana for 2 to 3 hours round trip (about 4 kilometers round trip. Late afternoon we return to the camp. Time to see nature. We camp near the village of Huancacalle. (B, L, D).

Day two: Vilcabamba to Inca Wasi.
This day we begin with a good out of doors breakfast (fruits and cereals). Today we start going up to the first pass (Azutina pass (alt 13,500 ft) for about 3 hours with incredible views of the valleys and the mountains and a visit of the remains of Yuracrumi.We will see part of the Andean semidry forest with some species like the Llaulli tree (Bernadesia horrid and some Tancar natives trees (Duranta armata) as well some species of finches families and probably some humming birds specially the giant hummingbird (Patagonia Gigas). Later we will continue trough the grass land area where we will see some species of grass like the Ichu (stipa sp) and several bromeliads and probably a few species of hummingbirds. After lunch we hike for about 4 hours to the town of Pumachaca (bridge of the Pumas) this place is important because it is where some of the main roads of the Incas converge. This network system used by the Incas connected all their ancient cities. We camp near the ruins of Inca Wasi. (B, L, D) Today we hike for about 7 hours and cover approximately 15 kilometers.

Day three: Inca Wasi to Mutuypata.
We hike on an original Inca road toward the town of Racachaca (alt.12000 ft); after which we continue to Hatun Pampa (grass land area) in order to reach the highest point of our trip, the pass of Yanacocha (close to 15500 ft); During this expedition we will view the mountain range of Vilcabamba a branch of the Andes with the impressive of Salcantay peak at 6284mts and the Lazuna glacier (5470mts) If the weather is good also view Machu Picchu Mountain (alt 10,000 ft). We continue descending to the lagoon of Laccococha. After a break we will go to the area called Mutuypata at 10,000 ft) near there we will camp. Recapitulation of sightings of wildlife during the trail at camp. (B, L, D)Today we hike for about 7 hours and cover 14 kilometers.

Day four: Mutuypata to Santa Teresa.
After a good breakfast we begin hiking in the beginning of the cloud forest. We will be following the river stream called Sacsarayoc into the valley of Mutuypata; we find hot springs and the time to relax in them. Lunch and we continue through the valley of the Yanatile River where we will see the biodiversity of the high jungle, eventually coming to the village of Santa Teresa where we will stay overnight. (B, L, D) (Lodge) Today we hike for 13 kilometers in about 5 hours.

Day five: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes.
Today we hike through the Urubamba River. Here we come upon the hydroelectric dam where we will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, with beautiful views of Machu Picchu from the gorge of the Urubamba River After lunch and hot springs, time to relax or hike to one of the mountains near (Putucusi mountain about 3 hours hike) and them we go to the hot springs in town by or visit the botanical gardens. Plus hotel 3 stars. (B, L, D).

Day six:
After a good breakfast we continue to the station to take the bus to Machu Picchu (aprox 25 minutes)depending the weather we can go for sunrise at Machu picchu Citadel. Following the full tour, we have time free to relax or hike one of the mountains near by like Machu Picchu or Huayna picchu as well one short section of the Inca trail called Intipunku.we have late lunch and then we have time to relax, enjoy, take pictures and see the wildlife. Afternoon back to Cusco (B;L) Hotel.

Included

All equipment.

Meals.

Lodge.

Hotels.

Equipment and gear.

Transportation.

Sleeping bag.

Tents and mattresses (all seasons).

Bus.

Horses handlers.

Train.

Tours.

Admission Tickets.

Guides.

First aid.

Radio communication.

What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:

Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).

Sun Block; Insect Repellent.

Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).

Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.

A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.

One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).

Sandals for River use (Teva types).

Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).

Reading material.

Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).

Bathing Suit.

Water Bottle (I liter capacity).

Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.

A bandana for neck protection.

A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).

Camera and plenty of film.

Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).

At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).

And your regular medium to high altitude outer trekking clothes (Anorak-Wind Breaker, Pile or Down Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves).

Any questions, consults and information, contact us at:

Mail: info@cuscomachupicchu.com

Phone: (0051 - 84) - 984764938