Day 2: Huancacalle       <TOP>
We spend the day visiting the nearby archaeological sites of Ñusta Ispañan place of the famed “White Stone” and Vitcos, for a short time capital of the Manco Inca. Here the ruler lost a bloody battle to the Spaniards before he fled into the jungle.

Day 3: Huancacalle – Ututu       <TOP>
After breakfast we begin our hike toward Espíritu Pampa, passing many wooden crosses along the way. On the banks of a river we walk in the footsteps of the Incas, on trails and steps they built to connect their empire. We pass the contemporary town of Vilcabamba the New. We experience Peru’s famous micro-climates as the vegetation transitions from green valley to misty cloud forest. Tonight we have a choice of campsites possibly close to Río Chalcha, the small ruin of Mollipunko, or, ideally, Ututu (total 8 hours).

Day 4: Ututu – Vista Alegre       <TOP>
After breakfast we hike from Ututu toward Vista Alegre. In the morning we cross many small streams and rivers by log bridges on our way through the jungle-like cloud forest with colorful mosses, beautiful bromeliads, and exotic birds. The walk is quite flat and nice with gorgeous and mysterious scenery. Upon arrival at the small community of Vista Alegre we set up camp on the flat football field next to the school.

Day 5: Vista Alegre - Concevidayoc       <TOP>
During this 6-hour hike, we once again cross small streams several times getting wet is unavoidable. After a short climb we arrive in the small farming village of Concevidayoc between the Pumachaca and Sarahuasi Rivers. The place used to house the indigenous village of Marcanay, where Padre Ortiz was sentenced to death by Tupac Amaru. We rest and enjoy the breathtaking views of imposing snow-covered peaks and deep, verdant valleys. We hope to see the Tunki bird and Puya Raymondi, the largest flower in the world. We make camp at Concevidayoc.

Day 6: Concevidayoc – Espíritu Pampa       <TOP>
After breakfast we hike 3 hours to our destination, Espíritu Pampa. We set up our camp, then walk 20 minutes to the probable site of Vilcabama the Old, the last Inca capital, where Tupac Amaru was crowned in 1571 before the settlement was conquered by the Spanish the following year. Archaeologists believe this is Vilcabamba because it’s in the right location, low in tropical forests in a broad valley. We explore the two sectors, Hanan and Urin, and the sacred White Rock known as Huaca. We return to our camp for the night.

Day 7: Espíritu Pampa – Quillabamba       <TOP>
After breakfast, we break camp and get another opportunity to enjoy the lush cloud forest teaming with life (8 hours), then drive to the bustling market town of Quillabamba.

Day 8: Quillabamba - Cusco       <TOP>
We spend the morning perusing the market stalls and enjoy a delicious breakfast of tropical fruits. We’ve now earned this opportunity to sit back and relax while appreciating the scenery on the 8-hour bus trip
back to Cusco.